Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Lakeland?

The City of Lakeland and unincorporated Polk County have different tree-removal permit rules — and getting it wrong can cost $500 to $5,000 per tree in fines. Here’s how to know whether you need a permit, and how to get one.

The short answer

You probably need a permit if:

• You’re inside the City of Lakeland limits
• The tree is a regulated species (Live Oak, certain hardwoods)
• The tree exceeds the regulated DBH threshold (typically 18-30 inches)
• The tree is on a commercial property, vacant lot, or development site

You probably don’t need a permit if:

• The tree is a non-protected species (most pines, palms, smaller hardwoods)
• The tree is dead, dying, or imminently hazardous
• You’re removing a tree damaged by storm
• You’re in some parts of unincorporated Polk County with looser regulations

City of Lakeland tree permits

The City of Lakeland regulates the removal of grand trees — Live Oaks and other protected species above a specified DBH (diameter at breast height, measured at 4.5 feet up the trunk). The exact threshold has been updated multiple times over the years, so always check current ordinance.

To apply: the property owner (or authorized tree contractor) submits a permit application with site photos, tree species, DBH measurement, reason for removal, and replacement-planting plan if required. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Fees range from $35 to $150 depending on tree size and category.

Polk County (unincorporated) tree permits

Outside the City of Lakeland, unincorporated Polk County has its own tree ordinance. Generally less strict than the city, but still regulates large heritage trees and tree removal on commercial / development properties.

Hazardous tree exemptions

Both the City of Lakeland and Polk County allow expedited or exempt removal of imminently hazardous trees — trees that have fallen, are leaning toward structures, or have failed structurally. You still need to document the hazard (photos, sometimes an arborist letter), but the formal permit process is shortcut.

How we handle permits

Every Lakeland tree removal we quote includes permit research at no extra cost. We:

• Verify whether the tree is regulated (species + DBH check)
• Determine jurisdiction (City of Lakeland vs unincorporated Polk County)
• Pull the permit application if needed
• Provide the required documentation (photos, measurements, contractor info)
• Coordinate with the city/county inspector
• Hold off on work until the permit is in hand

What happens if you skip the permit

Fines start at $500 per tree and can reach $5,000+ for heritage trees. The fines apply to both the property owner and the tree-removal contractor. Reputable Lakeland tree companies won’t touch a regulated tree without a permit — if a company offers to “just do it quietly,” that’s a major red flag.

Don’t guess — ask

Call us at (863) 555-0150 or submit a quote request. We’ll tell you on the spot whether your tree needs a permit, and handle the paperwork if it does.