Registry
Land & Water
Mangrove trimming / removal
Any trimming, alteration or removal of red, black or white mangroves.
verifiedHB 803: n/areviewed 2026-08-18
Who can pull the permit
- NONENo contractor license
- SPEC-MARINEMarine / Seawall / Dock (county specialty)
- SPEC-TREETree Removal / Landscaping (county specialty)
- OWNER-BUILDEROwner-occupied 1–2 family (FS 489.103(7))
Decision — first matching row wins
| # | When | Permit | Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | removal is no AND rmf is yes AND height_ft ≤ 10 | no | — | The Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act gives homeowners a narrow no-authorization trim exemption: mangroves in a designated Riparian Mangrove Fringe, no more than 10 ft tall, trimmed without cutting below 6 ft and without defoliating the plant. Outside those exact conditions — taller mangroves, non-RMF areas, or any removal — FDEP authorization is required regardless of size. |
| 2 | otherwise | yes | FDEP Mangrove Authorization (General or Individual Permit) — not a county building permit | Outside the narrow homeowner RMF/height/trim-only exemption, all mangrove work — trimming taller or non-RMF mangroves, and any removal regardless of size or age — requires FDEP authorization: a General Permit for routine work performed to a certified trimmer's specification, or an Individual Permit for removal or heavier work, especially anything tied to shoreline construction (compare Seawall repair / Dock/boat lift/seawall). Unpermitted mangrove alteration carries state civil penalties. |
Inputs the rule needs
- removalRemoval (vs. trimming only)?required
- height_ftMangrove height (ft)
- rmfLocated in a designated Riparian Mangrove Fringe?
Documents (base)
- FDEP mangrove authorization / certified trimmer specification (if not exempt)
- Contractor registration current with the county (license, GL insurance, workers' comp or exemption on file)