The rule
The City of Palm Coast's tree ordinance requires a permit to remove any tree with a trunk diameter of six inches or more measured at 4½ feet above the ground (DBH), on any lot, developed or not. Larger trees — and specimen live oaks in particular — carry replacement requirements: remove one and you may have to plant replacement caliper inches or pay into the tree fund. Most palms are exempt. The permit itself is inexpensive and, for a dead, dying or hazardous tree, is usually approved within a week or two.
The exception: Florida Statute 163.045
In 2019 the Legislature passed, and in 2022 tightened, a law that says a local government may not require a permit, notice, application, fee, or replacement trees for the pruning, trimming or removal of a tree on residential property if the owner has documentation from an ISA Certified Arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree "poses an unacceptable risk" to persons or property — meaning, under the 2022 amendment, that the risk can't be reduced to acceptable by pruning or other treatment. The city can't fine you or make you replant when that documentation exists.
What it does not do: let you remove a healthy tree because it's in the way, drops leaves, or shades the pool. An arborist who writes a "danger" letter for a healthy tree is putting their certification on the line, and a homeowner who relies on a bad one is exposed when the city asks for it. We write the letter when the tree qualifies — hollow laurel oaks, root-heaved pines, trees with structural defects over targets — and pull the permit when it doesn't.
Outside the city
The Hammock, Bunnell's outskirts and the rest of unincorporated Flagler County fall under the county's Land Development Code, which protects trees at a smaller diameter and treats live oaks as specimen trees. Flagler Beach and Bunnell have their own ordinances. F.S. 163.045 applies everywhere in Florida for residential property.
What happens if you skip it
Code enforcement responds to complaints — usually from a neighbor — and the fines run per tree, plus a requirement to replace the canopy. On a lot cleared without a permit the mitigation can exceed the cost of the clearing. The tree company that did it without asking is the one to be wary of; they'll be gone when the notice arrives.
How we handle it
Every removal quote says which route applies: permit (included), arborist letter (priced, credited to the job), or exempt (palms and small trees). We file the permit or write the letter, keep a copy, and you don't touch the paperwork.
Common questions
How long does a Palm Coast tree permit take?
Typically one to two weeks for a single-tree residential removal, longer for lot clearing that needs a survey and mitigation plan.
Do I need a permit to trim a tree?
No, for normal pruning. Topping, hat-racking and removing more than a set percentage of the canopy are prohibited as damage under the ordinance — which is a reason to hire someone who prunes to ANSI A300.
Do I need a permit for a palm?
Usually not; most palms are exempt in Palm Coast. Some sabal palms in specific settings are protected; we check before cutting.
Can my HOA stop me even if the city allows it?
Yes — HOA architectural rules are private covenants and 163.045 doesn't override them. Grand Haven, Hammock Dunes and similar communities still require ARB approval.
Who can write the 163.045 letter?
An ISA Certified Arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect. A tree company without one of those on staff can't.
Related: Arborist services · Tree removal · Lot clearing · Removal cost