In Florida, the law surrounding trees and neighbors can be complex and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to trees and neighbors in Florida:

Florida Tree ownership

One of the first things to consider when it comes to trees and neighbors in Florida is who owns the tree. In general, a tree is considered to be the property of the landowner on which it stands. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the tree trunk is located on the boundary line between two properties, it may be considered a boundary tree and ownership may be shared between the two landowners.

Florida Tree maintenance and removal

As the owner of a tree, it is your responsibility to maintain it and take care of any problems that may arise. This includes removing dead or diseased branches and ensuring that the tree is not a hazard to people or property.

In Florida, you generally have the right to remove any branches or roots that extend onto your property from your neighbor’s tree. However, you should be careful not to damage the tree unnecessarily and should take steps to minimize any damage that may occur.

Florida Tree damage and liability

If a tree on your property causes damage to your neighbor’s property, you may be held liable for the damages. This includes damages caused by falling branches or roots that extend onto your neighbor’s property.

Similarly, if a tree on your neighbor’s property causes damage to your property, they may be liable for the damages. In these cases, it is important to document the damage and to try to come to an agreement with your neighbor before seeking legal action.

Florida Tree ordinances

In Florida, many municipalities have tree ordinances that regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees. These ordinances may include requirements for permits, guidelines for tree maintenance, and restrictions on the removal of certain types of trees. It is important to familiarize yourself with the tree ordinances in your area and to follow them when it comes to trees on your property.

If you are having a dispute with your neighbor about trees in Florida, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a lawyer who is familiar with the laws and ordinances in your area. We can connect you with an experienced lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options and assist you with resolving the issue.

Trees overhanging into my property in Florida

In Florida, property owners are generally responsible for maintaining trees on their own property. This includes pruning branches that overhang onto a neighbor’s property or removing the tree altogether if it poses a safety hazard.

If your neighbor’s tree is overhanging onto your property, you may be able to ask them to remove the overhanging branches or cut the tree down if it is causing damage or is a potential hazard. It is recommended to communicate with your neighbor about the issue before taking any action.

Branches and roots damaging my Florida property

If a neighbor’s tree or its branches or roots are causing damage to your property, you may be able to hold the neighbor responsible for the damages. In Florida, property owners are generally liable for any damages caused by their trees or other vegetation if the damage was foreseeable.

If your neighbor’s tree is causing damage to your property, it is recommended to document the damage and communicate with your neighbor about the issue. If you are unable to come to a resolution with your neighbor, you may need to consider taking legal action.

Can they force me to cut my tree in Florida?

In Florida, a property owner generally has the right to maintain their trees as they see fit, as long as the tree is not causing a safety hazard or damaging a neighbor’s property. If your neighbor is requesting that you cut down a tree on your property, it is recommended to communicate with them about the issue and see if you can come to a resolution.

If the tree is causing a safety hazard or damaging your neighbor’s property, you may be required to remove the tree or take steps to address the issue. It is recommended to consult with an arborist or lawyer if you are unsure about your rights or obligations.

What happens if my neighbor cuts my tree without permission?

If a neighbor cuts down a tree on your property without your permission, you may be able to hold them responsible for the damages.

In Florida, property owners are generally liable for any damages caused by their actions, including cutting down a tree on someone else’s property. If your neighbor has cut down a tree on your property without your permission, it is recommended to document the damage and communicate with your neighbor about the issue.

If you are unable to come to a resolution with your neighbor, you may need to consider taking legal action.

Consult with a lawyer

If you are unable to resolve a tree-related issue with your neighbor and are considering legal action, it is recommended to seek the advice of a lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and assist you with the legal process. In Florida, there are specific laws and regulations related to trees and property ownership, and a lawyer who is familiar with these laws can be a valuable resource.

We can connect you with an experienced lawyer in your area who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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More Information & Cited Snippets

When neighbors in Florida disagree over land boundaries, it’s usually about building fences, maintaining fences and dealing with trees. When a neighbor starts removing shrubs or putting up fences on his property, that is exactly what he is using his property for. But what if the neighbor owns a beautiful, large fruit tree that is now growing considerably on his property? ^{Sources: 10, 12, 17}

This is one of the reasons why the law protects private trees in Florida, but trees that pose a threat to a neighbor’s property do not come under the same legal protection as healthy trees. If a tree falls unexpectedly on a neighboring property, the owner of the property on which the tree was created may be liable. Liability for tree owners under Florida law may depend on whether the branch is healthy or dead when it falls. Even if the trees are healthy, they are not responsible for stabilising or draining excess water from the surface soil. ^{Sources: 0, 5, 11, 19}

If a neighbor is reasonable, he may be entitled to claim if he can prove that he knew the tree was unhealthy and did not take precautions to prune or remove it before the storm. If the trees are unhealthy, you can get your neighbor to pay for the repair. In this case, the odds are against you, but if you have behaved in such a way that a tree falls on your property or on the property of a neighboring landowner, you can contact one of them and ask for help. ^{Sources: 0, 14}

Could you clarify whether your neighbor has a tree that spans your property line? Could you please clarify whether your neighbors have trees that span the boundaries of the property? If you have learned about property issues covered in this article, don’t forget to check out the Florida Law about Neighbors and Trees on our website here. Could we please clarify whether our neighbors have trees that span your land boundary? ^{Sources: 6, 8}

Does anyone know where to find the Florida law on cutting a neighbor’s tree off his property, or any other questions on the subject? ^{Sources: 1}

Are you aware of trees on your property that have fallen down and branches that may have damaged your property or that of your neighbor? Do you know anyone who has suffered serious damage to their property as a result of a fallen tree? Do you think they deserve compensation from the neighbor, the homeowner or the insurance company? I do not know of any land with fallen trees, but I have seen firsthand the cost of repairing damage caused by a neighbor’s’ healthy ‘tree that fell on my land. What should I do if a Category 5 hurricane approaches and other nearby trees threaten to fall on our property, as could be the case with an approaching storm? ^{Sources: 4, 16, 18}

In such a scenario, the neighbor’s tree would pose a safety risk and should be cared for before it causes damage to our house. If our neighbor is sensible about maintaining the tree and it appears that the incident caused damage, would he be responsible for the damage to our property? If he does not care about the damage caused by such an incident, does he have to be liable? ^{Sources: 2, 3}

If the tree or part of a tree falls on our neighbor’s property and has obvious signs of disease or rot and the neighbor notifies the town of the danger, is he liable for the damage caused? If the trees or parts of the tree fall on his property but are well cared for, with no signs of disease or rot, is he responsible for causing damage to our property, or can he be held liable for doing nothing about it? ^{Sources: 9, 13}

If our neighbor prunes a tree that is over his property and does a terrible job and part of it is damaged, do we have a right to compensation? If your neighbor was informed weeks before the storm that a dead tree on the property was a danger And we do nothing And while Irma is blowing over, is he responsible for the damage he has done? Could we be liable for double or triple the value of the tree in the event of damage or flooding to the neighboring property? ^{Sources: 0, 15, 16}

So here’s the question : How do we deal with our property and with the trees of our neighbors and their trees in our garden? You may wonder why we have to pay to cut down a neighbor’s tree he has grown on the property. If our neighbors “trees hang in the yard and the roots grow in your garden, do you employ tree services to bill your neighbor? If we cut it back to the fence line, what can we do about the grief and worry it causes because the limbs and roots of your tree threaten your property or life? 

Cited Sources

• https://experttreeconsultants.com/good-fences-make-good-neighbors-trees-and-neighbor-disputes/ ⁰
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• https://www.germainlawgroup.com/insurance-law/property-damage-claims/fallen-trees/ ⁴
• https://aquaticconsultingfl.com/do-you-need-a-tree-removal-permit-your-guide-to-tree-removal-regulations-in-venice-fl/ ⁵
• https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/florida-laws-neighbor-property-disputes-65225.html ⁶
• https://www.dailyrepublic.com/all-dr-news/solano-news/solano-business/all-things-real-estate-give-neighbor-opportunity-to-trim-tree-limbs-roots/ ⁷
• https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/09/13/real-estate-qa-who-should-pay-to-remove-tree-that-straddles-property-line/ ⁸
• https://www.theledger.com/news/20171006/law-post-hurricane-advice-on-tree-liability-in-florida ⁹
• https://www.legalscoopswflre.com/real-estate/are-your-neighbors-trees-growing-on-your-property/ ¹⁰
• https://www.dmcopelandlaw.com/jacksonville-real-estate-lawyer/encroachment-boundary-disputes/ ¹¹
• https://rabideauklein.com/blog/managing-property-line-disputes-with-your-neighbor-in-the-palm-beach-area/ ¹²
• https://www.thebalancesmb.com/right-to-maintai-trees-over-your-property-line-4165795 ¹³
• https://www.yesnerlaw.com/whose-responsibility-is-a-fallen-tree-after-a-hurricane/ ¹⁴
• https://blog.davey.com/2018/06/can-my-neighbor-force-me-to-cut-down-or-trim-my-trees/ ¹⁵
• https://ablawfl.com/who-is-responsible-for-damage-and-removal-of-downed-trees/ ¹⁶
• https://stevensilverman.com/lawyer/2018/10/19/Real-Estate/Neighbor-Disputes-Property-Boundaries_bl35926.htm ¹⁷
• https://www.heraldtribune.com/opinion/20190708/miller-under-new-florida-law-no-tree-is-safe ¹⁸
• https://www.tampabayclaim.com/insurance-claims/tree-damage/ ¹⁹