REMINDER: Storms are Not an Excuse to Clear Vegetation
MONROE COUNTY, FL – A storm or hurricane is not an excuse to clear vegetation, especially native vegetation, like mangroves or gumbo limbo, from your property. Sometimes it is necessary to remove vegetative debris, but there are limits on what can be cleared. Hurricane Irma proved that some property owners would take advantage of a storm for personal gain. This is illegal, and code compliance follows up on illegal clearing complaints.
Some reminders:
- Only clear damaged vegetation that constitutes a hazard to life or property. Take pictures to prove there was a hazard if a complaint is filed.
- In general, vegetation can only be removed if permits are obtained or if it presents a hazard to life or property.
- Property owners may remove up to 10 “stems” of invasive exotic vegetation on parcels with a lawfully established principal use without a permit, but the removal of more than 10 stems of invasive exotic vegetation will require a permit from Monroe County.
- Municipalities within Monroe County may have different rules. Please check with them for their rules.
A list of native trees and more information on the permitting requirements for the pruning and removal of native vegetation can be found in Sections 114-103 and Chapter 118-9 of the Monroe County Land Development Code at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/codes or directly linked at https://library.municode.com/fl/monroe_county/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=CH114DEST_ARTIVLA_S114-103TRREMAPR (114-103) and
To report illegal clearing or vegetation, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/codecomplaint.
Preparing your yard during hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30, is important. Clearing coconuts from palms and trimming foliage can help prevent the loss of native and nonnative trees in a storm and protect your property and your neighbor’s property from additional flying hazards. More information on hurricane preparedness can be found at www.monroecountyem.com.
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