The 2019 Florida Legislature recently passed HB 1159, an act relating to private property rights. HB 1159 creates Section 163.045, Florida Statutes, affecting the ability of local governments to require notices, applications, approvals, permits, fees, mitigation, or replacement for the pruning, trimming, or removal of trees on residential property if a property owner obtains documentation from a certified arborist that the tree presents a danger to persons or property. HB 1159 provides for an effective date of July 1, 2019.
If HB 1159 becomes law, Article XIV of Chapter 27 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances, Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance, will require amendment to incorporate the limitations of HB 1159 to ensure consistency with Florida law.
|