CS/HB 1159 Summary

• Local governments prohibited from requiring notices, applications, approvals, permits, fees, or mitigation for tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property if property owner provides documentation from an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist or Florida licensed landscape architect stating the tree presents danger to persons or property.

• Local governments prohibited from requiring property owners to replant trees removed under the above conditions; exception provided for mangrove protection actions.

• Electric utilities may conduct vegetation maintenance and tree pruning or trimming in established right-of-ways without local government permits or approvals; utilities must provide 5 business days' advance notice for routine maintenance and comply with ANSI safety standards.

• Local governments prohibited from adopting ordinances requiring trees or vegetation over 14 feet in height in electric utility right-of-ways or requiring local government approval for property owner-requested utility vegetation maintenance.

• County property appraisers must provide a Property Owner Bill of Rights on their websites identifying seven existing property rights, including rights to acquire, use, exclude others, dispose of property, due process, just compensation, and relief when laws unfairly affect property.

• Effective date: July 1, 2019.