Around Apopka, the city, Orange County, Lake County and the state can all be involved, depending on where the property is.
City of Apopka
We couldn't find the city's tree, clearing or grading requirements online in a citable form, so check with the city before work starts.
Unincorporated Orange County
- Tree removal permit: any vacant or undeveloped property; developed single-family or duplex property over 2 acres. Regulated trees are 8 inches DBH and up. Apply through Fast Track with a tree survey.
- Building permit: covers removal for the pad, driveway, septic and 15 feet around the pad.
- Wetlands and conservation areas: Environmental Protection Division approval first.
- Questions: the county's Zoning Arbor Office, 407-836-5807.
State of Florida
- Stormwater: DEP's Construction Generic Permit at 1 acre or more.
- Burning: Florida Forest Service authorization for land clearing debris.
- Risky trees: F.S. 163.045 bars local permits for a documented unacceptable-risk tree on a single-family home lot.
- Pools: at least one safety feature (F.S. 515.27).
- Utilities: Sunshine 811, 2 full business days ahead.
Not legal advice. Based on public pages as of the date below. Your city, the county and the state make the final call.
Sources
- Orange County: Tree Removal Permit (unincorporated Orange County)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Construction Activity (stormwater Construction Generic Permit)
- Florida Forest Service: Forest Fire Laws & Open Burning Regulations (DACS-P 00149, revised 5/2015)
- Florida Statutes 163.045 (2024): Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property
- Florida Statutes 515.27 (2025): Residential swimming pool safety feature options
- Florida Statutes 556.105 (2025): Procedures (notice to Sunshine 811)
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
Who do I call about tree removal in unincorporated Orange County?
Orange County's Zoning Arbor Office, 407-836-5807.
Get it quoted
Use the form or give us a call, and an excavation contractor who covers northwest Orange County reaches out. The quote is free.
Voicemail? Please leave a name, callback number, the address and the job.