• Florida tree laws protect both the trees and private property.palm tree and oranges on tree image by Miguel Angel P from Fotolia.com
  
  Within the state of Florida, laws are in place that grant residents certain rights when a neighbor's tree encroaches on their property. Tree laws also protect trees from improper trimming and pruning and require trimmers to be licensed. Mangrove trees are a vital part of Florida's wetlands and laws have been put in place to ensure their protection.
  
  

Neighbor Tree Laws

• Simply because the base of a tree is on your neighbor's property, it doesn't mean you don't have any say in how it grows. While the branches themselves may not be touching your property at ground level, Florida residents are permitted to trim back tree branches that grow across their property line. However, if they feel that a tree has become unsafe and may fall onto their yard, authorities need to be involved. Telephone or electrical companies can be called to deal with trees that overhang power lines. If you're worried about the tree falling onto your house or damaging other parts of your property, it's best to contact your city government, as they will often enforce the removal of dangerous trees. Furthermore, you can sue for compensation if any damage is caused to a tree on your property by a neighbor's actions.
  
  

Tree Trimming Laws

• Tree abuse is monitored within the state of Florida. While most people may believe that trimming a tree merely involves cutting off branches that are too long or hang in unflattering ways, trimming a tree improperly can damage the tree. This form of abuse can actually make the trees more dangerous during storms and other severe weather conditions. Florida tree trimming companies (both government and private) are required to obtain tree trimming licenses. These licenses are divided into Class A and Class B. Those with a Class A tree trimming license must have a staff member with International Society of Arboriculture Arborist certification or be a registered consulting arborist with the American Society of Consulting Arborists. All other employees are required to have training courses to ensure proper tree trimming practices. Class B license holders are only required to have employees pass the training courses and don't need certified personnel.
  
  

Mangrove Protection Laws

• Mangrove trees populate estuaries along Florida's central and southern coasts. These trees provided both habitat and food for many marine organisms. Mangrove trees also act as natural storm buffers in these wetland areas by reducing wind and wave action. This importance has led to their protection under the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act that was adopted by Florida in 1996. Along with the preservation of these trees and their habitat, the act bans the trimming and alteration of mangrove trees. Even trees that are located on private property are protected by this act.