Satellite Beach's protected trees
Under s. 30-702(c), an owner needs a permit before removing or relocating a protected tree (Satellite Beach Code, Ch. 30). Ask the city which trees on your lot qualify before scheduling anything.
The code also puts a clock on dead trees. Owners must remove dead or severely diseased or damaged trees and shrubs within 60 days, and if that drops the lot below the required minimum, replant within 30 days. After a rough storm, that's a deadline worth writing on the calendar.
The invasive tree deadline
Satellite Beach set a deadline for invasives. Section 30-706 required Brazilian pepper, melaleuca and Australian pine to be removed citywide by January 8, 2016. Melaleuca that measured 8 inches dbh or more on October 7, 2015 is excepted unless it's propagating.
If an Australian pine or a pepper hedge is still standing on your lot, ask the city how it handles the rule today. Melaleuca is on both the federal and Florida noxious weed lists (UF/IFAS, melaleuca), so it's worth dealing with either way.
Leave the dune alone
Native dune vegetation seaward of the 1981 Coastal Construction Control Line may not be removed under the city code. Oceanfront owners who want a better view or a wider path to the sand should start with the city, not a saw.
Palms, salt and storm wind
Palms carry most of the landscape on this part of the island. The UF/IFAS hurricane study rated the cabbage palm, or sabal, among the most wind-resistant species, and queen palm the least in its tropical and subtropical table (UF/IFAS FR173). Sand live oak, the low oak of coastal scrub, also rated high.
For trimming specifics, see palm tree trimming and the palm care guide.
Indian Harbour Beach is its own city
Indian Harbour Beach, at the east end of the Eau Gallie Causeway, has its own code. The Satellite Beach rules above don't carry over, so check with Indian Harbour Beach city hall before work there. We match jobs in both cities.
Local rules worth knowing
Owners must remove dead or severely diseased or damaged trees and shrubs within 60 days, and replant within 30 days if the lot falls below the required minimum.
Brazilian pepper, melaleuca and Australian pine had to be removed citywide by January 8, 2016.
Source: Satellite Beach Code s. 30-706
Native dune vegetation seaward of the 1981 CCCL may not be removed.
Source: Satellite Beach Code, Ch. 30
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Satellite Beach?
If it's a protected tree, s. 30-702(c) requires one before removal or relocation. Ask the city which trees count before you schedule the work.
My tree died after the last storm. How long do I have?
Satellite Beach gives owners 60 days to remove dead or severely damaged trees and shrubs, and 30 days to replant if the lot falls below the required minimum.
Can I clear the dune plants for a view?
Not seaward of the 1981 Coastal Construction Control Line. The city code bars removing native dune vegetation there.
Do these rules apply in Indian Harbour Beach?
No. Indian Harbour Beach is a separate city with its own code.