Are there any preservation laws concerning Cyprus trees in Florida USA?

Answer 1

Well, it depends. First, we have to come to an agreement as to what a "Cyprus" tree is. I'm assuming that you mean cypress, as in bald cypress -- Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. or pond cypress -- T. ascendens Brongn. There are no state-level laws of which I am aware that require a special permit to cut or remove the trees, although there are several state (and federal, and often county ordinances as well) laws protecting the wetlands where the cypress trees grow. These laws provide indirect protection to any native trees occurring within a legally-defined wetland.

There usually are county ordinances that do specifically protect the trees themselves; as I do not know every county ordinance in the State of Florida, there may be counties that have very weak or non-existent ordinances concerning the cutting of native trees. Also, according to most ordinances, a tree has to be of a certain size (usually measured in diameter at a given height above the ground) in order to be protected under said ordinance. Numerous municipalities (incorporated cities or towns) also have tree protection ordinances, and cypress trees would usually fall under the protection of these as well. Many of these ordinances are "tough" and carry severe penalties (usually monetary) if violated.

If you are interested, consult the tree ordinance(s) of the county and or municipality in which you live.