Skip to content
All posts

What are my rights if my neighbor's tree is encroaching on my property in Florida?

If your neighbor's tree is encroaching on your property in Florida, you may have legal rights to address the issue. Florida law allows property owners to require their neighbor to remove any encroaching trees, branches, or roots, as they can pose a hazard or cause damage to your property.

To determine if the tree is encroaching on your property, you will need to determine the property line, which can be done through a survey or by reviewing property deeds. Once you know the extent of the encroachment, you can send a written notice to your neighbor to inform them of the encroaching tree and request that it be removed.

Under Florida law, if the neighbor doesn't respond or refuses to remove the tree, you have the right to take matters to court. Florida follows the "Florida Rule" in terms of tree trimming and removal. This means that you have the legal right to trim the encroaching parts of the tree back to your property line, but you cannot damage the tree or remove more than you need to.

Before taking legal action, it's often a good idea to try to work out a resolution with your neighbor through negotiations or mediation. If you're unable to reach an agreement or the neighbor refuses to cooperate, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to help you navigate the legal process.

It's important to note that there may be exceptions to your legal rights depending on the circumstances, such as if the tree is protected under local or state environmental laws, or if there are easements or other property agreements that impact your rights.

Overall, if your neighbor's tree is encroaching on your property in Florida, you do have legal rights to address the issue. However, it's important to approach the situation carefully and seek legal advice if necessary to ensure that you are following the proper procedures and protecting your rights.