IS THERE A STATE LAW REGARDING NEIGHBOR'S TREE BRANCHES ON MY PROPERTY
NEIGHBOR''S BRANCHES OVER MY PROPERTY LINE, ASKED THEM TO TRIM, THEY IGNORED. I PAID TO HAVE THEM TRIMMED (TO MY PROPERTY) LINE. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY? WHAT IS THEIR MOTIVATION TO MAINTAIN THEIR PROPERTY?
Answer
Thank you for contacting the State Library of Florida. I have checked the Florida Statutes, but the only reference I have found related to tree and vegetation trimming is Florida Statute 163.3209. Issues such as overhanging branches are typically related by county or municipal code. The University of Florida Extension Office also has some information on Florida fence and property law in relation to tree maintenance: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FE/FE96200.pdf.
The State Library of Florida can answer queries and recommend information sources in response to requests for legal information, but we cannot provide legal assistance, advice, or interpretation of laws or rules. You may need to consult an attorney. Please see this web page from the Florida State Courts for links to legal aid for civil matters throughout Florida: http://www.flcourts.org/resources-and-services/family-courts/family-law-self-help-information/.
The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to attorneys who will conduct an initial one-half hour office consultation for no more than $25 (local Bar-sponsored program charges range from $20 to $50). For assistance in finding an attorney, visit the Florida Bar's public information website at https://www.floridabar.org/public/lrs/. You can also call the Lawyer Referral Service toll-free at 1-800-342-8011.
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Reference
State Library of Florida
A Division of the Florida Department of State
Phone 850.245.6600
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