Melbourne or West Melbourne?
The two cities sit side by side and write their own tree rules, and Melbourne Village is a separate town between them. The line isn't obvious from the road. Your tax bill names the city, so start there.
A vacant Melbourne lot and the tree permit
As of October 2026, Melbourne's code says removing a tree takes a permit unless an exemption applies (Melbourne LDC s. 9.272). The broad exemption is for property with an existing one-, two- or three-family home, so it doesn't help on an empty lot. Listed invasives such as Brazilian pepper, melaleuca and Australian pine are exempt, and so are trees that are dead or dangerous.
Lots in scrub-jay or gopher tortoise habitat may need wildlife agency sign-off. If the lot has bright white sand and scrubby oaks, ask the city before the clearing is priced.
West Melbourne's version
West Melbourne needs a permit to remove a protected tree, but it exempts an owner-builder putting a single-family home or duplex on their own lot (West Melbourne Code, Ch. 71). Ask the city how that applies to you before clearing starts.
Infill pads and bigger sites
An infill lot between finished houses is tight work. Trucks have to get in and turn around without tearing up the street edge or the neighbor's grass, and the pad has to come up to the plan elevation without sending water next door. Lot clearing and the pad can be one job with us.
Bigger sites bring in the state. Construction that disturbs 1 acre or more and discharges to surface waters or a storm sewer needs coverage under FDEP's Construction Generic Permit, with a notice filed at least 2 days before work begins (FDEP). On those jobs we work to the engineer's plans as part of our site prep for builders.
Good to know locally
Melbourne's code calls for a permit to remove a tree unless the code exempts it.
West Melbourne's tree permit doesn't apply to an owner-builder putting a single-family home or duplex on their own lot.
Construction that disturbs 1 acre or more and discharges to surface waters needs Construction Generic Permit coverage, with the notice filed at least 2 days ahead.
Questions people ask
My Melbourne lot is empty. Do I need a permit to clear it?
It may, for the trees. Melbourne's home exemption covers property with an existing home, so trees on a vacant lot can need a removal permit unless they're listed invasives or dead or dangerous (s. 9.272). Confirm with the city before we schedule the work.
Do you deliver millings in Melbourne?
Yes. We deliver asphalt millings across Brevard County, and we can lay and pack them for a driveway. See asphalt millings.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. General information, not legal or professional advice. Check the linked sources for the current rules.