Was told today by a Tree Removal Company
 

that ARC approval was no longer required to cut down hedges and trees if you live in a Courtyard Villa....he said that was changed a year or so ago.

Without a doubt, tree removal company best source for deed restrictions.

Not true, there were a few changes recently passed by the CDD boards, but this was not one of them.
Contact Community Standards at 352-751-3912 to get the facts that apply to your subdivision/unit, they have nothing to gain or lose by giving you the correct information, unlike the tree removal company...

So true

OP, Please call community standards (ARC) and get the correct answer, I got screwed by a landscape company and ARC approval, long story, but I was lucky and got approval after the fact.........

The rule was changed by the state. It has nothing to do with what kind of house you live in. The ARC application was revised in 12/2019. It says right on the front that “ if you have documentation by a FL licensed landscape architect that says the tree is a danger to person or property”, you do NOT have to submit an application to ARC.

:ho: https://www.districtgov.org/departme...pplication.pdf

"TREE REMOVAL: Do you have documentation from the Internal Society of Arboriculture or a Florida-licensed
landscape architect that the tree presents a danger to persons or property? YES NO
If you marked yes, this application is not required, but if you marked no, this application is required."

I'll add a real person answers the phone, they are super nice and try hard to help.

Not true

however laceylady & cwguy both address a different scenario than the op expressed,,, nothing was said re safety in original post

I removed a 60 foot palm and was told trees did not require approval in courtyard villas. April 2020

Funny.

We were told when we consulted ARC that a Palm was not considered a tree. Checking with ARC is very easy to do and will save you from having trouble later. Not checking with ARC has been a very expensive mistake for many.

I was surprised to learn that palm trees are considered to be grass! Crazy, right?

It’s also a vegetable in some cases.

Please tell me if you know what penality is place for property owners who do not go through the ARC appliction process and have a tree taken down?

So much mis-information continues to circulate throughout our community. Even though it is so easy to contact the correct authority and get an official answer.

Also, I've read that palm trees are not included in the "do not cut" list, best to check with ARC but I bet you're ok to go.

The new Florida legislation called, "Private Property Rights:
"A local government may not require a notice,
application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the
pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property
if the property owner obtains documentation that the tree
presents a danger to persons or property from an arborist
certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a
Florida licensed landscape architect.

Would that new rule apply to a live oak?