(1) Permit Required.
    (a) No person or entity may remove, cut, or trim trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants on the Department’s right of way to make visible or to ensure future visibility of off-premise outdoor advertising signs without Department approval of an Application to Permit Vegetation Management at Outdoor Advertising Signs, Form 650-050-06, Rev. 10/20, which is incorporated herein by reference at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-12483 and available electronically at http://www.osp.fdot.gov. For purposes of this rule, the use of chemical control constitutes removing, cutting, or trimming, depending on the impact on the tree, shrub, or herbaceous plant. The Application must be submitted to the State Outdoor Advertising Administrator, at the address referenced in subsection 14-10.0011(2), F.A.C., of this rule chapter or through the on-line portal. This rule does not apply to requests to trim or remove vegetation that screens signs that are not permitted by the Department pursuant to Florida Statutes § 479.07
    (b) An Application must be submitted by the outdoor advertising sign permit holder. A separate application is required for each sign facing. The vegetation management plan and mitigation appraisal (if required), shall be prepared by a Certified Forestor, an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist® with Advanced Training in Roadside Vegetation, or an individual with equivalent credentials from a nationally recognized arboricultural organization, or a Landscape Architect registered pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 481, Part II
    (c) The Application Package shall contain the completed application and:
    1. The applicant’s vegetation management plan (plan) for a period of five years. The plan shall include a plan for removing vegetation within the view zone, cutting (removing or altering more than one quarter of any plant’s height, spread, or density of branches), or trimming (the shaping or pruning of less than one quarter of any plant’s height, spread, or density of branches). The plan shall be a graphic and written document that describes the removal, cutting, trimming, planting, fertilizing, mulching, irrigation, and desired condition and appearance of existing and proposed vegetation, including a plan for disposal of debris, and a schedule and description of the intended vegetation management method(s). All vegetation management proposed in the plan shall be in accordance with this rule and Fl. Admin. Code R. 14-40.003
    2. Color photographs of the sign and entire view zone taken within six weeks prior to the application being made to the Department. The photographs and accompanying drawings must depict a clear representative overview of the vegetation to be removed, cut, or trimmed.
    3. A photocopy of the qualifying credentials of the person preparing the vegetation management plan, and appraisal for mitigation, if mitigation is required. If herbicides will be used, the application must include a photocopy of the applicator’s license in three categories (core curriculum, right of way, and aquatic) by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
    4. An itemized appraisal of the mitigation value of vegetation to be removed, cut, or trimmed, if mitigation is required.
    5. The application fee is $25.00. The application fee shall be a total of $200.00 for more than eight applications submitted simultaneously within the same Department District. If payment is by check, the fee submitted with an application must be paid separately from fees for other types of permits.
    6. For a proposed sign or a sign originally permitted after July 1, 1996, designation of two permitted non-conforming outdoor advertising signs, comparable in size to the sign for which a vegetation management permit is sought, for permit cancellation and sign removal within 30 days of the Department’s issuance of a Notice of Intent to Approve Vegetation Management at Outdoor Advertsing Sign.
    (d) An approved Application to Permit Vegetation Management at Outdoor Advertising Sign will serve as a permit, and authorizes the permittee to remove, cut, or trim trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants only as provided in the approved plan, and only within an established view zone, which will be determined as follows:
    1. In accordance with Section 479.106(6)(a) and (b), F.S., a view zone is established beginning at a point on the edge of pavement perpendicular to the edge of the sign facing nearest the highway and extending in the direction of approaching traffic, unless an alternative view zone is agreed upon in writing between the sign permittee and the Department’s District (Director of Operations) Maintenance Engineer or his/her designee in the District Office.
    2. A sign facing shall have only one view zone, and only within the Department’s right of way of the roadway to which the sign is permitted.
    a. The view zone for a right-view sign (see Figure 2) is a four sided area with the critical dimensions of 350 feet for posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less, or 500 feet for posted speed limits over 35 miles per hour measured along the right edge of the nearest travel lane on the same side of the highway to which the sign is permitted.
    b. The view zone for a left-view sign (see Figure 3) is a four sided area with the critical dimension of 350 feet for posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less or 500 feet for posted speed limits over 35 miles per hour is measured along the left edge of the nearest travel lane on the other side of the highway centerline.

    
    
    
    
    
    
    c. Areas within the median will be approved for vegetation management zone only for left-read signs legally erected before January 19, 1999, and only as necessary to maintain the view of that sign across the median as it existed before January 19, 1999.
    (e) An Application will not be approved:
    1. For applications that are incomplete.
    2. For vegetation control to enhance the view of an outdoor advertising sign which does not have a currently valid state permit.
    3. For mowing (nonselective mechanical or chemical control of vegetation) of grass or other vegetation. Mechanical mowing, to a minimum height of 6 inches, will be permitted when no other means of vegetation management is practicable to control vegetation that screens or is likely to screen a sign face.
    4. To remove, cut, or trim, vegetation that has established historic, cultural, economic, environmental, or aesthetic significance. Such vegetation would:
    a. Form an important part of the setting or landscaping for an historic structure;
    b. Possess historic significance through a direct association with an event or person important in history;
    c. Contribute strongly to the historic character as well as visual appeal of an historic structure or district;
    d. Screen historic structures or residential property from traffic congestion;
    e. Serve as memorials;
    f. Be directly descended from historically significant trees or plants;
    g. Be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Register of Historic Sites, or local historical registries;
    h. Be the only vegetation in the immediate vicinity, such that removal would leave the area barren of any substantial trees;
    i. Have reached an age, size, or shape that it is known to be a local landmark; or
    j. Be in the immediate vicinity of a roadway that has been lined with trees for a lengthy period of time where removal of such vegetation would significantly diminish the “”tree lined”” character of the roadway;
    5. To remove, cut, or trim trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants that are protected by state law.
    6. To remove, cut, or trim trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants, when the Department has determined that the proposed vegetation management will significantly disrupt natural systems, roadside aesthetics, or have other negative impacts on the operation of the highway.
    7. To create a new view zone by removing, cutting, or trimming existing vegetation for any sign originally permitted after July 1, 1996, unless the applicant removes at least two approximate comparable size nonconforming signs under valid permits issued pursuant to Florida Statutes § 479.07, and surrender the permits to the Department.
    8. To remove, cut, or trim trees that have a circumference, measured at 4 1/2 feet above grade, equal to or greater than 70% of the circumference of the Florida Champion of the same species as listed in the Big Trees, The Florida Register, Florida Native Plant Society, 1997, which is available at many public libraries in Florida, and at on-line bookstores. Posting of this manual for public inspection would violate federal copyright law. A copy is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Florida Department of Transportation, Program Management Office, 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida.
    9. To remove, cut, or trim trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants in violation of Florida Statutes § 479.106(5) This applies to vegetation that is part of a beautification project, when the project was approved prior to the permitting of any sign originally permitted after July 1, 1996. For the purpose of this rule, beautification projects include landscape projects, mitigation projects, and restoration projects. For the purpose of this rule, a beautification project is approved when it is specifically identified in the Department’s five-year work program, or is a permitted landscape project, or is part of an executed agreement between the Department and a local government, or has been approved in writing by the Department for installation at a later date by a local government.
    10. To remove, cut, or trim trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants within the right of way of a roadway section to which a sign is not permitted, or proposed to be permitted, or to remove, cut, or trim trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants within the right of way outside of the 1,000 feet view zone parameter in Section 479.106(6)(b), F.S.
    (f) Applications will be reviewed and approved or denied within 60 days of receipt of a completed application. The Department will notify the applicant of any apparent errors or omissions and request any additional information within 30 days of the receipt of an application. When using the on-line portal, if a Request for Additional Information (RAI) is sent to the applicant and not responded to within 30 days, the application will become void.
    (g) An approved Application (permit) is valid for the five year term of the proposed vegetation management plan.
    (h) After approval, the permittee must give the Local Maintenance Engineer a minimum of two working days notification prior to all permitted vegetation management activity on the Department’s right of way, unless a different time period is listed as a special condition of the permit.
    (2) Renewal Applications.
    (a) Permit holders are responsible to track the expiration date of the permit. When a permit has expired for over 30 calendar days, changes are proposed, or previous permit conditions were not met, a new complete Application is required to obtain a new permit. When a permit is about to expire, or has expired within 30 calendar days, the conditions of the previous permit have been met, and there are no proposed changes to the previously approved vegetation plan; only the following will be required from the applicant for the same location:
    1. Cover letter to the Department State Outdoor Advertising Administrator indicating the applicant will adhere to the conditions of the original permit and vegetation management plan.
    2. Copy of the previous application that shows the Department’s approval.
    3. Application fee.
    4. Color photographs of the sign and the entire view zone taken within six weeks prior to the renewal request being made to the Department.
    (3) Vegetation Management on the Right of Way.
    (a) A copy of the entire approved application and vegetation management plan must be on site and available for review by the Department when vegetation management is in progress.
    (b) All work performed pursuant to an approved application to permit Vegetation Management at Outdoor Advertising Sign shall follow the approved vegetation management plan.
    (c) Chemical control of vegetation is limited to the use of United States Environmental Protection Agency approved selective herbicides. Foliar application of herbicides is limited to the control of invasive exotic plants.
    (d) Within 10 working days after completion of the removal, cutting, or trimming of vegetation, a qualified individual, as described in paragraph (1)(b) above, must inspect the view zone and adjoining right of way, and submit written notification to the Department State Outdoor Advertising Administrator that the work is complete. The correspondence must indicate the extent and nature of any unauthorized removal, cutting, or trimming.
    (4) Mitigation. An applicant shall mitigate in accordance with this rule chapter for the impact to vegetation from removal, cutting, trimming, or accidental damage of vegetation on the Department’s right of way.
    (a) Mitigation is required:
    1. Where cutting or trimming of, or damage to vegetation permanently detracts from the appearance or health of trees (including palm trees), shrubs, or herbaceous plants, or where cutting and trimming of trees or shrubs is not done in accordance with the standards set forth in American National Standards for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices (Pruning), ANSI A300 (Part 1) – 2008 Pruning, available at http://www.tcia.org. Posting of this manual for public inspection would violate federal copyright law. A copy is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Florida Department of Transportation, Program Management Office, 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida.
    2. Where trees taller than the surrounding shrubs and herbaceous plants are permanently damaged or removed.
    3. Where trees or shrubs of a species that are not likely to grow to interfere with the visibility of displays are damaged or removed.
    4. Where trees or shrubs of a species that are likely to grow to interfere with the visibility of displays are trimmed improperly, permanently damaged, or removed.
    5. Where herbaceous plants are permanently damaged.
    (b) Where mitigation is necessary, the applicant will provide with the Application for Vegetation Management an appraisal prepared by a qualified individual as defined in above paragraph (1)(b) using the appropriate appraisal method found in Determining the Mitigation Value of Roadside Vegetation, Rev. 10/20, which is incorporated herein by reference at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-12210. The appraised value of the vegetation to be cut and removed will be the required mitigation subject to Department verification of the completeness and accuracy of mitigation calculations.
    1. The mitigation may be paid as a fee equal to the amount of the appraisal. Mitigation fees must be paid to the Department prior to approval of an Application.
    2. As an alternative to the mitigation fee, the permittee may design and build a mitigation project equal to the appraised value, at an approved location within the right of way. Applicants must contact the District Landscape Architect when preparing to develop a mitigation plan. For mitigation projects, the applicant must submit a mitigation plan which, in addition to the requirements of this rule, meets the requirements for landscape plans in Fl. Admin. Code R. 14-40.003, to the Department for approval. Mitigation projects must be designed to avoid additional maintenance costs by the Department. The mitigation plan shall include a landscape plan, maintenance plan (including watering for establishment for a period of one year from the date of planting), and an estimated budget of all expenses to install, establish, and maintain the replacement vegetation. The value of the completed mitigation project must be equal to or greater than the appraised value of the cut and removed vegetation. When a mitigation project does not meet the required mitigation value, the balance is due to the Department as a mitigation fee. When the mitigation plan is approved, the applicant may proceed to construct the mitigation project. Failure to complete the mitigation project within six months after the vegetation is cut or removed will result in a penalty for unauthorized removal, cutting, or trimming as described in subsection (5) of this rule. The permittee is required, at the permittee’s expense, to remove and replace any mitigation materials that have not survived in a healthy condition for the first full year after planting. The replacement materials shall be of like size and variety as the replaced material, or may be other material proposed by the permittee, and determined by the Department, to be more likely to survive. If the mitigation project is not restored to meet the permit requirements, the permittee is subject to enforcement of required mitigation and the penalty for unauthorized removal, cutting, or trimming.
    (c) Mitigation is not required for the following activities:
    1. Trimming limited to maintaining a plant’s natural habit of growth, performed in accordance with professionally accepted arboricultural standards, cited in subparagraph (4)(a)1. of this rule.
    2. Removal of immature trees that are no taller than the surrounding shrubs and herbaceous plants that upon their maturity are likely to interfere with the visibility of a permitted outdoor advertising sign.
    3. Removal of invasive exotic plants as listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in rule Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 5B-57, Introduction or Release of Plant Pests, Noxious Weeds, Arthropods, and Biological Control Agents, and Fl. Admin. Code R. 5B-64.011, Prohibited Aquatic Plants.
    4. Removal of vegetation that is diseased, or structurally damaged through no fault of the applicant, beyond a point where restoration is practicable.
    5. Cutting or removal of vegetation that the Department normally cuts or removes pursuant to its regular maintenance of the Department’s right of way.
    6. Removal of vegetation when the Department’s roadway plans explicitly show that the vegetation will be removed as part of the clearing and grubbing for a construction project designed and included in the Department’s five-year work program.
    7. Removal or cutting of vegetation that was installed within a view zone after July 1, 1996, provided the sign was permitted prior to the installation of the vegetation.
    (5) Unauthorized Removal, Cutting, or Trimming of Vegetation. Any person engaged in unauthorized removal cutting, or trimming of vegetation in violation of Florida Statutes § 479.106, or who benefits from such action, is subject to a penalty of $1,000 per incident per sign facing and shall provide mitigation as required by subsection (4). For purposes of this subsection, the application of any chemical compound that kills or injures a tree, shrub, or herbaceous plant constitutes removal, cutting, or trimming.
    (6) Sunset. The Department intends to repeal the provisions of this rule on November 30, 2025, in accordance with the rulemaking requirements of Florida Statutes § 120.54, unless this rule is reviewed and determined to remain necessary prior to such proposed repeal.
Rulemaking Authority Florida Statutes § 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 334.044(26), 337.405, 479.106 FS. History-New 1-19-99, Amended 2-7-02, 2-8-06, 12-24-08, Formerly 14-40.030, Amended 1-4-21.