Depending on the address, an excavation project near Sanford can involve a city, Seminole or Volusia County, and the state.
Cities
Sanford, Lake Mary, Oviedo and Deltona each issue their own permits. We didn't find their clearing or grading rules published in a form we could cite; ask the city first.
Unincorporated Seminole County
- Arbor: a separate application for tree removal for a new single-family home; site plans show trees over 6 inches in diameter. Exemptions for developed single-family lots of 3 acres or less with a house (no wetlands), agriculture and pest-plant exotics.
- Wetlands: no wetland impacts without additional permitting.
State of Florida
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Stormwater | DEP Construction Generic Permit at 1 acre or more; NOI 2 calendar days before work |
| Burning | Florida Forest Service authorization for land clearing debris |
| Risky trees | No local permit for a documented unacceptable-risk tree on a home lot (F.S. 163.045) |
| Pools | At least one safety feature for final inspection (F.S. 515.27) |
| Utilities | Sunshine 811, 2 full business days ahead (F.S. 556.105) |
| Licensing | Underground utility and excavation contractor for mains and service lines (F.S. 489.105) |
Not legal advice. Drawn from public documents as of the date below. The city, county and state have the final word on what the project needs.
Sources
- Seminole County: Arbor Permit (unincorporated Seminole County)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Construction Activity (stormwater Construction Generic Permit)
- Florida Forest Service: Forest Fire Laws & Open Burning Regulations (DACS-P 00149, revised 5/2015)
- Florida Statutes 163.045 (2024): Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property
- Florida Statutes 515.27 (2025): Residential swimming pool safety feature options
- Florida Statutes 556.105 (2025): Procedures (notice to Sunshine 811)
- Florida Statutes 489.105 (2025): Definitions (contractor categories)
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
Does Seminole County's arbor permit apply inside Sanford?
The county's page covers unincorporated Seminole County and doesn't say. Inside Sanford, ask the city.
Get it quoted
Send the form or call, and a contractor serving Seminole County will be in touch. You won't pay for the quote.
When voicemail answers, include your name, phone number, the address and a short description of the work.