A clearing or excavation project around St. Cloud can involve the city, Osceola County and several state agencies.
City of St. Cloud and Osceola County
We didn't find St. Cloud's or Osceola County's tree, clearing or grading rules published in a form we could cite. Inside city limits, ask the city; elsewhere, ask the county. Kissimmee, the county's other incorporated city, issues its own permits.
State agencies
| Topic | Rule | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Stormwater | Construction Generic Permit at 1 acre or more; NOI 2 calendar days before work | Florida DEP |
| Septic | Permit with site evaluation, site plan and floor plan | County health department or DEP (check DEP's FAQ) |
| Burning | Authorization for land clearing and piles over 8 feet | Florida Forest Service |
| 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 at least 2 full business days ahead | F.S. 556.105 |
| Licensing | Underground utility and excavation contractor for sewer, water and storm mains | F.S. 489.105 |
Not legal advice. A summary of public documents as of the date below; the final say belongs to the city, Osceola County and the state.
Sources
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Construction Activity (stormwater Construction Generic Permit)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Onsite Sewage FAQ, Permitting
- 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)
- Wikipedia: Kissimmee, Florida
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
Who regulates tree removal in St. Cloud?
Inside city limits, the City of St. Cloud; outside, Osceola County. We didn't find either's rules published in a form we could cite, so ask them directly. State law (F.S. 163.045) limits local rules for documented risky trees on home lots.
Get it quoted
Ring the number or use the form, and a contractor working in Osceola County follows up. Quotes cost nothing.
If the call goes to voicemail, say your name, number, where the property is and what needs doing.