Florida's 'Fallen Tree Act' would end no-fault status when trees fall onto another property
The Brief
HB 599, or the Fallen Tree Act, would place the blame on the property owner of where a fallen tree, branch, or shrub originates.
Right now, Florida is a "no-fault state" when it comes to fallen trees onto next-door properties.
The Fallen Tree Act would still allow property owners to trim branches that encroach onto their property as needed.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill dubbed the Fallen Tree Act is set to be discussed in the Florida legislative session that began this month.
Florida House Representative Nan Cobb (R) is sponsoring HB 599, or the Fallen Tree Act, which places the blame on the property owner of where that tree, branch, or shrub originates.
What they're saying
"It happens quite a bit. It always seems to be the neighbor's tree that falls on your house," Peter Fernandez, President of Pete & Ron's Tree Service, said.
Right now, Florida is a "no-fault state" when it comes to fallen trees onto next-door properties. That means the burden typically falls on the neighbor, where that tree fell.
"Most of the time, it works out," Fernandez said. "There are deductibles involved and there are some costs to the homeowner if the tree lands on their property."
Sometimes that causes insurance premiums to increase or insurance companies to cancel policies altogether.
"We've had customers that have planted trees on their property, but it's so close to the line that as the tree grows, it becomes larger and once that tree extends onto the property line, it is now both of their trees," Fernandez said.
READ: Police call logs show 7 different calls to the home of couple accused of killing missing teen
The Fallen Tree Act still allows property owners to trim branches that encroach onto their property as needed.
It does not apply to property owners with parcels larger than 5 acres, where the fallen tree resides.
CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Fernandez believes if passed, the Fallen Tree Act would slow down the insurance process for everyone.
"I think it's going to become a legal conundrum because now we have to figure out whose tree it is and why it fell," he said. "It's been this way all my 50 years in business, so I don't see a change coming that I would recommend."
For more information on the Fallen Tree Act, click here.
The Source
Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android
Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Binghamton Fire grieves another sudden loss
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) — The Binghamton Fire Department, and the community as a whole, is mourning the tragic loss of Lieutenant Scott Pavlick who died unexpectedly on Tuesday. The Binghamton Fire Department took to Facebook to share the news of its brother's, of 17+ years, passing. 'It is with profound sadness that the Binghamton Fire Department announces the passing of active member Lieutenant Scott Pavlick, who died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, June 3rd. He was 47 years old,' the post read. Lt. Pavlick began his journey with BFD in April 2008, assigned to Engine 1 on Group D, where he remained for his whole career, earning the promotion to Lieutenant in 2023. 'Throughout his career, Scott was known for his steady leadership, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the job and to those he served alongside,' the post added. The fire department shared multiple examples of Lt. Pavlick's bravery and heroism. In 2009, he rescued a man from a burning building on East Chatherine Street. As recently as 2024, Lt. Pavlick played a 'critical role' in saving a man who fell into the Susquehanna River at Rock Bottom Dam. 'Working with his crew, [Lt. Pavlick] helped pull an unresponsive victim from the dam using a rope. They immediately began CPR and were able to successfully restore a pulse. His dedication and quick thinking helped save a life that day,' the post explained. Lt. Pavlick earned recognition on multiple occasions for his 'bravery and outstanding performance,' BFD said. Beyond the call of duty, Lt. Pavlick was known around the department for his consistent smile, and his sense of humor. 'He had a way of bringing people together — whether it was through a well timed joke or simply showing up when you needed him. His presence made the firehouse a better place to be,' the post explained. Lt. Pavlick leaves behind his wife, Jodi, and 7-year-old son, Reagan. 'His best friend and greatest joy,' the post said. 'He was a devoted husband and father, and his love for his family was evident in everything he did.' In leu of JR Gaudet's passing earlier this year, the Binghamton Fire Department has been in a state of mourning that is hard to compare. 'To say that 2025 has been a difficult year for the Binghamton Fire Department is an understatement. As we continue to mourn the LODD of Firefighter JR Gaudet, this new tragedy has only deepened the sorrow felt across our department,' the post said. Lt. Pavlick's funeral is scheduled for, Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hillcrest. 'Duck Dynasty' star Miss Kay Robertson is 'not in the best of health' after husband's death, son says Illinois Republican mistakes Sikh for Muslim, calls him delivering prayer in House 'deeply troubling' Binghamton Fire grieves another sudden loss Johnson expands size of Intelligence panel to give Stefanik spot House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries says budget bill should be killed Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Kiel house fire near 6th and Chicago; stovetop left on; $25K in damage
The Brief Kiel Fire & Rescue responded to the scene of a house fire on Friday morning, June 6. Firefighters located the fire in the kitchen. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, resulting from the stove top being left on. KIEL, Wis. - A home in Kiel was damaged by a fire on Friday morning, June 6. Crews were called to the area of 6th and Chicago around 2:20 a.m. What we know When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the building. It was confirmed that all occupants had evacuated, and the Kiel Police Department assisted in evacuating residents from the upstairs unit. Firefighters located the fire in the kitchen. Crews quickly secured the area, ventilated the home to eliminate lingering smoke, and conducted overhaul operations to check for fire extension. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android A working smoke detector alerted the occupants in the lower unit, enabling the three individuals who were asleep at the time to evacuate before fire crews arrived. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, resulting from the stove top being left on and combustible items being left on or near the stove top. There were no injuries to the occupants or responding personnel. The preliminary damage estimate is $25,000. The Source The information in this post was provided by Kiel Fire & Rescue.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Hay bales on Bradenton Beach safeguard sea turtles
The Brief The 2024 hurricane season washed away sand dunes, sea oats and other vegetation which helped protect nesting sea turtles. Hay bales are now used to help block light and keep turtles on the right track. A female loggerhead sea turtle was recently rescued from inside a swimming pool after bypassing two fences. BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. - Bradenton Beach saw extreme damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Not only were homes and businesses destroyed, but were the beach dunes and all the vegetation that helps protect the coastline and the animals that visit the beach, including sea turtles. Right now, as Florida enters peak nesting season, Manatee County came up with a unique idea to protect nesting. OTHER NEWS: Turtle nests delay temporary fix to Manasota Key Road Hurricane Helene's storm surge washed away dunes, sea oats and local vegetation. All played a role in protecting sea turtles and their hatchlings from light that can disorient or confuse them. What they're saying "We were all trying to find out about what we could do to help the turtles so we could keep them from getting into the road. We wanted to be proactive, we wanted to be preventative and make sure the turtles were safe," said Kristen Mazzarella, the Executive Director of the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring. The backstory Manatee County Natural Resources came up with the idea. Crews went to work and staked organic, seed-free hay as barriers for the turtles. Seed-free hay ensures nothing will take root on Bradenton Beach that doesn't belong there and helps keep the beach as natural as possible. The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch was pleased with the idea. "The hay bales are here blocking the rock revetments, so the hatchlings can make their way into the rock revetments. Also, it's blocking the adult turtles from getting into the road. There's a lot of areas they'd have direct access into the road, and it's turning them to a different direction," said Mazzarella. With the hay bales now in place, Manatee County and the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch are asking visitors to keep their hands off and let the hay do its job. In keeping the turtles safe through another nesting season with a few new challenges. What's next As of June 5, 2024, the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch documented 149 turtle nests along the beaches of Anna Maria Island. If you find a sea turtle in distress (adult or hatchling), call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC at 888-404-3922. The Source Information was gathered by FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
