Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in Florida? (A 2026 Guide)

Living in Central Florida means living with the constant reality of severe weather. From afternoon thunderstorms in July to the looming threat of hurricanes in September, Orlando homeowners know that high winds and heavy trees are a dangerous combination.

When a massive Laurel Oak crashes down during a storm, the first thought—after ensuring everyone is safe—is usually financial: “Is my insurance company going to pay for this?”

The answer is one of the most confusing aspects of homeownership. Generally, the answer is “It depends on where it lands.”

At Tree Amigos Orlando, we have helped thousands of homeowners navigate the aftermath of storms. While we are arborists, not insurance adjusters, we have learned exactly how most Florida policies handle tree damage. In this guide, we will break down the three most common scenarios to help you understand coverage, costs, and your responsibilities.

(Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on standard Florida HO-3 insurance policies. Every policy is different. Always consult your insurance agent or adjuster for confirmation of your specific coverage.)

Scenario 1: The Tree Falls on Your Home or Other Structures

The Verdict: Likely Covered.

If a tree (or a large limb) falls and damages a “covered structure”—such as your roof, garage, fence, or shed—your homeowners insurance policy will typically cover the cost to remove the tree off the structure and repair the damage.

In the eyes of the insurance company, the tree is a “falling object,” which is a covered peril.

• How it works: If a tree punches a hole in your living room ceiling, the insurance company will usually pay for the structural repairs and the labor required to lift and cut the tree off the house.
• The Catch (Deductibles): You will still be responsible for your deductible. In Florida, this is tricky because “Hurricane Deductibles” (often 2% to 5% of your home’s value) are much higher than standard “All Other Peril” deductibles. If the tree fell during a named storm, you might be paying thousands out of pocket before insurance kicks in.

Scenario 2: The Tree Falls in the Yard (But Hits Nothing)

The Verdict: Likely NOT Covered.

This is the most common frustration we see. A storm blows through, and a 60-foot pine tree topples over. It misses your house, your fence, and your car, landing harmlessly on the lawn.

You call your insurance agent, expecting them to cover the $1,500 removal cost, only to be told: No.

Most policies classify a tree lying on the ground as “debris.” If the tree did not damage a covered structure, the insurance company views it as a landscaping issue, not a structural claim. Removing it is considered general home maintenance.

• The Exception (Driveway Blocking): Some policies include a clause for “Debris Removal” if the fallen tree blocks a driveway (preventing you from entering/leaving) or a handicap ramp. In these cases, they may offer a small limit (usually $500 to $1,000) to cut the tree out of the way, but rarely enough to remove the entire trunk.

Scenario 3: The “Preventative” Removal (The Tree is Leaning)

The Verdict: NEVER Covered.

We frequently receive calls from worried homeowners saying, “My tree is leaning towards my house and looks dangerous. Will insurance pay to take it down before it falls?”

The answer is almost universally no.

Insurance is designed to cover sudden, accidental damage—not preventative maintenance. In the eyes of the insurer, a rotting or leaning tree is a maintenance issue that the homeowner is responsible for addressing. In fact, if your insurance company inspects your home and sees a dead tree looming over the roof, they may actually cancel your policy if you don’t remove it. Don’t wait—contact our tree removal experts to handle the hazard before it becomes a claim.

The “Neighbor” Factor: Who Pays When It’s Not Your Tree?

This is the classic Florida dispute. Your neighbor’s oak tree falls onto your roof. Who pays?

Under Florida law, unless you can prove your neighbor was negligent (meaning they knew the tree was dead and ignored it), the claim goes through your insurance, not theirs. This is considered an “Act of God.” You pay your deductible, your insurance fixes your roof, and life goes on.

However, if the tree was visibly dead and you had previously sent a certified letter warning the neighbor about it, their insurance company might be forced to pay due to negligence.

What Should You Do After a Tree Falls?

If you have a tree emergency, follow these steps to ensure you have the best chance of a smooth claim:

1. Safety First: Stay away from the tree, especially if there are downed power lines. Call utility companies immediately if lines are involved.
2. Document Everything: Before moving a single branch, take photos and videos from multiple angles. This is your evidence.
3. Prevent Further Damage: Most policies require you to make “temporary repairs” to stop rain from entering your home. Tarping a damaged roof is essential.
4. Call Tree Amigos Orlando: Insurance companies require itemized invoices from licensed professionals. We provide detailed documentation that separates the cost of “removing the tree from the structure” (covered) vs. “hauling away debris” (sometimes not covered), helping you maximize your claim reimbursement.

Why Local Experience Matters

Navigating storm damage in Orlando requires a tree service that understands both the physics of dangerous removals and the paperwork of insurance claims. At Tree Amigos Orlando, we are fully licensed and insured, protecting you from liability while we work.

Whether you need an emergency crane removal off your roof or a preventative trim to keep your premiums safe, our team is ready. Don’t wait for the next hurricane warning—assess your risk today.