Land Clearing Permit Guides
Do you need a permit to clear your land? It depends entirely on which county you’re in. Here’s the county-by-county breakdown for every area I serve.
I’m Andrew, owner of Freedom Forestry. Permit rules for land clearing change completely at every county line — Walton County requires a permit for most clearing, while Holmes County ten miles away requires none at all. Before any job, I check the rules for the parcel. These guides share what I’ve learned so you know what to expect before the machine shows up.
These are guides, not legal advice. Codes, fees, and processes change without notice. Always verify current requirements with your county before clearing — that responsibility stays with the property owner. Each guide shows the date it was last updated.
The short version
| County | Do you need a permit? |
|---|---|
| Walton County, FL | Permit required in most cases |
| Okaloosa County, FL | Usually no permit |
| Santa Rosa County, FL | Maintenance no; vacant lots need a simple permit |
| Escambia County, FL | Tree rules apply — often yes |
| Holmes County, FL | No county permit |
| Covington County, AL | No county permit |
Pick your county
Walton County, FL
Permit required in most cases
Permit by default. North of Choctawhatchee Bay needs a $25 Land Clearing Permit; south of the bay needs a full development order.
Updated July 17, 2026
Read the guideOkaloosa County, FL
Usually no permit
No standalone clearing permit. The county steps in when clearing is site prep for construction, development, or subdividing land.
Updated July 17, 2026
Read the guideSanta Rosa County, FL
Maintenance no; vacant lots need a simple permit
Routine maintenance, ag land, and lots with an existing home are exempt. Clearing a vacant, non-ag parcel takes a simple minor land clearing permit, and waterfront parcels always need one.
Updated July 17, 2026
Read the guideEscambia County, FL
Tree rules apply — often yes
The strictest tree protection in the area: trees 12 inches and up are protected countywide. Brush and underbrush work is generally fine.
Updated July 17, 2026
Read the guideHolmes County, FL
No county permit
No clearing permit and no tree ordinance — the simplest county in the service area. Flood zones and wetlands still apply.
Updated July 17, 2026
Read the guideCovington County, AL
No county permit
Alabama counties don’t regulate rural land use, so no county permit exists. State stormwater rules, wetlands, and burn permits still apply.
Updated July 17, 2026
Read the guideNot sure what your job needs?
Send me a couple photos and the property address. I’ll tell you straight whether your project needs paperwork — before you spend a dime.