What to Check Before You Hire Anyone for Tree Service in Ocala

Vetting a tree service in Ocala and Marion County

Because Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) does not issue a state contractor license for tree trimming or removal, any individual with a chainsaw and pickup truck can advertise tree work after a storm. Protect yourself by verifying the company's local business tax receipt, requesting a current certificate of commercial general liability insurance directly from their agent, and checking active workers' compensation coverage (or valid construction/non-construction status) through the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation Proof of Coverage portal.

When hiring for live-tree structural pruning or when relying on Florida Statute § 163.045 to remove a hazardous tree on a single-family residential lot without a local permit, verify that the assessing arborist holds an active International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential (and ideally the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, TRAQ) at treesaregood.org, or is a Florida-licensed landscape architect.

Sources: Florida DBPR — Construction License Assist Brochure (Tree Work Exemption) · International Society of Arboriculture — Verify a Credential · Florida Division of Workers' Compensation — Proof of Coverage Search

Questions worth asking

• Will someone look at the job in person before giving a price?
• Is the price written down, with what's included and what isn't?
• Who pulls the permit, if one is needed?
• What happens if you find something unexpected once work starts?
• How is cleanup handled?
• Can I see proof of license and insurance?

We're happy to answer every one of those before you decide.