Cut Your Own Florida Christmas Tree in Ocala National Forest

Last Updated on December 11, 2023

With the purchase of a $10 permit, you can cut down your own Florida Christmas tree at designated locations within Ocala National Forest.

The Christmas Tree Permit Program is available from November 21, 2023, to December 24, 2023.

You can purchase online from Recreation.gov.

Quote by USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore

Table of Contents

Cut Down Your Own Florida Christmas Tree in Ocala National Forest

Christmas Tree Maps — Visit Recreation.org for downloadable maps.

Not only is it a memory-making experience, but you also support the environment by thinning dense tree stands, opening the area for wildlife, and aiding the remaining trees to grow larger.

Ocala National Forest Christmas Tree Cutting Area sign

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture is currently allowing people to go into Ocala National Forest and cut down sand pine trees in two designated areas:

Off State Road 19 in Umatilla
Off Highway 40 in Silver Springs

FYI: The forest ranger stations in those areas are closed to the public, so you must purchase your permit online.

You may purchase permits for up to five trees.

ATTN: Florida 4th Graders

If you have a fourth-grader and an Every Kid Outdoors pass, you can cut down a tree for free.

Learn more at the Every Kid Outdoors website.

Things to Know BEFORE You Cut Down Your Own Tree

There are some things you need to know before you go to the forest.

Prepare your vehicle. – With the forest ranger stations closed to the public, you are pretty much on your own out there. Be sure to gas up your vehicle, and bring a map, and a copy of your permit. You’ll be driving on dirt roads so make sure your vehicle can handle it.
Be prepared to get dirty. – Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes.
Make sure someone knows where you are. – Cell service may be spotty or unavailable.
You’ll need to bring your own tools to cut your tree — a saw, gloves to protect your hands, a tarp, canvas fabric, or something else for your tree to lay on in the car. If you are securing it to the top of your vehicle, that tarp will be used to cover your tree and protect it from wind damage. Bring ropes or straps, too.
Cut from a densely forested area. The USDA asks that you cut from a densely forested area so remaining trees have more space to grow.
Inspect the tree well for any critters. Before you bring that tree into your home, be sure to shake it well to get rid of any insects or insect eggs that might be on it.

Cutting Your Tree

Do not cut on private land, wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations.
Do not cut in areas that have been planted with new trees.
Getting a Christmas Tree permit does not guarantee that you find a suitable tree!
Many trees in the Ocala National Forest are fun to harvest but not necessarily “show-room” quality trees.
Maps are available when Christmas Tree permitting begins.

Selecting Your Tree

Graphic reading Florida Christmas Tree Scientific name: Pinus Clausa Pronunciation PIE-nus KLAW-suh Common name(s): Sand Pine.

Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted.
Tree Height: 40 feet maximum
Stump height: 6 inches maximum
Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree

Recreation.gov offers other ways to plan your trip in case you have more questions.

Visit the Recreation website.

Contact Information

Lake George Ranger District

Address: 17147 E. State Road 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488; Phone: (352) 625-2520

Seminole Ranger District

Address: 40929 State Road 19, Umatilla, FL 32784; Phone: (352) 669-3153

National Forests in Florida

Address: 325 John Knox Road Suite F-100, Tallahassee, FL 32303; Phone: (850) 523-8500

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