The proposed bill, titled the "Fallen Tree Act," aims to establish liability for property owners regarding damages caused by trees or shrubs located on their property when they fall onto neighboring properties. It introduces a new section, 768.396, to the Florida Statutes, which outlines that property owners are responsible for any damages caused by their trees or shrubs. The bill also clarifies that ownership of a tree or shrub is determined by its location in the ground. Additionally, it allows property owners to remove or sever branches or roots that encroach onto their property and permits the removal of trees or shrubs that grow across multiple parcels, provided that proper notice is given to neighboring property owners.

The legislation includes specific provisions, such as requiring a 30-day written notice via certified mail and posting on the affected parcels before any removal can take place. However, it exempts property owners of parcels greater than 5 acres from these liability provisions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to alleviate the financial burden on property owners who suffer damage from neighboring vegetation while clarifying the responsibilities of property owners regarding their trees and shrubs.