The proposed bill, titled the "Fallen Tree Act," establishes new liability standards for property owners regarding damage caused by trees and shrubs located on their property. Under the new section 768.396 of the Florida Statutes, property owners will be held liable for damages to neighboring properties if their trees or shrubs, or the branches thereof, fall and cause harm. The bill aims to address the current legal framework, which allows property owners to maintain their own property but does not permit them to manage vegetation on neighboring properties without permission. This legislation seeks to alleviate the financial burden on property owners who suffer damage from neighboring trees or shrubs, which can lead to increased insurance costs or policy cancellations.

Additionally, the bill allows for the removal of trees and shrubs that grow across property lines, provided that proper notice is given to neighboring property owners. Specifically, property owners can remove such vegetation after providing 30 days' written notice via certified mail and posting on the affected parcels. However, the bill includes an exception for property owners with parcels greater than 5 acres, who will not be subject to these liability provisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.