There’s no statewide penalty, because Georgia has no statewide permit for this. The penalty comes from your city or county ordinance, and it may reach well beyond a flat fine.
One verified example: City of Atlanta.
| Item | Atlanta's stated rule | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| When a permit applies | Trees of 6 inches or more DBH on private property; pines 12 inches or more | Arborist Division FAQ, archived March 2026 |
| Fine | "Minimum fine is $500" | Same undated FAQ, so call to confirm |
| Recompense | $140 per diameter inch from January 1, 2026, CPI-adjusted from 2027 | Mayor's Office statement, June 2025 |
By that rate, a 20-inch tree comes to $2,800 in recompense before any credits. Planting can earn credit, as the mayor’s office says, at 1.25 times the caliper inches planted. Ask the Arborist Division how this applies to an unpermitted removal.
Other Georgia governments set their own rules, so the same act might cost nothing in one place and thousands in another.
Other legal exposure:
- Neighbor’s tree. O.C.G.A. § 51-12-50 gives treble the fair market value of timber cut, plus reforestation costs and attorney fees. A surveyed line matters.
- Stream buffers. Georgia’s erosion law and local rules protect these areas separately.
- Historic districts or recorded plats. A plat may restrict cutting.
Before cutting, ask your local planning or arborist office: Is a permit needed for this tree at this address? What does it cost? What’s the penalty? Get the answer by email. If you’ve already cut, ask a lawyer before you talk to an inspector.
General information about Georgia law as of November 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.