If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
The adjoining owner must construct/repair the abutting sidewalk within 45 days of notice when the disrepair is "due to action attributable to the adjoining property owner or his employees or agents" (Sec. 54.41). Damage from a City parkway tree’s roots, falling limbs, or removal is repaired by the City at no cost to the owner; damage from a tree on private property is treated as owner-attributable (Sec. 54.42).
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Repair the abutting sidewalk within 45 days of proper notice when the disrepair is attributable to the owner (including damage from a tree on the owner’s private property). |
| City / public agency | Repair, at no cost to the owner, sidewalks damaged by roots, falling limbs, or removal of a tree located in the City parkway. If the owner fails to act on a valid notice for owner-attributable damage, the City repairs and takes a lien superior to all but taxes. |
| Exceptions | City pays for City-parkway-tree damage (roots/limbs/removal) at no cost to owner |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 11, 2026.
The owner of any real estate in the City which adjoins rights-of-way on which any sidewalk or parkway shall have been ordered laid, or on which an existing sidewalk or parkway shall be in disrepair, due to action attributable to the adjoining property owner or his employees or agents, shall upon proper notice as provided in Section 54.43 be required to construct or repair said sidewalk and parkway within a period of forty-five (45) days.
Sidewalks damaged by roots from a tree located in the City parkway, or by limbs falling from said tree or removal of said tree, shall be repaired by the City at no cost to the abutting property owner. Damage to a sidewalk caused by a tree located on private property will be considered action attributable to the property owner for the purposes of this article.
the City may construct or repair same, or cause the same to be repaired or constructed and shall thereupon be entitled to a lien upon such property, for the reasonable expense of such repairs or construction and such lien shall be superior to all other liens except for taxes.
City rules rest on state law. Read Florida's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Orlando, FL?
Responsibility is shared. Repair the abutting sidewalk within 45 days of proper notice when the disrepair is attributable to the owner (including damage from a tree on the owner’s private property).
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Orlando, FL?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
Are there exceptions in Orlando, FL?
City pays for City-parkway-tree damage (roots/limbs/removal) at no cost to owner
What is this based on for Orlando, FL?
This verdict is sourced to Orlando City Code § 54.41: Notice to construct or repair; duty of abutting owner and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Orlando City Code § 54.41: Notice to construct or repair; duty of abutting ownerofficial · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-11
- Orlando City Code § 54.42: Sidewalk repair; tree roots (City pays for parkway-tree damage)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-11
- Sec. 54.44. Failure to Comply with Notice; Work to be Done by City; Costordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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