FUFC Q2 Workshops & Events

Trees and the Law

Date: Friday, May 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (ET)

This in-depth legal and arboricultural webinar is eligible for 2 CEUs from ISA, SAF, FNGLA, LIAF, LACES, and CAM (law) with verified attendance.

Part 1:

Senate Bill 518; Florida statute 163.045: a Critical Education on the Do’s and Don’ts

Co-Presenters:
Tim Snedaker, Esq. – Snedaker Law
Joe Samnik – Testifying Expert Witness

Join veteran testifying expert Joe Samnik and attorney Tim Snedaker for an eye-opening webinar examining the full impact of Florida’s Senate Bill 518—known as the Property Owners Bill of Rights. We’ll explore the law’s origins, intent, and fallout from both legal and arboricultural perspectives. What started as an effort to limit local government overreach has shifted the balance of power in urban forest management, giving property owners new freedoms while sidelining municipalities and arborists. This session will unpack the statute’s reliance on the Best Management Practices (BMP) 2nd Edition (2017), the broad definition of “documentation,” and the loopholes around verbal or informal assessments. Using real-world case studies like Vickery v. Pensacola, the Gandy mobile home park, and the Schiller property, we’ll explore how the statute has been interpreted in court, how “residential” is now strictly defined, and the critical role ISA-certified arborists play in tree risk assessment If you manage urban canopy policies, perform risk assessments, or advocate for sustainable tree protections, this webinar is a must.. Learn what’s really required, what’s missing, and what’s at stake for Florida’s urban forests.

Part 2:

The Fallen Tree Act: Dead Bill, Live Consequences – How Self-Help and Case Law Still Shape Tree Disputes in Florida

Co-Presenters:

Tim Snedaker, Esq. – Snedaker Law
Joe Samnik – Testifying Expert Witness

Although HB 599 and SB 724 have been withdrawn, the legal questions they raised remain very much alive—and misunderstood. This timely webinar demystifies property owner liability, the limits of “self-help,” and how the Massachusetts Rule and Gallo v. Heller continue to govern tree disputes in Florida. Learn what happens when a tree fails across a property line, who bears responsibility, and why relying on hearsay can cost your clients—or your company—dearly. Packed with case law insights and practical risk guidance, this is a must-attend for urban forestry professionals working at the intersection of policy, practice, and tree risk management, navigating the gray zones of tree law.

Don’t miss this important opportunity to stay informed and earn CEUs while protecting Florida’s urban forests.

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Wetland Mitigation Banking in Florida

Event Details:

Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Victoria K. Bruce, CEO & Founder, The Mitigation Banking Group, Inc.
Registration: Closed
Cost:
Free for Members to Watch (No CEUs)
Members with CEUs – $10
Become an FUFC Member + CEU Access – $30
Non-Member Rate with CEUs – $40

Webinar Overview:

Join Victoria K. Bruce of The Mitigation Banking Group, Inc. for a live lunch & learn webinar presented by the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC). Victoria will share insights into the regulatory landscape, practical applications, and ecological importance of wetland mitigation banking in Florida. She will also share preliminary thoughts on how Florida could structure tree mitigation banking as a scalable and sustainable solution for urban reforestation and canopy preservation.

This session is designed for urban foresters, municipal planners, consultants, and conservation professionals who want to better understand how mitigation strategies can complement infrastructure development and community growth.

Topics to Be Covered:

• Overview of Wetland Mitigation Banking in Florida
• Service Area Concepts and Credit Market Insights
• Benefits for Municipalities and Developers
• How Tree Mitigation Banking Could Emerge as a Private Market Tool
• Q&A Session with Live Audience

CEU Credits Available:

Eligible for CEUs, including ISA, LIAF, SAF, LACES, CAM, and FNGLA upon request.

About the Speaker:

Victoria K. Bruce is a recognized expert in wetland mitigation banking with over two decades of experience in environmental permitting and credit markets. As CEO of The Mitigation Banking Group, she manages over 25 mitigation and conservation banks and is a trusted resource for developers, consultants, and agencies across Florida and the southeastern U.S.