$10K Fine for No Permit: Forests Need Time to Recover Too

If you were planning to cut firewood or harvest trees from national land, you may want to catch up with this reminder. The Belize Forest Department has had an active five-year moratorium since November 2025 on logging permits to give the country’s forests a chance to recover.

The public is advised that you must come into the Forest Department to apply for a permit, whether it’s for bush sticks, firewood, or any tree you want to cut,” said Forest Officer Victoria Chi.

“You must get a permit from the forest department. If you are caught without a permit or conducting illegal logging, you will be charged. The penalty is up to $10,000,” Chi added.

The moratorium applies to government-owned land, including areas under valid leases, until formal titles are issued. Permits “depend on the species of tree that you want to cut,” Chi said. Mahogany and cedar carry higher fees, while secondary hardwoods cost $16 per tree, for example. Private landowners must still apply for permits, which are available at half price.

Chi said the measure is meant to protect Belize’s forests for everyone. She added that compliance prevents further depletion of the country’s trees.