This claim circulates as a “weird law” urban legend without basis in Georgia statutes, unlike Arizona’s strict saguaro protections. No state law classifies cactus removal as a felony for private landowners.
Property Rules
Georgia regulates protected wildflowers and trees, but common cacti (non-native or ornamental) face no specific bans on private yards. Local ordinances, HOAs, or endangered species rules may apply, requiring permits for natives like certain prickly pears.
Legal Exceptions
Protected plants under OCGA § 12-6-173 prohibit removal without permission, but cacti rarely qualify unless rare or state-listed. Check county zoning for landscaping restrictions before removal.
SOURCES
[1](https://ga2a.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ABG_Brief_in_Support_of_Motion_for_Summary_Judgment_and_Exhibits.pdf)
[2](https://law.justia.com/cases/georgia/court-of-appeals/2022/a21a1479.html)
[3](https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-12/chapter-6/article-3/section-12-6-173/)
[4](https://www.nationalplantboard.org/uploads/1/3/6/7/136771235/georgiasummary.pdf)
[5](https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/geo196014ENG.pdf)
