Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Clearwater vs Pinellas Park
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Pinellas Park, FL?
Clearwater and Pinellas Park have similar restriction levels.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Clearwater requires a removal permit for any protected tree four inches DBH or greater and for palms with ten-foot clear straight trunks, with replacement plantings mandatory within 90 days and removal of specimen or historic trees prohibited.
View full Clearwater rules →Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Removing protected trees in Pinellas Park requires a permit under Article 4 of the Land Development Code. Healthy trees four inches DBH or larger are typically protected, with removal triggering replacement or mitigation.
View full Pinellas Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Pinellas Park |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code section | - | LDC Article 4 |
| Protected size | - | 4 inches DBH or larger |
| Permit needed | - | Yes for protected trees |
| State exemption | - | FS 163.045 dangerous trees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
How do I get a tree removal permit in Clearwater?
Submit a written application with required fee and any necessary site plan or arborist inventory to the Community Development Coordinator under CDC Section 4-1202.
Can I remove a dead or hazardous tree without a permit?
Hazardous trees still typically require documentation from an ISA-certified arborist or licensed landscape architect confirming the danger before removal proceeds.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my Pinellas Park yard?
Yes if the tree is healthy and meets the protected size threshold. Hazardous trees documented by an ISA-certified arborist or landscape architect can be removed under FS 163.045 without a city permit, but keep records.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?
Code enforcement can issue daily fines, require replacement plantings at multiple times the removed value, and place a stop-work order on related construction until mitigation is complete and fees are paid.
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