Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Dunedin vs St. Petersburg
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Dunedin and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin requires a $25 tree removal permit for any protected tree, defined as a shade tree 4 inches DBH or larger. Removal triggers replacement requirements of one or two trees depending on size.
View full Dunedin rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg requires a permit to remove protected trees under Section 16.40.060, with penalties up to $6,855 for unauthorized removal of a Grand Tree on residential property.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | $25 per application | - |
| Protected size | 4 inches DBH shade trees | 4 inches DBH |
| Reviewing body | Parks Division arborist | - |
| Replacement small | 1 tree under 19 inches | - |
| Replacement large | 2 trees 19 inches plus | - |
| Code section | - | Sec. 16.40.060 |
| Exemption | - | FS 163.045 with arborist letter |
| Grand Tree fine | - | Up to $6,855 |
| Mitigation | - | Replant or Tree Trust Fund |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
Which trees are protected in Dunedin?
Any shade tree 4 inches or larger DBH and any understory tree 8 inches or larger DBH is protected. All Grand Trees of 30 inches DBH or more receive additional protection.
What if a tree is dead or dangerous?
Dead, hazardous, or storm-damaged trees still require a permit, but the city arborist typically waives the fee and expedites approval after inspection. Document the condition before any work.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I remove a tree under Florida's homeowner law in St. Pete?
Only if a Florida-licensed landscape architect or ISA-certified arborist documents in writing that the tree presents an unacceptable risk under ANSI BMP standards before removal.
What happens if I remove a tree without a St. Petersburg permit?
Urban Forestry assesses an after-the-fact permit fee, replacement requirements, and fines based on tree size. A Grand Tree removal can total nearly $7,000 in charges.
Compare other topics
See how Dunedin and St. Petersburg compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool