Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: North Port vs Venice
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between North Port, FL and Venice, FL?
North Port and Venice have similar restriction levels.
North Port, FL
Sarasota County
Ordinance 2021-46 created Chapter 45 of the ULDC, the Tree Protection Regulations. Tree removal authorization is required for anyone wanting to remove, relocate, or cause irreparable injury to a tree, with key exceptions for owner-occupied residential lots and certain exotic invasive species.
View full North Port rules →Venice, FL
Sarasota County
Venice Code Ch. 89 (Environmental Regulations) Sec. 89-3 governs tree preservation, protection and replacement. Removal of Heritage Trees, Venetian Trees, and Canopy Road Trees requires a city tree removal permit; replacement is required at a 1:1 tree-inch ratio.
View full Venice rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | North Port | Venice |
|---|---|---|
| Code Chapter | ULDC Ch. 45 (Ord. 2021-46) | - |
| Owner-Occupied Exemption | 5 acres or less, 1 yr post-CO | - |
| Large Lot Exemption | >5 acres, 150 ft from dwelling, 1 yr post-CO | - |
| Exotic Invasive | Removal exempt | - |
| Replacement Standard | Sec. 45-8 tree credits | - |
| Code Section | - | Venice Code Ch. 89, Sec. 89-3 |
| Heritage Tree | - | Native, 30 in. DBH or 45 in. combined |
| Replacement Ratio | - | 1:1 tree-inch |
| Mitigation Fee | - | $175 per tree-inch |
| City Arborist | - | Jim Yelverton - 941-882-7433 |
| Penalty | - | $500/day + restoration |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
North Port FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my own North Port yard?
If you're an owner-occupant on a lot of 5 acres or less and your home has had a CO for at least 1 year, no permit is required (Sec. 45-3 exception). New construction owners must wait the 1-year window.
What about removing a dead or dangerous tree?
Trees posing a danger to persons or property are exempt from the permit requirement under Sec. 45-3. Document the condition (photos, arborist letter) before removal to protect yourself from enforcement.
Venice FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my Venice yard?
Permits are required for Heritage, Venetian and Canopy Road trees on any property, and for any protected tree on parcels over half an acre. Many small residential RSF parcels can remove non-protected trees without a permit - verify with the City Arborist first.
What is the fine for removing a Heritage tree without a permit?
Up to $500 per day under Sec. 1-14 plus a mitigation requirement at $175 per tree-inch (replacement) or 1:1 on-site replacement.
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