Pinellas Park vs St. Petersburg
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Pinellas Park, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Pinellas Park | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LDC Article 4 | Sec. 16.40.060 |
| Protected size | 4 inches DBH or larger | 4 inches DBH |
| Permit needed | Yes for protected trees | - |
| State exemption | FS 163.045 dangerous trees | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
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