Safety Harbor vs St. Petersburg
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Safety Harbor, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Safety Harbor and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Safety Harbor, FL
Pinellas County
Removing a protected tree in Safety Harbor requires a permit. Any shade tree 4 inch DBH or larger, sabal palms with 5 ft trunks, mangroves, and listed species are protected. Fees are $25 residential and $100 other parcels.
View full Safety Harbor 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 | Safety Harbor | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Protected DBH | 4 inches or greater | - |
| Residential fee | $25 | - |
| Other parcels fee | $100 | - |
| Mangroves | Always protected | - |
| Code | LDC 153.07 and 153.10 | - |
| Code section | - | Sec. 16.40.060 |
| Protected size | - | 4 inches DBH |
| 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.
Safety Harbor FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my yard?
Yes, if the tree is a protected shade tree of 4-inch DBH or larger, a sabal palm with five feet of trunk, a mangrove, or on the Replacement List. Trees under 4 inches generally do not require permits.
What if I remove a tree without permission?
Illegal removal is a code violation that can require replacement trees of equivalent caliper, plus monetary penalties. Grand trees carry stiffer mitigation. The case is heard by the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.
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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See how Safety Harbor and St. Petersburg compare on other ordinance categories.
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