Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Sarasota vs Venice
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Sarasota, FL and Venice, FL?
Sarasota and Venice have similar restriction levels.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota County
City of Sarasota Zoning Code Article VII Division 3.1 (Tree Protection, Sec. VII-309 et seq.) requires a tree permit to remove or relocate any tree (other than citrus) over 4.5 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) or most palm trees. Ordinance 21-5369 (June 15, 2022) amended the tree protection regulations.
View full Sarasota 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 | Sarasota | Venice |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Zoning Sec. VII-309 et seq. | Venice Code Ch. 89, Sec. 89-3 |
| Permit Threshold | 4.5 in. DBH (most species) | - |
| Exempt | Citrus, invasives | - |
| Grand Tree | Point-based, enhanced protection | - |
| Replacement | Ratios + Tree Trust Fund cash-in-lieu | - |
| 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.
Sarasota FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Sarasota?
Yes - any tree (other than citrus or specified invasives) over 4.5 inches DBH requires a Zoning Sec. VII-309 tree permit from the City Arborist. Palms also generally require permits.
What's a Grand Tree in Sarasota?
A tree whose point total (calculated from diameter, height, and spread) meets the species-specific threshold under the Zoning Code. Grand Trees receive enhanced protection and can require significant mitigation if removed.
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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