Tree Removal Permits: Seminole vs St. Petersburg
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Seminole, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Seminole and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
Seminole requires a tree removal permit before removing protected trees on private or public property, with exemptions for certain small species, hazardous trees, and Florida-prohibited species.
View full Seminole rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg requires a permit through Urban Forestry to remove protected trees under Section 16.40.060.5, with stricter rules for Grand Trees 30 inches DBH and larger.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Seminole | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes for protected trees | - |
| Hazard exemption | Allowed with documentation | - |
| Reviewing department | Community Development | - |
| Fines | Calculated per DBH inch | - |
| Code section | - | Sec. 16.40.060.5 |
| Grand Tree | - | 30+ inch DBH |
| Max penalty | - | Up to $6,855 per tree |
| State exemption | - | FS 163.045 (homestead) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Seminole FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Seminole, FL?
Yes, most protected trees on private property require a city tree removal permit before cutting. Apply through Seminole Community Development; hazardous and invasive species may qualify for exemptions.
What happens if I cut a tree without a permit in Seminole?
Unpermitted removal can trigger fines calculated per inch of trunk removed, mandatory replacement plantings, and code enforcement liens. Penalties can quickly exceed several thousand dollars per tree.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in St. Petersburg?
Yes, for any protected tree under Section 16.40.060.5. Homesteaded owners can use the Florida Statute 163.045 exemption only with a certified arborist's documented unacceptable-risk finding.
What happens if I remove a Grand Tree without a permit in St. Pete?
Combined after-the-fact permit fees, payment-in-lieu of replanting, and code fines can reach approximately $6,855 for a single 30-inch Grand Tree on residential property.
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