St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between St. Petersburg, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs have similar restriction levels.
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 →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Tarpon Springs requires a tree removal permit before removing protected trees on private property under Appendix A, Article IX, with replacement or mitigation typically required when removal is approved.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Petersburg | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Sec. 16.40.060 | Appendix A, Article IX |
| 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 | - |
| Permit required | - | Yes for protected trees |
| Application | - | Tree Removal Permit form |
| Dangerous trees | - | Preempted by FS 163.045 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my yard?
Yes, removing a protected tree on private property requires a Tarpon Springs tree removal permit and may require mitigation plantings.
What if the tree is dead or dangerous?
Florida Statute 163.045 prohibits the city from requiring a permit when a certified arborist or landscape architect documents that the tree is dangerous.
What is a No Tree Removal Certificate?
It is a form submitted with development permits when no protected trees exist on the site or none will be removed.
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