Tree Removal Permits: St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs
How do tree removal permits 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 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 →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Tarpon Springs requires a tree removal permit for any protected tree with a DBH of 4 inches or greater under Article IX of the Land Development Code. Trimming up to one-third of a canopy per year is exempt.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Petersburg | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Code reference | - | Article IX, Section 133 |
| Protected size | - | 4-inch DBH or greater |
| Pruning exemption | - | Up to one-third canopy yearly |
| Topping | - | Prohibited |
| Permit office | - | Building Development |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
Do I need a permit to trim my tree in Tarpon Springs?
No permit is needed if you remove no more than one-third of the canopy within a calendar year. Cutting more is considered topping and is not allowed.
What trees are protected in Tarpon Springs?
Any tree four inches DBH or larger that is not specifically excluded, plus all mangroves, Sabal Palms, and Cabbage Palms regardless of size.
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