Tree Protection in Sarasota County, FL (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Sarasota County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Sarasota County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Protected Tree Species

Sarasota County designates exceptional trees as "Grand Trees" using a point system tied to species, trunk diameter, height and canopy spread, and new development must be designed to protect any Grand Tree on the lot, with removal or injury treated far more seriously than an ordinary tree.

Sarasota County Grand Tree Protection Standard

Significant Restrictions

Sarasota County Code § 54-586(4)

(4)Grand Tree Designation. The standards set forth in Schedule A and Schedule B shall provide the parameters for Grand Tree designation in the County. Additionally, all Grand Trees shall have a 70 percent or greater Condition Classification.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

Sarasota County lets residents plant Street Trees in the road right-of-way fronting their lots, but a canopy tree must sit 8 to 15 feet back from the right-of-way, at least 3 feet from any property line and 6 feet from utility lines. Private plantings in the right-of-way also require a maintenance agreement and a Right-of-Way Use Permit.

Sarasota County Right-of-Way Tree Planting Rules

Some Restrictions

Sarasota County Code § 54-589(2)(j), (6)(a), (6)(c)

Tree planting and other landscaping within a Right-of-Way. When private installation of Trees or landscaping within a Right-of-Way is proposed, a maintenance agreement will be required in addition to a Right-of-Way Use Permit. The maintenance agreement shall be in a form satisfactory to the Administrator and may include insurance, performance assurances, and other provisions deemed necessary by...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Protection by City in Sarasota County

2 cities in Sarasota County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

North PortPop. 80,021

3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Parkway Planting

SarasotaPop. 54,842

3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Parkway Planting

All Sarasota County ordinances

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