Sarasota, FL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned species
- 7 listed (Brazilian Pepper, etc.)
- Sale/planting
- Prohibited without state DEP permit
- Existing plants
- Not required to be removed
- Governing section
- Zoning Code § VII-311
Summary
City of Sarasota bans selling, buying, or planting seven listed invasive tree species, including Brazilian Pepper and Australian Pine, without a state DEP permit.
The following species of trees are prohibited: Melaleuca quinquenervia (Punk tree), Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian Pepper), Casuarina spp (Australian Pine), Cupaniopsis anacardioides (Carrotwood), Melia azedarach (Chinaberry), Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallow), and Ficus microcarpa (Cuban Laurel). The sale, purchase or planting of prohibited trees as defined in this Code for the purposes of planting upon private or public property shall be prohibited, unless a permit has been issued by the state department of environmental protection in accordance with F.S. § 369.251. A copy of the state permit shall be submitted to the director of neighborhood and development services prior to commencing any sale, purchase or planting of a prohibited tree. Established prohibited trees are not required to be removed by this section.
(Ord. No. 02-4401, § 3, 8-4-03; Ord. No. 21-5369, § 1, 5-2-22)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Zoning: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
City of Sarasota bans the sale, purchase, or planting of seven invasive tree species, Punk Tree, Brazilian Pepper, Australian Pine, Carrotwood, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, and Cuban Laurel, anywhere in the city, on private or public property, unless the state Department of Environmental Protection has issued a permit under Florida Statutes § 369.251. The rule targets new planting activity rather than existing landscaping: trees of these species already established on a property are not required to be removed under this section.
Violations & Fines
The zoning code does not attach a specific fine to § VII-311; violations are enforced as general zoning code violations through the city's code enforcement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant Brazilian Pepper or Australian Pine in City of Sarasota?
Do I have to remove an existing Brazilian Pepper on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sarasota
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sarasota to another location·View the Florida invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sarasota County handle prohibited species.