Tampa, FL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Reference list
- FL Exotic Pest Plant Council 2017 Invasive List
- Category I rule
- Must be removed concurrent with any site-work permit
- Category II rule
- May stay, but zero mitigation credit
- Camphor exception
- Category I but can count as protected/grand
- Sensitive-land trigger
- Camphor within 50 ft of sensitive land must go
- Also exempt
- Species on FL Noxious Weed List, Rule 5B-57
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 27-43 & Sec. 27-284.1.2(d)
Summary
Tampa's Land Development Code splits invasive trees into exempt Category I and Category II species from the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's 2017 list. Category I species must be removed with any site-work permit; Category II species may stay, but neither earns credit toward a project's required tree mitigation.
Exempt plant species: Any Category I or II species, as listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's 2017 List of Invasive Plant Species, (refer to section 27-284.1.2(d) for specific requirements). Any species included on the State of Florida's Noxious Weed List (refer to FL Administrative Code, Rule Chapter 5B-57). ... All Category I species...with the exception of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), shall be required to be removed concurrent with any site work-related permit, unless otherwise approved by the natural resources coordinator or designee. ... All Category II species...if existing may remain in place or be planted as new, but no credit shall be factored into the Tree Retention-Mitigation Equivalency Tables...for retention or planting such species.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 148).
Full Breakdown
Section 27-43 defines 'exempt plant species' as any Category I or Category II species on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's 2017 List of Invasive Plant Species, plus anything on the State of Florida's Noxious Weed List under Florida Administrative Code Rule Chapter 5B-57. Because they're 'exempt,' none of these species count as 'protected trees' under Section 27-43, so removing one never requires the tree-removal permit described for protected and grand trees. with the exception of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), shall be required to be removed concurrent with any site work-related permit, unless otherwise approved by the natural resources coordinator or designee,' and Category I trees earn zero credit toward the Tree Retention-Mitigation Equivalency Tables used to calculate a project's required tree replacement.
Category II species are treated more gently, subsection (d)(2) lets them 'remain in place or be planted as new,' but again with no mitigation credit for retaining or planting them. 5-inch caliper trees for a grand camphor, three for specimen, two for protected.
Violations & Fines
The code doesn't set a standalone fine for failing to clear Category I invasives during site work; instead, non-compliance blocks the site-work or building permit tied to the project, since removal is a permit condition under Section 27-284.1.2(d)(1). Where Chapter 27 doesn't fix a specific penalty, the Code's general penalty, Section 1-6, applies citywide: a fine up to $500, up to 60 days' imprisonment, and/or up to six months' probation, with each day of continued non-compliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to remove an invasive tree from my Tampa lot?
Can I keep an invasive tree that's already established and healthy?
Why does camphor get special treatment when it's on the invasive list?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tampa
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tampa to another location·View the Florida invasive plant rules overview
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