Dade City, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Dade City regulates tree removal through two linked sections of its Land Development Regulations. Section 6.2.1 sets the standards and Section 2.4.14 sets the permit procedure. Both apply to all real property inside the incorporated limits, including public land, rights-of-way and easements, and both were re-adopted by Ordinance No. 2026-01 on 2-24-2026.

The permit comes first. Section 6.2.1(E)(1) makes it unlawful to remove or effectively remove a tree without a permit from the building department, with the fee paid at the time of application. A homeowner or business owner working around an established single-family residence or place of business files a sketch showing structures, drives, walks and existing trees, a list of the species and sizes to come out, a list of trees to remain or be replanted, and a written reason for the removal. Developers of undeveloped sites file the tree removal application together with the preliminary site plan, and it must show tree locations, roadways, utility easements and any grade changes that could endanger a retained tree.

The Building Official decides. Under Section 2.4.14(D), the official weighs drainage, topography, natural resources, ecology, public safety, aesthetic value and the reasonable use of the site. Within seven days of filing, except for site plan and major preliminary plat applications, the official must approve or deny each regulated tree. No permit issues for a champion or heritage tree unless one of the Section 2.4.14(E) conditions is met: an immediate safety hazard, a harmful insect or fungal infestation, a tree whose location blocks reasonable use of the site with no economical alternative, or progressive damage to buildings or other more desirable trees.

Size and replacement drive the cost. Trees between 12 and 40 inches DBH come out only where preserving them would create an unnecessary hardship for the developer. Removal above the allowed percentage requires inch-per-inch replacement or a payment into the tree bank. Allowed removal depends on tree density per acre: 60 percent above 40 trees, 40 percent at 20 to 40, and 20 percent at 10 to 19. Replacement trees must be at least eight feet tall and two inches DBH, with a six-month follow-up inspection. In-lieu fees run from $25 to $100 per inch for single-family lots and $50 to $150 per inch for all other development.

Section 6.2.1(D) exempts transplanted trees, trees under four inches DBH, utilities and governmental agencies following ANSI standards, agricultural land recognized by the Pasco County Property Appraiser, plant nurseries, and Dade City-owned land. The City Manager can waive the rules for a definite period after a hurricane or similar disaster and can verbally authorize removal of a hazardous tree.