Manatee County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Manatee County, FL, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Code section
- LDC § 714 (Ch. 7)
- Permit issuer
- Planning Department Director
- Private-yard trees
- Exempt
- Replacement
- One-to-one ratio
- Cash-in-lieu
- $445–$585 per tree
Summary
A Tree Removal Permit from the Planning Department Director is required to remove, relocate, or destroy protected trees: common areas, required landscape/street trees, commercial and conservation areas. Private back/side-yard trees are exempt. Approved removals require one-to-one replacement.
No person may remove, relocate, or otherwise destroy any tree or cause, allow, authorize, or assist in the removal, relocation or destruction of same without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the Planning Department Director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under Manatee County Land Development Code Section 714, 'no person may remove, relocate, or otherwise destroy any tree... without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the Planning Department Director.' This covers trees in common areas, commercial properties, conservation areas, Greenbelt Buffers, and any tree installed as part of a required landscape plan. Applications need a generalized tree inventory. The Director conditions approvals on replacing removed trees at a one-to-one ratio, or a cash payment in lieu (e.g., $445 per 3-inch caliper tree, $585 per 4-inch) deposited into the Tree Protection Trust Fund. Trees in a private back or side yard, and documented-danger removals under FS 163.045, are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without a permit is an LDC violation; the county requires one-to-one replacement or cash-in-lieu payment into the Tree Protection Trust Fund, plus code enforcement fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a tree removal permit in Manatee County?
What if I remove a protected tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manatee County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Manatee County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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