Port St. Lucie, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Port St. Lucie, 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
- Secs. 154.14 through 154.17
- Protected tree
- 12 inches DBH or greater
- Native palm
- Minimum clear trunk of ten feet
- Mitigation
- One inch DBH per inch removed
- No-permit penalty
- Up to triple replacement, double fee
Summary
You need a tree removal permit before cutting down, substantially altering, relocating or damaging a protected tree in Port St. Lucie: any tree of 12 inches D.B.H. or greater, or any native palm with at least ten feet of clear trunk.
Mitigation is required for the removal of a protected tree at a ratio of one inch D.B.H. for each inch of D.B.H. removed. Trees preserved or relocated on-site, which exceed the minimum landscape requirements count as equivalent replacement D.B.H. Trees planted on-site which exceed the minimum landscape requirements shall count as one-half credit towards the mitigation requirements. Each palm tree that is preserved through on-site protection or relocation will count towards any required palm tree mitigation at a ratio of one palm tree preserved/relocated equal to one palm tree removed.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 154, Article II runs the program. Section 154.14(A) forbids cutting down, substantially altering, destroying, removing, relocating or damaging a protected tree without a permit, and Chapter 153 defines a protected tree as one with a DBH of 12 inches or greater or any native palm with a minimum clear trunk of ten feet. Applications go to the Planning and Zoning Department under section 154.15(A), and the Zoning Administrator must find at least one listed ground, such as the tree sitting in the net buildable area, a right-of-way or easement, or being confirmed diseased. Section 154.16(A) then requires mitigation at one inch D.B.H. for each inch removed.
Violations & Fines
Under section 154.17(A) trees removed without a permit bring replacement of up to three times the amount plus twice the normal application fee. Each tree is a separate violation, and no certificate of occupancy issues until you comply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much replacement is required when I remove a tree?
Are there exemptions to the tree-removal permit?
Where do I get a tree removal permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port St. Lucie
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