Tree removal permit rules in Sarasota, FL — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
City of Sarasota Zoning Code Article VII Division 3.1 (Tree Protection, Sec. VII-309 et seq.) requires a tree permit to remove or relocate any tree (other than citrus) over 4.5 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) or most palm trees. Ordinance 21-5369 (June 15, 2022) amended the tree protection regulations.
Sec. VII-309 through VII-332 of the Zoning Code govern Sarasota's tree protection program. The 4.5-inch DBH threshold (measured 4.5 feet above grade) captures most mature trees. Citrus and certain invasive species (Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, melaleuca, carrotwood) are exempt from the removal-permit requirement. Grand Trees (designated based on a point system using diameter, height, and spread for the species) receive enhanced protection. Permits are issued by the City Arborist within Development Services. Mitigation typically requires replacement plantings at the City's published ratios; some removals require Tree Trust Fund cash-in-lieu payment. The 2022 ordinance amendments added Sec. VII-329 through VII-332 to expand replacement standards and Grand Tree protections.
Removing a protected tree without a permit is a Zoning Code violation - up to $500 per offense (Sec. 1-11) plus an enhanced restoration penalty under Sec. VII-309 et seq. The City can require like-for-like replacement at multiple ratios for an illegal removal, plus pay-in-lieu to the Tree Trust Fund. Grand Tree illegal removals can carry mitigation requirements of $10,000+ depending on tree size.
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