Sarasota, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Grand oak threshold
- 24 inches DBH+
- Grand pine/cedar threshold
- 20 inches DBH+
- Default rule
- Removal prohibited
- Advance notice
- 5-day posting/ribbon
Summary
City of Sarasota bans removing a grand (heritage) tree, a large live oak, pine, or cedar, unless the director of development services grants a specific exemption.
A tree is considered a grand tree if it is determined to have a good or moderate suitability rating by a city arborist ... and is either a Live Oak (Quercus virginia) or Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata) that has a DBH measurement of 24 inches or greater... The removal of a grand tree located upon public or private property is hereby prohibited unless exempted in accordance with subparagraph (c) or (f) below.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Zoning: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Sarasota Zoning Code § VII-310 protects 'grand trees': live oaks and sand live oaks 24 inches DBH or larger, and slash pine, longleaf pine, or southern red cedar 20 inches DBH or larger, rated in good or moderate health by a city arborist. Removing a grand tree is prohibited outright unless the director of development services makes a specific finding, advanced decline confirmed by a certified arborist, an unavoidable infrastructure conflict, loss of 25 percent or more of buildable or parking area, or an imminent safety hazard. An approved removal permit must be posted on site, and the tree flagged with orange ribbon, at least five working days before removal.
Violations & Fines
Removing a grand tree without a qualifying exemption is a code violation; § VII-325 sets fines up to $225 per inch DBH and requires on-site replacement of the tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a 'grand tree' in Sarasota?
Can a grand tree ever be removed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sarasota
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sarasota to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sarasota County handle tree removal & heritage trees.