Tree removal permit rules in St. Petersburg, FL — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
St. Petersburg requires a permit to remove protected trees under Section 16.40.060, with penalties up to $6,855 for unauthorized removal of a Grand Tree on residential property.
St. Petersburg City Code Section 16.40.060 protects all trees 4 inches DBH or larger on residential and commercial property. Removal requires an Urban Forestry permit unless the tree qualifies under the FS 163.045 risk exemption, which requires written documentation by an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk per ANSI BMP for Tree Risk Assessment (2017). Replacement trees or payment-in-lieu into the Tree Trust Fund are required. Grand Trees (24 inches DBH or larger of listed protected species) face heightened mitigation. Removal of Brazilian Pepper, Carrotwood, and other prohibited exotics is exempt and required during permitted work.
Up to $6,855 total for an unpermitted 30-inch Grand Tree (after-the-fact permit fee, payment-in-lieu of on-site replanting, plus $500 fine). Mitigation replanting is also required.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
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