Pinellas County regulates pruning of protected trees and mangroves under Chapter 166 of the Land Development Code, with permits required for substantial trimming and special rules for coastal mangroves.
Under Pinellas County Code Chapter 166, Article II (Habitat Management and Protection), trees of 4 inches DBH or greater on most properties are protected, and trimming that damages tree health or removes more than 25 percent of the canopy may require a habitat permit. Effective January 23, 2026, on homesteaded single-family residential lots, only trees larger than 24 inches DBH remain protected. Mangrove trimming is governed separately under the Florida Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act (FS 403.9321-403.9333) and Section 166-81. Civil penalties under Section 166-44 may be assessed per tree. Contact the County Tree Desk at (727) 464-3480.
Civil penalties under Section 166-44, mitigation requirements (replacement trees or Tree Bank Fund contribution), and restoration orders. Per-tree fines apply for unpermitted damage.
Pinellas County, FL
Sound from commercial or industrial zones reaching nearby residential property lines may not exceed 55 dBA between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weekdays and Satu...
Pinellas County, FL
Aircraft operations at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and other airfields are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration; the county cannot ...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County treats a dog that barks for 15 or more sustained minutes within an eight-hour window on two separate dates in a three-day period as a public ...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County does not restrict gas-powered leaf blowers specifically; their use is governed by the general residential noise limits in Chapter 58, Article...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County has no countywide overnight parking ban, but Sec. 122-37 limits overnight residential storage of prohibited vehicles and Sec. 138-3220 govern...
Pinellas County, FL
Florida Statute 366.94 preempts local regulation of electric vehicle charging stations to the state; Pinellas County issues permits based solely on standards...
See how Pinellas County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.