Bradenton, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 62-1 of the Bradenton Code of Ordinances, in Chapter 62 (Streets and Sidewalks), puts tree clearance on the private owner. Any tree or shrub that overhangs a public street or sidewalk so as to impede or interfere with travel must be trimmed by the owner of the abutting premises, or of the premises on which the tree or shrub grows, until the obstruction ceases. The code prints no height clearance figure. The test is whether travel on the street or sidewalk is impeded or interfered with.

A separate duty covers hazardous trees. Any tree or limb of a tree that has become likely to fall on or across a public street or sidewalk must be removed by the owner of the premises on which it grows or stands.

The city has a fallback. The director of public works can trim any such tree or shrub, or remove any such tree or branch, so that the obstruction to persons using the street or sidewalk is eliminated. Nothing in the printed text requires prior notice for that trimming, in contrast to the roots rule.

Roots have their own procedure. Roots of trees that obstruct, break up or otherwise damage existing public streets or sidewalks, or that prevent the proper and efficient construction or laying of any public street or sidewalk, must be cut and removed to the extent that they encroach upon the public easement or right-of-way. The owner of the property on which they grow must do it within ten days after receiving written notice of the necessity from the director of public works. If the owner does not act within the ten-day period, the director of public works has the roots cut and removed and assesses the cost against the property owner.

Related rules sit next door. Section 62-2 requires permission from the superintendent of parks before anyone plants, sets out or maintains any tree, plant or shrub in a grass plot between the street, curb and sidewalk. Section 62-5 sends any violation of Chapter 62 to the general penalty in section 1-15.