Gulfport, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Owner trimming duty
- Keep trees clear of ROW, visibility triangles, signals
- Canopy removal cap
- 50% per year without a permit
- Protected tree size
- 6 inches DBH or more
- Utility trim permit threshold
- 1 linear city block per 30 days
- Improper removal fine
- $100 per tree to tree bank account
Summary
Gulfport property owners must prune and maintain their trees so they don't block a public right-of-way, visibility triangle, street light or traffic control device under Section 22-20.09(b) of the city's tree preservation article.
The owner of any property, and any person having care, custody or control thereof, shall prune and maintain all trees located on said property to the extent necessary to keep said tree from interfering with the use of any public right-of-way, or obstructing any visibility triangle, street light or traffic control device.
Full Breakdown
01. 09(b) puts the trimming duty directly on the property owner or anyone with care, custody or control of the land: trees must be pruned and maintained to the extent necessary to keep them from interfering with use of a public right-of-way, or from obstructing a visibility triangle, street light or traffic control device. 09(d) bars removing more than 50 percent of a protected tree's canopy in any one-year period, or removing the entire canopy at any time, for any tree 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height.
10(c) lets them trim and keep clear all trees and limbs endangering their lines, but requires a no-fee city permit before trimming a linear city block or more of right-of-way or easement in any 30-day span, with the city required to act on a completed application within 30 days; the permit does not apply during hurricanes, windstorms, floods, freezes or other declared emergencies.
Violations & Fines
Failing the Section 22-20.09(b) clearance duty, or over-pruning past the 50-percent canopy cap, is enforceable under Section 22-20.13: the city can withhold any certificate of occupancy, permit or inspection on the property until the article's conditions are met, and unauthorized removal or destruction of a protected tree carries inch-for-inch replacement plus a $100.00 fine per tree deposited into the city's tree bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Gulfport homeowner required to trim a tree blocking the sidewalk?
Can I cut half my oak tree's canopy back myself?
Does the power company need a permit to trim trees along its lines?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gulfport
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle tree trimming.