Port St. Lucie, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Sec. 154.14(A), exception 10
- Routine trimming
- No permit required
- Protected tree
- 12 inches DBH or greater
- Native palm
- Minimum clear trunk of ten feet
- Unimproved lots
- Trim branches within four feet of dwelling
Summary
Routine trimming and pruning that is not meant to kill the plant needs no permit in Port St. Lucie. Substantially altering or damaging a protected tree does: 12 inches D.B.H. or greater, or a native palm with ten feet of clear trunk.
On August 8, 2011, the City of Port St. Lucie City Council adopted the Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance. This ordinance aims to safeguard mature trees with a diameter at breast height (D.B.H.) of 12 inches or greater and native palm trees with a clear trunk of at least 10 feet, whether on public or private property. Single-family lots that have been platted are exempt from these tree preservation requirements. ... The Tree Preservation Ordinance requires that a Tree Removal Permit be acquired prior to the removal of a protected tree. A permit must be obtained from the Planning and Zoning Department. ... Failure to obtain a tree removal permit or authorization prior to removal of a protected tree may result in the issuance of a citation for violation of the Code of Ordinances. In addition, any tree removed without a permit must be replaced at a ratio of 3 to 1 and the applicant will be charged twice the normal application fee for tree removal. Each protected tree removed without a permit shall constitute a separate violation.
Full Breakdown
Section 154.14(A) makes it unlawful to cut down, substantially alter, destroy, remove, relocate or damage a protected tree without a tree removal permit. Exception 10 carves out routine landscape maintenance such as limited trimming or pruning of vegetation that is not intended to result in the eventual death of the plant. Exception 9 covers pruning done for a survey under a Florida registered surveyor or engineer, and exception 7 lets utility companies clear trees interfering with service inside an existing easement or right-of-way. Separately, section 43.04(a)(2) makes the owner of unimproved property trim branches back to the property line once they grow within four feet of a neighboring dwelling.
Violations & Fines
Section 154.17(A) treats each protected tree cut in violation as a separate offense, with replacement of up to three times the amount for every offense and twice the normal tree removal application fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim a tree in Port St. Lucie?
What counts as a protected tree?
Do I have to cut back branches growing toward a house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port St. Lucie
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