Sarasota, FL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Live/Sand Live Oak threshold
- 24" DBH or greater
- Pine/Cedar threshold
- 20" DBH or greater
- Removal
- Prohibited absent city exemption
- Legal status
- Same force as state specimen tree
Summary
City of Sarasota bans removing 'grand trees', large, healthy Live Oaks, Sand Live Oaks, Slash Pines, Longleaf Pines, and Southern Red Cedars, absent a narrow city-approved exemption.
A tree is considered a grand tree if it is determined to have a good or moderate suitability rating by a city arborist, based on the definitions found under the suitability ratings below and is either a Live Oak (Quercus virginia) or Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata) that has a DBH measurement of 24 inches or greater; or is a Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii), Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) or Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) that has a DBH measurement of 20 inches or greater.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Zoning: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
City of Sarasota flatly prohibits removing a 'grand tree', a Live Oak or Sand Live Oak of 24 inches DBH or larger, or a Slash Pine, Longleaf Pine, or Southern Red Cedar of 20 inches DBH or larger, rated in good or moderate health by the city arborist, unless the director of development services finds advanced decline, an unavoidable infrastructure conflict, loss of 25% or more of buildable/parking area, or an imminent safety hazard. Permit holders must post the removal permit and tie an orange ribbon on the tree at least five working days before cutting it down.
Violations & Fines
Illegally removing a grand tree without a permit draws a fine of $225 per inch of DBH removed, tripled permit fees, and mandatory on-site replacement under § VII-325.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a 'grand tree' in City of Sarasota?
Can I remove a grand tree from my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sarasota
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sarasota to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sarasota County handle heritage & protected trees.