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Hillsborough County, FL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Grand oak threshold
34+ inch DBH oak
Removal
Requires Administrator authorization
Pruning
ISA/ASCA certified arborist only
Applies to
Development/permitting process
Illicit removal penalty
ISA Shade Tree Formula valuation

Summary

Hillsborough County's Land Development Code requires developers to preserve any oak 34 inches or more in trunk diameter, a 'grand oak', unless the County Administrator authorizes removal.

City-specific rules exist: Tampa has its own heritage & protected trees rules that differ from Hillsborough County's county-level regulations. If you live in Tampa, check the city-specific page instead.

3. The developer shall preserve all trees identified as a grand oak unless authorized for removal by the Administrator. ... 14. Pruning of a grand oak, with the exception of minor pruning, is prohibited unless conducted in accordance with the ANSI A 300 Pruning Standards ... as performed by an Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a Registered Consulting Arborist with the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).

View official code

Full Breakdown

LDC Sec. 4.01.06.A.3 requires a developer to preserve every tree identified as a grand oak, defined at 34+ inches DBH, within a development site unless the County Administrator authorizes removal; a limited exception applies in road sight-distance and recovery areas. Sec. 4.01.06.A.14 further bars pruning a grand oak, beyond minor trimming, except under ANSI A300 Pruning Standards performed by an ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, with a notarized affidavit filed with the County before work begins. The rule governs unincorporated Hillsborough County's development-permitting process, not routine yard maintenance on already-developed lots.

Violations & Fines

Unauthorized removal is treated as illicit; the County requires replacement valued under the ISA Shade Tree Formula (LDC Sec. 11.06.05) and can condition or deny development approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this protect grand oaks on my existing house lot?
It governs trees identified during the development/permitting process, not routine maintenance decisions on an already-built residential lot.
Can I prune a grand oak myself?
Only minor trimming. Standard pruning needs a certified ISA or ASCA arborist and a notarized affidavit filed with the County first.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hillsborough County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Hillsborough County rules

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Heritage & Protected Trees in Cities Across Hillsborough County

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