Pinellas County, FL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Rating
- Grade 3 "Excellent" (80%+ condition)
- Includes
- trees with historical significance
- Removal grounds
- lot access, utilities, or safety only
- Mitigation
- replant trees per Table 58-813(b)
Summary
Trees rated "Excellent" under the county's grading system, including those with historical significance or rare species, get the strictest removal limits: only for lot access, utility conflicts or safety.
"Excellent" Native tree in excellent condition; no visible signs of decay; less than 10% deadwood present; no significant structural defects (root girdling, codominance is lower half). This rating shall include trees with historical significance and unusual or rare species. It shall also include hardwood species >36" DBH and softwood species <20" DBH that would otherwise be a grade 2. (Condition rating of 80% or greater) May be removed with a permit when the tree prevents development of or access to a lot, interferes with underground or overhead utilities, or removal is necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare as verified by county staff. Minimum landscape requirements apply. Replant trees required per Table 58-813(b).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124).
Full Breakdown
Pinellas County doesn't run a separate landmark-tree registry; instead Table 58-813(a) folds historic and rare trees into its highest "Grade 3 – Excellent" category alongside oversized native hardwoods and softwoods. A Grade 3 tree, addressed in Sec. 58-813(b)(3), can be removed only with a permit and only when it blocks lot development or access, conflicts with utilities, or removal is needed for public health, safety or welfare as verified by county staff: a narrower list of grounds than lower-graded trees get, plus mandatory replant trees per Table 58-813(b).
Violations & Fines
Removing a Grade 3 historic or rare tree outside the narrow permit conditions is treated as unauthorized removal under Sec. 58-810(c): $150 per DBH inch plus required replant trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pinellas County have a heritage or landmark tree list?
Can a Grade 3 tree ever be removed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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