Pinellas County, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard DBH threshold
- 4 inches or larger
- Palm threshold
- 6 feet or taller
- Homestead-exempt residential threshold
- greater than 24 inches DBH
- Removal penalty
- $150 per DBH inch
- Scope
- yields to conflicting municipal ordinance
Summary
Trees with a trunk 4+ inches DBH, palms 6+ feet tall, and homestead-exempt residential trees over 24 inches DBH are protected countywide and can't be removed without a permit.
(a)Protected trees. Protected trees may not be removed or effectively removed without authorization pursuant to this article. Protected trees include:(1)Any tree with a diameter breast height (DBH) of four inches or larger, measured at a height of four and half feet above the ground.(2)All palms six feet in height or larger.(3)On residential property with a homestead exemption from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser and an existing single-family detached residence which is actively used for single-family residential purposes, protected trees are those trees with a DBH greater than 24 inches.
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 Code Sec. 58-813(a) defines three protected classes: any tree with a diameter breast height of 4 inches or more, all palms 6 feet or taller, and, on homestead-exempt single-family residential lots, trees over 24 inches DBH. The rule applies in incorporated and unincorporated Pinellas under Sec. 58-809, but yields to a conflicting municipal ordinance, so residents inside cities like St. Petersburg or Clearwater should check that city's own tree code first. Unauthorized removal triggers replacement duties and a per-DBH-inch penalty under Sec. 58-810(c).
Violations & Fines
Removing or effectively removing a protected tree without a permit costs $150 per DBH inch removed, paid into the county tree bank fund, plus required replacement trees under Sec. 58-810(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside St. Petersburg or Clearwater?
What counts as a protected tree in unincorporated Pinellas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.