Sarasota County requires a Tree Permit before removing most trees in the unincorporated area and specially protects Grand Trees. Exemptions cover invasive exotics, emergencies, and agriculture; state law waives permits for documented hazard trees.
Chapter 54, Article XVIII (Tree Protection) requires a Tree Permit for tree removal, relocation, and development affecting trees. Section 54-586 provides that 'All Persons must obtain a Tree Permit before conducting any of the activities listed in Section 54-584(1)... unless the activity qualifies for an exemption under Section 54-585.' Development applications must be designed to protect Grand Trees (large specimen or champion trees). Exemptions (Sec. 54-585) include Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Category I invasive species, listed exotics (Brazilian Pepper, Melaleuca, Australian Pine, Carrotwood, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow), declared emergencies, and bona fide agricultural land. Under F.S. 163.045, no permit or fee is required to remove a residential tree an arborist documents as an unacceptable risk.
Removing a protected tree without a permit requires an after-the-fact Tree Permit and mitigation (replacement/tree-fund contribution); each violation is enforceable with daily fines under F.S. ch. 162.
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