St. Petersburg requires a permit through Urban Forestry to remove protected trees under Section 16.40.060.5, with stricter rules for Grand Trees 30 inches DBH and larger.
Section 16.40.060.5 of the St. Petersburg Land Development Regulations governs tree protection. A permit through City Urban Forestry is required to remove any protected tree unless the property qualifies for the Florida Statute 163.045 exemption (homestead with a certified arborist's documented unacceptable risk finding). Grand Trees, defined as protected trees 30 inches DBH or larger (excluding Laurel Oaks), receive heightened protection and require permits even for trimming branches 8 inches or larger in diameter. Unpermitted removal of a 30-inch Grand Tree on residential property can total up to $6,855 in combined penalties. Contact Urban Forestry at the City's Sustainability Department before any cutting.
After-the-fact permit ($1,000), payment in lieu of replanting (up to $5,355 per Grand Tree), and fines starting at $500 per tree. Total exposure can exceed $6,800 per tree.
St. Petersburg, FL
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