Pasco LDC §603 requires a tree removal permit for protected trees 4 inches DBH and larger, or any live oak, cypress, or pine 6 inch+ DBH. FL §163.045 allows removal of trees a certified arborist deems a danger without permit.
Pasco County Land Development Code Section 603 (Tree Preservation) regulates removal of protected trees. Permits are required to remove any tree of 4 inch DBH (diameter at breast height, 4.5 ft above grade) or larger on undeveloped/platted lots and for specified species (live oak, laurel oak, cypress, longleaf pine, magnolia, sand pine) at 6 inch+ DBH. Applications submitted to Planning and Development require a tree survey and mitigation plan for trees 12 inch+ DBH. Florida Statute §163.045 (the 2019 Homeowner Tree Removal law) preempts local permitting when a Florida-licensed ISA-certified arborist or landscape architect documents in writing that a tree poses an unacceptable risk — no permit required, no replacement required. Right-of-way and county-planted trees are managed by Pasco County Public Works and cannot be removed by adjacent owners.
Unauthorized removal of protected tree: $500-$5,000 per tree under LDC §603.6. Heritage or specimen tree removal: up to $10,000 per tree plus replacement at 3:1 ratio. Stop-work order for ongoing clearing.
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