Tree Removal permit in St. Petersburg, FL
It depends — some tree removal work in St. Petersburg needs a permit, some doesn't.
removal of a protected tree or palm
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | removal of a protected tree or palm |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | 16.70.030.1.12 |
| Based on | St. Petersburg City Code, Ch. 16 (Land Development Regulations) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the St. Petersburg building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
St. Petersburg's code doesn't set a specific fine for this work. In practice the department can issue a stop-work order, and unpermitted work tends to surface during a sale, when the buyer's inspector or the title company asks for it.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | — | Depends | removal of a protected tree or palm |
| Largo | 13 mi | Depends | Over 10 in across |
| Clearwater | 17 mi | Yes | Removing a tree from private property needs a tree remova… |
| Tampa | 17 mi | Depends | You need a permit to remove a protected or grand tree, ev… |
| North Port | 56 mi | Yes | You cannot start clearing or removing a tree until the UL… |
| Kissimmee | 84 mi | Depends | You usually need a Tree Removal Permit to take down a pro… |
Other work in St. Petersburg
Questions people ask
My tree removal is right at the limit. Does that count?
The exemption has to fit exactly — if the code says a size or height, being at or under it keeps you exempt, and going a single inch over doesn't. When you're close to the line, measure before you buy materials, and call the department if the number is borderline.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
St. Petersburg can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.