How to apply for a tree removal permit in St. Petersburg, Florida

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from St. Petersburg's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 2-4 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 4" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage trees: specified native species at enhanced thresholds receive heightened protection. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage and specimen designations per Chapter 16 apply to live oak, bald cypress, mahogany, and other designated native species at enhanced DBH thresholds; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in St. Petersburg: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, removal justification, site plan, and replacement/mitigation plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Sustainability and Resilience / Urban Forestry. Permit fee: $40.00. Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.stpete.org/residents/sustainability/urban_forestry.php.

    View the full St. Petersburg ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees. On-site replacement preferred; Tree Trust Fund accepts in-lieu fees.

Where to file

Sustainability and Resilience / Urban Forestry

(727) 893-7335

Other Florida permit walkthroughs

See Florida permit fees compared — St. Petersburg's $40.00 fee in context.

See Florida replacement obligations compared — how St. Petersburg's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Florida heritage criteria compared — how St. Petersburg's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your St. Petersburg permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits St. Petersburg's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment