Permits & Applications

Every county, and sometimes towns, have different regulations for tree planting and removal. Use this page as a guide to help you in your tree work ideas and planning. It is always best to have GreenTopps Tree Services come out and handle tree removal for you.

Charlotte County Trees Ordinance
A tree removal permit is required if the following conditions are met:
(partial list, see Sec. 3-2-187 use link above for full list)
- All native trees (per Sec. 3-2-186 subsection (k) ) if they are greater than 4 caliper inches
- Any Palm (per Sec. 3-2-186 Subsection (k) ) with greater than 6 feet of clear trunk.
Exceptions
(partial list, see Sec. 3-2-188 use link above for full list)
- Removal of dead trees.
- Removal of non-native trees (not outlines in Sec. 3-2-186 subsection (k) )
- Removal of native trees in within utility, drainage, and road right-of-way easements. See Sec. 3-2-188 subsection (a)(9) for more details
Fines / Penalties for Tree Removal without Permit
(full explanation of penalties outlined in Sec. 3-2-203 subsection (c) in link above)
- 1st offense, the fee is four times the original tree removal fee.
- 2nd offense in one calendar, same as 1st offense plus $150
- Multiple offenses in one calendar, same as 1st offense plus $500 for each occurrence.
Documents
Manatee County Tree Removal Authorization & Permits
Tree removal authorization is required for residential street trees, and a tree removal permit is required for Homeowner Association (HOA) common areas, commercial sites and conservation areas.
To report illegal tree removal, contact Code Enforcement at (941) 748-3094 or [email protected].
Documents
City of North Port Tree Protection Regulations
A tree removal permit is required if the following conditions are met:
(partial list, see Sec. 45-7 & 45-8 use link above for full list)
- Removal of the tree will bring the property’s tree canopy below 35%.
- If the tree is classified as a Heritage Tree
- Diameter is > 30″ at breast/chest height, see Sec. 45-12 use link above for full definition.
- If a property owner in a residential subdivision, Residential Single-Family (RSF), Residential Manufactured Home (RMH)
Fines / Penalties for Tree Removal without Permit
(full explanation of penalties outlined in Sec. 45-14 Section B in link above)
- Residential: $250.00 per tree OR $2,500.00 fine shall be assessed per 10,000 square feet of lot/parcel if multiple trees.
- Non-Residential: $500.00 per tree OR $5,000.00 fine shall be assessed per 10,000 square feet of lot/parcel if multiple trees.
Documents
Sarasota County Trees Ordinance
A tree removal permit is required if the following conditions are met:
(partial list, see Sec. 54-586 use link above for full list)
- Trees pose a safety hazard to people, flow of traffic, buildings, vehicles and / or utility lines.
- Tree prevents access to a lot.
- Tree prevents development of a lot.
- Tree is damaged, diseased or weakened caused by age, storm or fire
- Tree qualifies as a Grand Tree, see calculations below
Exceptions
(partial list, see Sec. 54-585 use link above for full list)
- Exotic Tree (Brazilian Pepper, Punk or Melaleuca, Australian Pine, Carrotwood, Chinaberry or Chinese Tallow)
- Emergency Removal due to lose of utilities
Fines / Penalties for Tree Removal without Permit
(full explanation of penalties outlined in Sec. 54-591 Section B in link above)
- Grand Tree: $500 / Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)
Documents
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