Pinellas County Tree Removal Permits & Costs

Wendy Walker • January 28, 2026

Pinellas County Tree Removal Permits: A Simple Guide

Figuring out the rules for tree removal in Pinellas County can feel like navigating a tangled web. Between county ordinances, city regulations, and exceptions for hazardous trees, it's easy to get lost. What trees are protected? Do you need a permit for tree removal? How much will it cost? It's enough to make any homeowner's head spin.

At Walker Tree Service, we understand the confusion, and we're here to help you cut through the red tape. This guide will break down the key aspects of the tree removal permit process, helping you understand your responsibilities and make informed decisions.

And remember, if you need a partner for the job, we offer professional tree services and specialty tree care for unique situations.

Tree Removal Permits in Pinellas County: What You Need to Know

Let's dive into the essentials, covering jurisdiction, risks, and how licensing impacts the process.

County vs. City: Who Makes the Rules?

The first step is identifying jurisdiction. Pinellas County regulations apply to unincorporated areas. However, if your property falls within city limits, you cannot proceed with tree removal without council approval(or City approval, as it is locally known).

For example, Clearwater has its own strict application checklist. You can find specific details on Clearwater Tree Removal rules here.

Once you've determined jurisdiction, you need to know if your specific tree is protected.

When is a Tree Removal Permit Required?

For unincorporated areas, a tree removal permit(Habitat Permit) is usually required for:

  • Healthy trees with a trunk diameter of 4 inches or more(DBH).
  • Sabal/Cabbage palms 6 feet or taller.
  • Mangroves and buttonwood(strict protections).

Note: Visit the official Pinellas County Environmental Compliance page for the latest updates.

Risks of Tree Removal Without Permit

Attempting tree removal without a permit when one is required can lead to code enforcement violations and hefty fines. However, there is an exception.

If an ISA-certified arborist documents that a tree poses an "unacceptable risk," the local government cannot mandate a permit or fee. Always keep this documentation on hand.

If your tree doesn't fall under the hazardous exception, you'll need to move forward with the official paperwork.

Navigating the Tree Removal Permit Application

Applying doesn't have to be daunting. Here is how the tree removal permit application generally works in Pinellas County via the Accela Access Portal.

Application Steps

  • Confirmation: Use the address lookup tool to confirm you are in a county-served area.
  • Login: Create an account on the Accela portal.
  • Start: Select "Tree Removal/Habitat Permit". Homeowners can typically select "None Applicable" for the license type.
  • Upload: Submit the application and a site plan showing the tree location.

Submitting your application is one thing, but budgeting for it is another. While some permits are free, others come with fees.

How Much Is a Tree Removal Permit?

We often get asked, " How much is a tree removal permit in Pinellas County?" Fees are set annually, so exact numbers can fluctuate, but recent fee schedules list the following:

Permit Fees

  • Nuisance/Invasive: No charge
  • Single-family/Duplex:$50
  • Commercial:$265

Mitigation Costs

(Tree Bank Contribution if you don't replant)

  • Residential:$300 per tree
  • Commercial:$500 per tree

Note: Always confirm current pricing with the County Tree Desk.

Licensing and Mitigation

Finally, it is vital to understand who is actually allowed to perform the work and what happens after the tree is gone.

Tree Removal License Requirements

Do you need a tree removal license? Homeowners doing their own work do not. However, if you hire a pro, you must be careful.

While Florida doesn't have a specific state "tree removal license" for general removal, reputable companies must carry liability insurance and Workers' Comp. Always verify credentials to protect your property.

Mitigation & Projects

Removing a high-rated tree often triggers a requirement to replant or pay into a mitigation fund. We have handled many complex removals involving these requirements.

You can see examples of our compliant work in our past tree removal projects gallery.

Need help with the permitting process?

We can guide you through the red tape and handle the heavy lifting.

Get a Free Estimate

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