Tree Removal Permit in Tampa, FL
Permit Summary
Do You Need a Tree Removal Permit?
Exemptions
Tampa's published threshold does not require a tree-removal permit for trees under 5 inches DBH, and invasive species are excluded from the City's 5-inch removal-permit rule. Florida Statutes section 163.045 also preempts local notice, application, approval, permit, fee, and mitigation requirements for a tree on qualifying single-family residential property when the owner possesses the required signed onsite assessment from an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect establishing that removal is the only practical way to reduce an unacceptable risk below moderate. That state exemption does not apply to delegated mangrove protection.
Protected Trees & Removal Eligibility
Protected Tree Rules
Regulated protected trees generally may not be removed, relocated, damaged, destroyed, or abused without City authorization. Grand Trees receive additional protection: qualifying grand-tree species meeting the code definition are subject to the special removal standards in section 27-284.2.5, including hazard, Tree Removal Zone, or public-hearing pathways depending on the circumstances.
When Removal Is Allowed
Protected-tree removal is allowed only when applicable Chapter 27 criteria are met, such as specified conflicts with existing buildings or underground utilities, irreversible disease or injury, an uncorrectable right-of-way visibility conflict, approved infrastructure work, necessary vehicular access where reasonable reconfiguration is not possible, or qualifying grading/fill conditions. Grand-tree removal has stricter standards: hazardous trees may qualify administratively, certain eligible small-lot conflicts may use the Tree Removal Zone process, and other construction-impact removals can require a variance and public hearing before the appropriate board, commission, or City Council.
Replacement Requirements
Replacement Rules
Unless an exemption applies, permitted removal of protected and grand trees is subject to mitigation. Natural Resources determines the mitigation based on factors including the removed tree and trees retained on the property. Tampa's guidance allows required replacement planting and, when there is not reasonable room to plant on site, payment into the applicable tree fund; Chapter 27 also establishes tree-trust-fund contributions as a mitigation method.
Arborist & Professional Requirements
Professional Requirements
All tree-removal permits are reviewed by a Natural Resources forester before release. Tampa allows a City-trained Self-Certified Private Arborist to perform the inspection and submit a report for Natural Resources review in applicable cases, and Chapter 27 allows or may require arborist verification or an ISA-certified arborist report for specified reviews. For the Florida Statutes section 163.045 residential risk exemption, the required documentation must be a signed onsite assessment by an ISA-certified arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect using the prescribed tree-risk-assessment procedures.
Public Notice Requirements
Notice Rules
Tampa states that Grand Tree removal requires public notice before removal. For the hazardous grand-tree process, the City's current compliance packet requires mailed notice by Certificate of Mailing to participating property owners within 300 feet and participating organizations, followed by an Affidavit of Compliance with the required mailing records, notice copy, property-owner list, map, and organization list. Non-hazardous grand-tree removals that proceed through a variance/public hearing also follow the applicable Chapter 27 public-notice process.
Emergency Tree Removal
If a non-exempt tree creates an immediate and present risk to life or property that places life or property in imminent danger, Chapter 27 allows the tree to be pruned or removed before permit issuance as necessary for the assessed risk. A permit for that emergency work must be obtained no later than three working days after the tree has been removed or damaged.
Development & Special Areas
Development-Related Rules
When tree removal is part of a future construction project such as an addition, pool, accessory structure, or new residence, Tampa does not require a separate Tree Removal Permit record; the removal is evaluated under the Building Permit by marking the tree for removal on the site plan. If a Building Permit has already been issued and additional removals become necessary, the applicant must submit a Building Plan Revision identifying the additional trees. Protected- and grand-tree retention, protective-radius, mitigation, and special grand-tree approval rules still apply.
Special Zone Rules
Tampa's Tree, Landscape, and Natural Resources Code applies throughout the city on public and private lands and in rights-of-way, and the same division also regulates wetlands, upland habitat, and other environmentally sensitive areas. Right-of-way tree work is subject to City control; private pruning requires Parks Forestry permission, while specified City Forestry, public-utility, aviation, and other governmental activities have code exemptions. Florida's section 163.045 residential tree-risk exemption does not displace separately delegated mangrove-protection authority.
What You Need Before Applying
Requirements
For a regulated tree removal, apply through Tampa's Accela portal before work, provide the required tree and site information, upload required supporting documents, pay applicable fees, and obtain Natural Resources approval. Work requiring a permit may not begin until the permit and approved plans, if applicable, are posted. Grand trees are subject to additional removal criteria and public-process requirements.
Required Documents
Tree-removal applications include a tree survey as required by Chapter 27, plus the tree type, requested action, reason, location, and other application information entered in Accela. Depending on the permit path, uploads may include a survey, owner or agent affidavits, site plans, arborist documentation, and other Natural Resources materials. Grand-tree variance or public-notice cases require additional plans, notices, mailing records, and affidavits as applicable.