Plant City Tree Removal Permits and Tree Ordinance Guide
Last reviewed October 28, 2026. Next review due April 28, 2027. By Forest, Property Intelligence Specialist, Ken's Tree Service.
Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Plant City?
Section 102-1383(a) requires a tree removal and replacement permit, issued by the Planning and Zoning Division, before removing, relocating, damaging, destroying or abusing protected trees, subject to code exemptions and Florida Statute 163.045. Screen the tree, jurisdiction and approval route before work.
This is a reference for property inside Plant City limits, not a statement that Ken's Tree Service serves Plant City. Our city-or-county tree-permit guide is related reading about Pinellas jurisdiction, not Plant City law.
Does the ordinance favor keeping trees?
Section 102-1384 requires development design to minimize native-vegetation removal without precluding lawful parcel use. Section 102-1383(c) requires proof of a listed removal ground and any required relocation or recommended-tree replacement.
Which trees are protected?
Section 102-3 defines a protected tree as “a native tree with a DBH of five inches or greater, or a grand tree according to criteria specified in the land development regulations, unless otherwise exempted.” Section 102-3 defines a tree as a self-supporting woody perennial with defined stems or trunks, normally reaching at least 15 feet at maturity.
Section 102-3 defines native tree as indigenous to North and Central Florida or the City and naturally occurring, not naturalized from outside Florida. Section 102-3 defines grand tree as at least 30 inches DBH and of special public concern for ecological value, size, age or historic association.
Section 102-3 makes the five-inch branch a native-tree threshold and does not limit the grand-tree branch to native species. Section 102-3 retains “special concern to the public” in the grand-tree test, so diameter alone does not decide it.
Homes, developed lots and area exceptions
Section 102-1372(a) retains Sections 102-1383 through 102-1386 for existing structures; its wider landscaping exemption ends with changed use or enlargement of at least 50 percent in floor area or housing units. Section 102-1372(b) requires no buffering or landscaping in its bounded Downtown, State Farmer’s Market and Midtown areas, not an express removal exemption.
The current City tree-removal page did not provide a residential or area-exception interpretation when checked; the published-record limitation is explained in the guidance section. (Section 102-1372)
Dead trees and palms
Section 98-162(1) exempts necessary dead or naturally fallen vegetation removal from land-alteration approval only on applicant proof or City inspection. Section 30-62(d) declares dead or diseased trees on improved or unimproved property a public nuisance.
“Dead” does not automatically waive a protected-tree permit. Section 102-1383(e) expressly exempts only exempt-list trees and nursery or tree-farm trees grown for sale. (Section 102-1383(e))
The code does not establish “only cabbage palms” or any species-by-species palm-removal rule; landscape treatment of Washington palm does not decide removal permission. (Section 102-3; Section 102-1378(19))
Section 102-3 defines an existing tree location plan as a scaled drawing or aerial photo no older than three years, at least one inch to 200 feet, showing protected trees, palms of 12-foot overall height, names, DBH and removals. Section 102-3 defines shade tree as a recommended hardwood reaching 20 feet at maturity and shading at least six months yearly; palms qualify only as three or more within a 12-foot diameter.
How do you measure DBH?
Section 102-3 defines DBH as diameter in inches of a single stem at 4.5 feet above existing grade; for a shade tree with multiple stems at that height, DBH is the sum of individual stem diameters measured there. For a circular trunk at the specified height, circumference divided by 3.14 gives approximate diameter: five inches DBH is about 15.7 inches circumference, and 30 inches DBH is about 94.2 inches circumference. (Section 102-3)
When can the City grant removal?
Section 102-1383(c) provides eight grounds; proof and required relocation or replacement still apply. (Section 102-1383(c))
Section 102-1383(c)(1) allows removal for a structure, improvement or required infrastructure when alternative design is not viable.
Section 102-1383(c)(2) allows removal for development-order or Engineering-required grading, drainage or utilities when preservation techniques are shown not reasonably practical.
Section 102-1383(c)(3) allows necessary removal of property-damaging vegetation.
Section 102-1383(c)(4) covers disease, injury, falling danger, public hazard, utility interference or unsafe roadway vision; City-found diseased trees threatening infection spread must be removed and, if necessary, disposed of promptly on an emergency basis.
Section 102-1383(c)(5) covers irreversible natural-disaster damage or destruction.
Section 102-1383(c)(6) covers removal needed to prevent damage to, repair or replace public utilities.
Section 102-1383(c)(7) allows arborist documentation explaining removal under grounds (c)(3) through (6).
Section 102-1383(c)(8) covers development removals supported by Division-compliant calculations.
Does pruning need a permit?
Ordinary private-property pruning is not assigned a separate pruning permit in the reviewed Plant City code, but work that damages, destroys or abuses a protected tree falls within Section 102-1383(a)’s permit prohibition. (Sections 102-3 and 102-1383(a))
Section 102-3 defines pruning as scientific removal of specified dead, diseased, interfering, objectionable or weak branches under National Arborist Association standards. Section 102-3 defines damage or abuse as action or inaction inconsistent with National Arborist Association good practices.
Section 102-3 includes effective removal through damage, including root damage, causing or reasonably likely to cause death within one year.
Section 102-1378(16) requires clearing or construction pruning and root pruning to follow State Department of Agriculture standards. No edition is specified; public-land and approved-landscape controls remain separate. (Sections 102-1383(b) and 102-1379)
Which species are exempt, and which are recommended?
Section 102-1383(e)(1) exempts exempt-list trees from the removal permit. Section 102-1383(e)(2) exempts nursery or tree-farm trees grown specifically for sale.
Section 98-162(4) separately exempts exempt-list or nonnative trees, unless grand trees, from land-alteration approval on applicant proof or City inspection. Section 98-162(5) separately exempts nursery or tree-farm vegetation grown for public sale from land-alteration approval on applicant proof or City inspection.
Section 102-1378(20)(a) excludes exempt-list trees from landscaping, replacement and removal-inch calculations.
Section 102-1378(20)(b) lists the exempted trees in the table. (Section 102-1378)
Common name as codified | Scientific name as codified |
|---|---|
Australian pine | Casuarina equisetifolia, Casuarina glauca |
Brazilian pepper | Schinus terebinthifolius |
Catclaw mimosa/great sensitive | Mimosa spp. |
Chinaberry | Melia azedarach |
Chinese tallow/popcorn tree | Sapium sebiferum |
Citrus trees | Citrus spp. |
Earpod tree | Enterolobium contortisiliquum |
Gum trees | Eucalyptus spp. |
Hibiscus/mahoe | Hibiscus tiliaceus |
Indian rosewood | Dalbergia sissoo |
Jacaranda | Jacaranda acutifolia |
Melaleuca/punk/cajeput/swamp tea, white bottlebrush/paper bark tree | Melaleuca spp. |
Mimosa | Albizia julibrissin |
Mother-in-laws tongue | Albizia lebbeck |
Orchid tree | Bauhinia variegata |
Paper-mulberry | Broussonetia papyrifera |
Red mulberry | Morus rubra |
Sandbox tree | Hura crepitans |
Schefflera/umbrella/octopus tree | Brassaia spp. |
Silk oak | Grevillea robusta |
The common and scientific pairing “Mother-in-laws tongue | Albizia lebbeck” is reproduced as codified, not botanically corrected. A species-list exemption and a land-alteration exemption must not be silently merged. (Section 102-1378(20))
Recommended trees
Section 102-1378(19) lists the recommended trees in the table and says the list is not all inclusive. (Section 102-1378)
Size group | Common name as codified | Scientific name as codified | Mature height, feet | Mature spread, feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Anise | Illicium parviflorum | 15 to 20 | 10 to 15 |
Small | Arbovitae | Platycladus orientalis | 15 to 20 | 10 to 15 |
Small | Bottlebrush | Callistemon spp. | 15 to 20 | 15 to 20 |
Small | Burford Holly | Ilex cornuta "Burfordii" | 15 to 25 | 15 to 25 |
Small | Chicasaw plum | Prunus angustifolia | 12 to 20 | 15 to 20 |
Small | Crape myrtle | Lagesetroemia indica | 10 to 25 | 15 to 25 |
Small | Dahoon holly | Ilex cassine | 20 to 25 | 8 to 12 |
Small | European fan palm | Chamaerops humilis | 8 to 12 | 6 to 10 |
Small | Flatwoods plum | Prunus umbellata | 12 to 20 | 12 to 20 |
Small | Florida anise | Illicium floridanum | 10 to 20 | 10 to 15 |
Small | Flowering dogwood | Cornus florida | 20 to 30 | 25 to 30 |
Small | Fringetree | Chionanthus virginicus or retusus | 12 to 20 | 10 to 15 |
Small | Jerusalem thorn | Parkinsonia aculeara | 15 to 20 | 20 to 20 |
Small | Little gem magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | 15 to 20 | 10 to 12 |
Small | Lyonia tree | Lyonia ferruginea | 10 to 20 | 4 to 10 |
Small | Oleander | Nerium oleander | 10 to 18 | 10 to 15 |
Small | Photinia, Red Leaf | Photinia glabra | 15 to 20 | 10 to 15 |
Small | Pindo palm | Butia capitata | 15 to 25 | 10 to 15 |
Small | Plum, American or Chickasaw | Prunus Americana/Angustifolia | 15 to 20 | 12 to 18 |
Small | Privet, Chinese Variegated | Ligustrum sinense variegatum | 10 to 20 | 8 to 15 |
Small | Red Buckeye | Aesculus pavia | 15 to 20 | 15 to 25 |
Small | Saw palmetto | Sernoa repens | 7 to 10 | 20 to 25 |
Small | Silverthorn | Elaeagnus pungens | 10 to 20 | 10 to 15 |
Small | Sumac Winged | Rhus copallina | 12 to 18 | 12 to 18 |
Small | Sweet acacia | Acacia farnesiana | 10 to 25 | 15 to 25 |
Small | Varnish-leaf | Dodonaea viscosa | 10 to 15 | 6 to 15 |
Small | Wax myrtle | Myrica cerifera | 10 to 25 | 20 to 25 |
Small | Yaupon holly | Ilex vomitoria | 10 to 25 | 15 to 20 |
Medium | American holly | Ilex opaca | 30 to 40 | 15 to 25 |
Medium | American hophornbeam | Ostrya virginiana | 30 to 40 | 25 to 30 |
Medium | Bluejack oak | Quercus incana | 25 to 50 | 25 to 35 |
Medium | Cabbage or sabal palm | Sabal palmetto | 40 to 50 | 10 to 15 |
Medium | Canary Island date palm | Phoenix canariensis | 40 to 60 | 20 to 25 |
Medium | Cherry Laurel | Prunus caroliniana | 25 to 40 | 15 to 25 |
Medium | Chinese elm, drake | Ulmus parvifolia | 25 to 45 | 35 to 45 |
Medium | Common persimmon | Diospyros virginiana | 40 to 60 | 20 to 35 |
Medium | East Palatka holly | Ilex attenuata | 25 to 30 | 10 to 15 |
Medium | Eastern redbud | Cercis Canadensis | 20 to 30 | 15 to 25 |
Medium | Eastern red cedar | Juniperus virginiana | 40 to 50 | 10 to 20 |
Medium | Florida maple | Acer barbatum spp. floridanum | 20 to 40 | 20 to 40 |
Medium | India date palm | Phoenix sylvestris | 25 to 50 | 15 to 25 |
Medium | Italian cypress | Cupressus sempervirons | 40 to 60 | 3 to 6 |
Medium | Loblolly-bay | Gordonia lasianthus | 30 to 60 | 10 to 15 |
Medium | Loquat | Eriobotrya japonica | 20 to 30 | 30 to 35 |
Medium | Myrtle oak | Quercus myrtifolia | 35 to 40 | 20 to 30 |
Medium | Pop ash/water ash | Fraxinus caroliniana | 30 to 60 | 25 to 30 |
Medium | Queen palm | Syagras romanzoffianum | 30 to 45 | 15 to 25 |
Medium | Redbay | Persea borbornia | 30 to 50 | 30 to 50 |
Medium | River birch | Betula nigra | 40 to 50 | 25 to 35 |
Medium | Sand live oak | Quercus geminata | 30 to 50 | 45 to 60 |
Medium | Sand Pine | Pinus clausa | 25 to 40 | 15 to 25 |
Medium | Senegal date palm | Phoenix reclinata | 25 to 30 | 12 to 20 |
Medium | Southern red cedar | Juniperus silicicola | 25 to 50 | 20 to 30 |
Medium | Sweetbay magnolia | Magnolia virginiana | 30 to 60 | 15 to 25 |
Medium | Turkey oak | Quercus laevis | 30 to 40 | 25 to 30 |
Large | American elm | Ulmus americana | 70 to 90 | 50 to 70 |
Large | Bald cypress | Taxodium distichum | 60 to 120 | 25 to 35 |
Large | Black cherry | Prunus serotina | 50 to 80 | 35 to 50 |
Large | Blackgum/Black tupelo | Nyssa sylvatica | 65 to 75 | 25 to 35 |
Large | Common hackberry | Celtis Occidentalis | 45 to 80 | 40 to 50 |
Large | Florida basswood | Tilia floridana | 50 to 80 | 25 to 40 |
Large | Florida elm | Ulmus americana var. floridana | 60 to 80 | 50 to 60 |
Large | Green ash | Fraxinus pensylvanica | 60 to 70 | 45 to 50 |
Large | Laurel oak | Quercus laurifolia | 60 to 70 | 35 to 45 |
Large | Live oak | Quercus virginiana | 60 to 80 | 60 to 120 |
Large | Longleaf pine | Pinus palustris | 60 to 80 | 30 to 40 |
Large | Pecan | Carya illinonensis | 60 to 100 | 40 to 75 |
Large | Red maple | Acer rubrum | 60 to 70 | 25 to 35 |
Large | Sand pine | Pinus clausa | 60 to 80 | 20 to 40 |
Large | Shumard oak | Quercus shumardii | 60 to 80 | 40 to 50 |
Large | Slash pine | Pinus elliottii | 80 to 100 | 35 to 50 |
Large | Southern magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | 60 to 80 | 30 to 40 |
Large | Southern red oak | Quercus falcata | 60 to 80 | 60 to 70 |
Large | Sugarberry | Celtis laevigata | 50 to 70 | 50 to 60 |
Large | Sweetgum | Liquidambar styraciflua | 60 to 75 | 35 to 50 |
Large | Sycamore | Platanus occidentalis | 75 to 90 | 50 to 70 |
Large | Tuliptree | Liriodendron tulipifera | 80 to 100 | 30 to 50 |
Large | Washington palm | Washingtonia robusta | 60 to 90 | 10 to 15 |
Large | Water oak | Quercus nigra | 50 to 70 | 60 to 70 |
Large | Water tupelo | Nyssa aquatica | 75 to 100 | 25 to 35 |
Large | White Ash | Fraxinus americana | 50 to 80 | 40 to 60 |
Large | Winged elm | Ulmus alata | 45 to 70 | 30 to 40 |
Who may apply?
Section 102-1383(a) allows the parcel owner or an agent for the owner to submit the tree-removal application. Section 98-163 allows owners or agents to apply to Engineering for land alteration or site clearing.
Signed-in uploads and company authorization rules were not inspected. (City permitting portal)
When does Florida Statute 163.045 apply?
For property and documentation satisfying its definitions, Florida Statute 163.045(2) states: “A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.” (Florida Legislature) The documentation and residential-property definitions are mandatory, not optional shortcuts.
Florida Statute 163.045(1)(b) limits residential property to a single-family detached building on a lot actively used for single-family residential purposes that is a conforming or legally recognized nonconforming use under local land-development regulations. (Florida Legislature) An HOA common area, apartment property, commercial site or institutional parcel does not become qualifying residential property merely because people live nearby.
Florida Statute 163.045(1)(a) requires an onsite assessment under Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017), performed and signed by an ISA-certified arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect. (Florida Legislature) Florida Statute 163.045(2) defines unacceptable risk as removal being the only means of practically mitigating risk below moderate under that named assessment standard. (Florida Legislature)
Florida Statute 163.045(3) prohibits a local government from requiring replanting after an owner’s removal in accordance with the section. (Florida Legislature) Florida Statute 163.045(4) leaves mangrove protection under Sections 403.9321 through 403.9333 outside this section. (Florida Legislature)
What are the penalties and enforcement remedies?
Section 2-652(a) authorizes officer-issued civil citations after personal investigation and reasonable cause, for charges heard in County Court. Section 2-652(c) caps the civil penalty at $500 per violation, plus applicable prosecution costs and legislative assessments, $10 court costs and a $40 Non-Prevailing Party fee. Section 2-652(d) makes each violation and each continuing day a separate civil infraction. Section 2-659(a) sets Class I reduced civil penalties at $75 for a first offense and $150 for a second, and Class II at $100 and $200; third and subsequent offenses require the maximum civil penalty and a mandatory court hearing. Section 2-659(b) lists “§ 98-126 (Tree Removal - Permit Required)” as Class I and “Chapter 102 (Zoning Regulations)” as Class II.
The citation schedule has an internal defect: the referenced Section 98-126 has no current section node in the supplied export, while the actual permit provision is Section 102-1383; this guide does not choose the officer’s classification. (Section 2-659; Section 102-1383)
Section 102-1385(4) treats each tree removed without a permit as a separate violation and authorizes Section 1-14 enforcement. Section 1-14(c) provides, except as otherwise provided by law or ordinance, a conviction penalty of up to $500, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both; continuing violations can be separate daily offenses and other violations separate acts.
Section 102-1385(1) allows withholding construction-plan approval, a building permit or occupancy approval. Section 102-1385(2) allows permit revocation for mistake, misrepresentation, nonconforming work, violated terms or unpaid fees.
Section 102-1385(3) allows civil injunctions. Section 102-1385(5) allows referral to the Code Enforcement Board. Section 102-1385(6) preserves other remedies allowed by law.
Section 102-1385(7) requires immediate cessation on written City notice of unlawful, dangerous or unsafe work or threats to life or property; notice may reach the owner, agent or worker or be posted onsite. Section 30-65(a) allows City nuisance remediation at owner expense after notice and hearing procedures.
Section 30-65(b) requires a special-assessment lien for City-paid nuisance remediation, accruing eight percent annual interest until paid. Section 30-64 allows an owner or mortgagee 15 days after mailed nuisance notice to request a written Commission hearing.
What replacement or mitigation can be required?
Section 102-1383(d) requires no replacement when a removal permit is granted for grounds (c)(3) through (7). Section 102-1384(3) requires inch-for-inch recommended-tree replacement for removed protected trees at least 30 inches DBH unless exempt; Tree Fund substitution or combination is allowed, and the greater of this and percentage calculations applies.
Section 102-1384(7) requires recommended, site-suitable replacement species when replacement is a permit condition and allows feasible onsite relocation. Section 102-1378(17) requires Article-compliance new trees to be at least two inches caliper immediately after planting.
Section 102-1384(8) contains the sentence: “If the proposed tree for removal is of a species which has undesirable growth habits, is on the exempted tree list, or is proven to the City to be irreparably unhealthy or damaged, may be required to be removed by the City Manager, but replacement will not be required.” Section 102-1384(8) continues: “Written proof of an unhealthy or damaged tree can be obtained through an arborist at the owner’s expense.”
That wording appears to concern City Manager-required removal, not a clear owner permit waiver; confirm its application with Planning and Zoning. (Sections 102-1384(8) and 102-1383(c))
What changes for commercial property, HOA common areas and development?
Commercial, multifamily, institutional and HOA-common-area trees use the protected-tree permit framework, not the single-family state route; for pools, additions, demolition, redevelopment, fill or clearing, obtain Engineering’s separate land-alteration determination. (Sections 102-3, 102-1383 and 98-161; Florida Statute 163.045)
Retention and replacement percentages
Development type | Protected-tree inches retained or replaced, excluding wetlands and conservation/preservation areas |
|---|---|
Nonwooded land, residential uses | 65 percent |
Wooded land, residential uses and other uses not otherwise specified | 35 percent, retained in wooded open space or replaced in common open space |
Multifamily development | 25 percent, retained in wooded open space or replaced in common open space |
Nonresidential development | 20 percent, retained in wooded open space or replaced in common open space |
Section 102-1384(1) sets the table’s 65-percent nonwooded-residential and 20-percent nonresidential rules. Section 102-1384(2) sets the table’s 35-percent wooded-residential and other-use, 25-percent multifamily and 20-percent nonresidential rules.
Section 102-1384(4) requires development removal applications to include a tree survey or City Manager-accepted alternative and a removal plan. Section 102-1384(5) requires development planting under landscape and parking regulations.
Tree Fund and alternative compliance
The City lists an Alternative Compliance Plan Application on its Applications and Forms page. Use the Alternative Compliance Plan Application for the applicable alternative-compliance route. (City Applications and Forms)
Section 102-1386(a) allows an Alternative Compliance Plan only on a showing that it more effectively meets the Division’s intent, with City Manager approval; it is not a means to circumvent the Division. Section 102-1386(b)(9) allows, where site constraints limit planting, payment of $65 for each unplanted inch before building-permit issuance, with no tree removal before payment and the building permit, or replacement on public property with City Manager consent.
Section 102-1386(b) requires consideration of vegetation, use, coverage, removals, relocation, terrain, drainage and Florida-friendly design. Section 102-1386(c) ties the alternative plan’s duration to the subject property’s Detailed Site Plan.
Section 102-1386(d) bars inferior or inconsistent alternatives, insufficient trees without payment, and violations of other City ordinances. Section 102-1386(e) places payments in the Tree Fund for planting on City public property.
Permits, plans, sequencing and inspections
Section 98-300(1)(g) exempts tree removal from the Earthmoving Site Plan and Earthmoving Operating Permit requirements; Section 98-300(5)(c)(19) requires an existing tree location plan, tree protection plan or no-tree verification with an Earthmoving Site Plan. These are separate from the land-alteration and tree-removal routes. (Section 98-161; Section 102-1383)
Section 98-161(a) requires Engineering’s land-alteration or site-clearing permit before clearing, alteration or a development building permit. Section 98-161(b) preserves other government approvals despite City issuance or exemption.
Section 98-162(2) exempts survey-visibility understory swaths at most six feet wide, subject to applicant proof or City inspection. Section 98-162(3) exempts hazardous, utility-interfering or roadway-vision-obstructing vegetation from land-alteration approval on applicant proof or City inspection.
Section 98-164 requires review of environmental effects, tree protection, other City rules, lawful lot use, access, essential works and property damage. Section 98-165 requires a tree location plan, protection plan or no-tree verification with development land-alteration applications.
Section 102-1380(a) applies landscaping plans to multifamily, nonresidential districts and subdivision entrances and perimeters. Section 102-1380(b) requires owner-submitted site-plan approval before building permits, with ownership, site, access, surface, planting and irrigation data, removal and retention calculations, a survey or accepted alternative, and removal plan.
Section 102-3 defines a tree protection plan as retained-tree and native-community protection before and during development, showing Chapter 98 Article II compliance. Section 102-1381 requires trees, buffers and landscaping before occupancy and compliance with approved plans and the Division.
Section 102-446(3)(h)(5) requires the PD plan note prohibiting clearing or alteration before detailed-site-plan or construction-plan approval. Section 102-453(2) requires major PD modifications as a new PD district; only listed minor changes receive administrative approval.
Tree protection during work
Section 102-1378(9) requires retained-tree barricades at least ten feet from the base until clearing and construction finish, except approved work within the dripline.
Section 102-1378(10) requires ten-foot underground-utility clearance; unreasonable hardship requires soil-auger tunneling under roots.
Section 102-1378(11) prohibits attachments to retained trees.
Section 102-1378(12) requires a debris-clear protective drywell where raised grade adversely affects protected trees.
Section 102-1378(13) requires a protective retaining wall at the protective radius where lowered grade adversely affects protected trees.
Section 102-1378(14) prohibits mechanical vegetation clearing, deposits, chemicals, materials, machinery, soil compaction, fill, excavation and paving within protected-tree driplines unless approved drywells, walls or approved dripline work provide the stated exception.
Section 102-1378(15) requires replacement of retained or relocated trees dying within one year after clearing and construction.
Section 98-166(a) requires removal flagging, improvement staking and retained-tree and native-community barricades before inspection; unidentified areas must be corrected before reinspection. Section 98-166(b) requires both land-alteration and tree-removal permits posted onsite.
Section 98-169 allows approved clearing only after site inspection and under City regulations. Section 98-167 allows periodic inspections, requires notice within 48 hours after clearing, and conditions final release on compliance.
Section 98-170 requires construction or native-grass and ground-cover revegetation within 60 days after clearing to control erosion and airborne debris. Section 98-168 sets a one-year permit term unless otherwise specified; Engineering may grant one further year within 30 days after a written request and compliance and progress review; unused expired permits require reapplication.
Section 102-1384(6) requires construction or revegetation within 60 days after removal or clearing, including trees and seeding or sodding for erosion control and approved-plan minimum trees.
Landscape credits, buffers and approved landscaping
Section 102-1378(18) bars planting in rights-of-way and sets small, medium and large planting-distance rules in the table.
Tree size at maturity | Height | Placement under Section 102-1378(18) |
|---|---|---|
Small | Less than 25 feet | Not in the right-of-way; may be adjacent or in landscape islands |
Medium | 25 to 60 feet | At least 15 feet from right-of-way or power lines; at least 15 feet of landscaped area around root ball |
Large | Greater than 60 feet | At least 25 feet from right-of-way or power lines; at least 25 feet of landscaped area around root ball |
Section 102-1378(6) keeps planting ten feet from hydrants and poles, 20 feet from signs and outside vision clearance. Section 102-1378(7) keeps public-works-damaging root species 25 feet from public facilities. Section 102-1378(8) allows only small trees in utility easements.
Section 102-1374 requires covered road-frontage buffers averaging one tree per 40 feet or part, at least ten feet apart; species depend on right-of-way distance. Section 102-1373 applies buffers to specified residential and nonresidential interfaces, with visual-screen and landscape-width standards.
Section 102-1373(1) governs buffer opacity; Section 102-1373(2) governs buffer height; Section 102-1373(3) governs landscape-buffer width.
Section 102-1375(2) governs multifamily and townhouse open space; Section 102-1375(7) governs nonresidential interior open space; Section 102-1375(8) excludes retention areas from required open space; Section 102-1375(9) governs detention-area credit.
Section 102-1379(5) requires a one-year survival inspection, replacement within 30 days after notice and reinspection six months later.
Section 102-353 is repealed, although Section 102-1375(2) still cross-refers to its former subsection (e)(5); no substitute is inferred.
Section 102-1375(10) protects wetland and conservation or preservation areas throughout construction, with natural buffers at least 15 feet wide and averaging 25 feet.
Section 102-1379(2) governs prohibited uses of required landscaped areas; Section 102-1379(3) prohibits impervious covering of required landscaped areas; Section 102-1379(4) preserves utility-maintenance access.
Section 102-1379(1) assigns owners landscape, buffer and irrigation maintenance and 95-percent survivability.
Section 102-1417(a) requires landscaping for new or expanded off-street parking except single- and two-family uses.
Section 102-1417(a)(7) supplies the saved-tree parking credit and its conditions in the table.
Saved parking-area tree credit under Section 102-1417(a)(7) | Conditions |
|---|---|
10 square feet for each DBH inch above 24 inches; may reduce at most five parking spaces | Arborist certifies good health; owner maintains tree and, if it dies, replaces it with at least six-inch DBH similar species in the same location; credit cannot leave inadequate operational parking or cause parking on landscaped/grassed areas |
Section 102-1417(a)(1) governs street-frontage planting strips; Section 102-1417(a)(2) governs driveway planting strips; Section 102-1417(a)(4) governs parking islands and their trees; Section 102-1417(a)(5) governs additional interior landscaping; Section 102-1417(a)(6) governs alternative parking-landscape designs.
Section 102-1417(a)(8) allows intent-preserving standard adjustments for retained healthy mature trees.
Ordinance 19-2026 notices technology-corridor renumbering from Division 21 to Division 22; these Section 102-896 rules and table describe the supplied codified snapshot. (City notice)
Section 102-896(b)(1) sets the technology-corridor front planting requirements in Table 896-2. Section 102-896(b)(2) sets the technology-corridor open-area and tree requirements in Table 896-3. Section 102-896(b)(5) applies Section 102-1373 property buffers to the overlay.
Technology-corridor overlay, Section 102-896(b) | Corporate Village | Corporate Campus/Business Park | Industrial Park |
|---|---|---|---|
Front planting, Table 896-2 | Planting strips/planters allowed within five feet of right-of-way and front wall; strips, if established, one shrub per two linear feet | Minimum 15-foot perimeter strip; one palm/small tree per five linear feet of street-facing facade, excluding walkways/driveways/loading; one shrub per facade foot with same exclusions; clustering allowed | Division 10 |
Open area, Table 896-3 | At least 10 percent of project | At least 15 percent of project | Division 10 |
Seating shade, Table 896-3 | Formal clusters of palms/understory trees at least 12 feet high | Formal clusters of palms/small trees at least 12 feet high | Division 10 |
Open-area planting, Table 896-3 | One palm/small tree at least 12 feet high per 200 square feet, plus one large tree per 800 square feet | One palm/small tree at least 12 feet high per 300 square feet, plus one large tree per 1,000 square feet | Division 10 |
Open-area qualifications, Table 896-3 | Retention ponds count only with minimum 4:1 run-to-rise slopes, walkways and seating; up to 30 percent along street-facing frontage, not within 50 feet of street-intersection building corners | Retention ponds count only with minimum 4:1 run-to-rise slopes, walkways and seating | Division 10 |
Property buffers | Section 102-1373 | Section 102-1373 | Section 102-1373 |
In that codified snapshot, Section 102-896(d)(1)(a) requires parking lots over 100 vehicles to be divided by roads, open areas, structures or landscape strips at least ten feet wide with one shade tree per 40 linear feet. Section 102-804(b)(8) places TND street trees according to site and building placement and requires City approval in rights-of-way.
Section 102-807 Table 3 sets TND street planter widths and patterns in the table.
TND street type | Planter width | Street-tree pattern |
|---|---|---|
SL-20 alley | None | N/A |
RS-35, RS-40, RS-46, RS-50 | 7 to 10 feet | Continuous planting strips |
RS-58 | 8 feet | Continuous planting strips |
CS-80 | N/A | Tree wells with grates |
AV-66 | 7 feet | Metal grates |
BV-78 | 9-foot sides, 14-foot median | Continuous planting strips |
PK-64 | 7 to 10 feet | Continuous planting strips |
PK-82, PK-120 | 8-foot planting strip, 10-foot median | Continuous planting strips |
Section 102-1413(c)(6)(b) governs parking-walkway landscaping and trees; Section 102-1413(d)(3) governs driveway vision clearance.
Section 102-1468(h)(1)(a) governs large-retail customer-facade landscaping and shade trees; Section 102-1468(h)(1)(b) governs other-side landscaping, shade trees and palms.
Contractor exposure and review routes
Section 66-140 makes scheduled amounts payable annually unless specifically stated otherwise. Section 66-140(299) lists “Tree surgeon, tree trimmer” at $52.50 in the annual business-tax schedule. Section 66-123 levies the business tax on a permanent business location or branch office in the City and on the specified interstate-commerce activity outside those categories only where the Constitution permits it.
Section 66-124(a) prohibits conducting an enumerated business without paying its required business tax. Section 66-124(b) preserves Chapter 205 business-tax exemptions. Section 66-124(c) requires proof of an active state license before a City receipt only for businesses for which Chapter 205 requires that license. Section 66-122 applies Section 1-14 to carrying on a taxable business without obtaining the tax and makes the unpaid tax a recoverable City debt.
Use these conditional tax rules to screen bids, not decide contractor liability or universal licensing; this is not a removal-permit fee. (Section 66-123; Section 66-124; Section 66-140)
Section 102-69 allows zoning administrative appeals within 30 days after rendition; the Board hears them within 30 days of filing and decides within seven days after the evidentiary hearing. Section 102-70 allows certiorari review within 30 days after rendition of a Board decision.
Section 102-96(a) sets the required variance findings; Section 102-96(b) requires affirmative findings in every specified category.
Do not treat an appeal or variance request as approval to start clearing. (Division 10)
How do you apply, and what does it cost?
The Planning and Zoning schedule lists no tree-removal permit fee; it lists “Specific Request for Special On-Site Tree Inspection (P&Z)” at $60, for that specifically requested inspection, with no effective date shown. The $60 is not identified as a removal-permit fee. (City fee schedule)
For a project requiring Site-Plan Review, the schedule lists $500 for 5,000 square feet or less, including projects without a building, $750 for 5,001 to 10,000 square feet, and $1,000 for 10,001 square feet or more. The Site-Plan Review schedule includes one resubmittal and one inspection; it lists the second inspection at $30 and the third at $60. These are separate project-review charges, not a removal-permit price; the page gives no effective date for these rows, checked October 28, 2026. (City fee schedule)
Section 102-1383(g) routes fees, applications, approvals and other functions under the Article through Planning and Zoning. Section 102-1383(f) makes the tree removal and replacement permit effective for 12 months from issuance and requires a new application if it expires unused.
Confirm the parcel is inside Plant City using the County address-search map described here; do not rely on a Plant City mailing address.
Use the Tree Removal page’s contact route, [email protected] or (813) 659-4200 ext. 4258, to establish the classification, exemption or removal ground, fee and uploads. (City Tree Removal page)
Use the City-linked permitting portal and establish the account required to submit an application; the owner or authorized agent applies.
For clearing, building, pools, additions or redevelopment, obtain Engineering’s land-alteration determination and the applicable tree, protection and site plans before the required permits and inspection.
Keep required permits posted during work and follow the completion-notice, inspection, replacement and stabilization terms.
The City permitting portal says an account is required before an application can be submitted. (City of Plant City) The portal’s Planning message says applicants do not need to submit credentials when signing up for an account. (City of Plant City)
City offices
The Tree Removal page directs permit questions to [email protected] or (813) 659-4200 ext. 4258. (City Tree Removal page)
Planning and Zoning lists 813-659-4258 and [email protected] for the office. (City of Plant City) Its current department page lists Monday through Friday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (City of Plant City)
Engineering lists 813-659-4200 and [email protected]. (City of Plant City) Engineering’s page lists Monday through Friday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (City of Plant City)
Both departments list 302 W Reynolds St, Plant City, FL 33563. (City of Plant City) Confirm office hours before visiting because the portal and department page conflict.
Where do current guidance and the code differ?
The City Tree Removal page states: “Our Tree Removal Page is currently under construction. If you need information or assistance regarding a tree removal permit, please contact the Planning & Zoning Department at [email protected] or (813) 659-4200 ext. 4258 to speak with a staff member.” (City Tree Removal page)
The portal’s Planning message gives office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., unlike the department page’s 4:30 p.m. closing. (City of Plant City) That is an operational conflict, not a change to the ordinance.
The obtained guidance does not resolve grand-tree public concern, area exceptions, palms, unhealthy-tree wording or state-law documentation; the code and statute remain the legal texts. (City Tree Removal page; Florida Statute 163.045)
Is your property actually inside Plant City?
Hillsborough County describes its Map Viewer as a way to find parcels and determine applicable government regulations and services. (Hillsborough County) The launched Map Hillsborough viewer has a “Find address or place” search and a “Government Boundaries” layer. (City of Plant City) Use those controls, then confirm an unclear parcel boundary with Planning and Zoning rather than treating a Plant City mailing address as proof.
Can you remove a street, park or other public tree?
Section 102-1383(b) reserves removal from City lands, public parks and rights-of-way to governmental crews or government-contracted crews performing their duties. A private tree-removal permit is not authorization to send a private crew onto public land.
What does the reviewed Plant City code not specify?
Whole-export searches on October 28, 2026 found no distinct ordinary-pruning permit, operational public-concern test or species-by-species palm-removal rule; protected-tree damage and abuse remain regulated. (Sections 102-3 and 102-1383)
No explicit tree-bank mechanism was located; the affirmative alternative is the Tree Fund. (Section 102-1386)
The seven whole-export “liability insurance” hits, fully read October 28, 2026, concern City indemnification, communications, filming, containers, parades or cafes, not ordinary private tree-service insurance; state law, other permits and contracts are not exempted. (Section 1-15; Section 23-14; Section 33-5; Section 58-97; Section 62-304; Section 102-1132; Section 102-1133)
Questions still unresolved
Contractor-specific state licensing and non-PD landscape-plan amendments remain unresolved after review of Chapters 66, 98 and 102 on October 28, 2026; conditional license proof and PD modifications are not universal rules. (Section 66-124; Section 102-453; Section 102-1380)
Published records not obtained
No tree-removal application was observed on Applications and Forms on October 28, 2026; it lists the Alternative Compliance Plan Application. Signed-in uploads, newer tree lists, palm guidance and City-specific Section 163.045 instructions were not obtained there, on Tree Removal or in the signed-out portal, not declared nonexistent. (City Applications and Forms; Tree Removal page; permitting portal)
The City notice identifies Ordinance 19-2026 as creating a Florida Strawberry Festival overlay and renumbering the existing I-4 Tech Corridor overlay from Division 21 to Division 22. (City of Plant City) The October 26, 2026 agenda lists a legislative hearing on that ordinance as item 26-479. (City of Plant City) Its complete text, adoption outcome and effective date were not obtained. The notice title does not name Chapter 98 Article II, Chapter 102 Division 10 or Section 102-3. (City notice)
Sources and scope
This guide uses Plant City’s codified Chapter 98 Article II and Chapter 102 Division 10, with relevant definitions, site-plan, parking, nuisance and review provisions, plus Florida Statute 163.045 and City pages checked October 28, 2026. The codified snapshot is Supplement 87 through Ordinance 4-2026, enacted January 12, 2026; Municode lists eight newer ordinances, and the pending-ordinance limitation is stated here. (Plant City Code of Ordinances; Florida Legislature)
Where does this leave your tree or project?
Ken's Tree Service has worked since 1996 from Tarpon Springs, across approximately 20 miles covering north Pinellas County, west Pasco County and the northwest corner of Hillsborough County. Plant City is outside that service footprint; this is a regional reference, not an offer of Plant City work.
A tree may be a removal or pruning candidate, but Planning and Zoning decides the City approval route and Engineering the land-alteration route. For general guide questions, use our website agent, the chat on this page.