Tampa 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 Tampa tree removal permit?
Tampa calls the ordinary approval a protected tree removal permit: subject to the exemptions and state-law route addressed here, protected trees cannot be removed, relocated, damaged or abused before approval. (§27-284.2.4)
Confirm city jurisdiction and apply to Natural Resources before work. (§27-284.2) Our Pinellas city-or-county guide is not a Tampa rulebook. (§27-284.2)
Property outside Tampa city limits in unincorporated Hillsborough County follows the county's rules instead; see our Hillsborough County tree removal permit guide.
Tampa's posture is preservation of existing healthy protected and grand trees, not removal on request. (§27-284.4)
What trees are protected?
Protected trees include every mitigation tree, every mangrove species, every cypress species and any non-exempt tree species at least five inches DBH, subject to the exemptions and state-law route in this guide. (§27-43)
The code defines a tree as a self-supporting single-stem or multi-stem woody plant of a species growing at least ten feet high locally, plus all mangrove species regardless of size. (§27-43)
The city's condition scale rates a dead tree F. (§27-284.1.1)
A dead tree meeting a protected-tree category remains within the definition, which contains no dead-tree exception, subject to applicable exemptions, the emergency procedure, the dangerous-tree notice route and the state-law route. (Protected-tree definition; local exemptions; emergency procedure; dangerous-tree notice; Florida Statute 163.045)
Retention note 4 lists dangerous/dead trees in its counting provision, but the sentence is incomplete as served; this is not a removal-permission provision. (§27-284.3.1)
Disease or injury that has irreversibly or irreparably damaged a protected tree is an approval ground, rather than permission to remove first. (§27-284.2.4)
A specimen tree has at least 24 inches DBH and the identity, size and character specified in Section 27-284.1.2. (§27-43)
A grand tree has at least 32 inches DBH, condition A, B or C and the specified identity, size and character; a state Challenger or Champion tree is also grand. (§27-43)
The operative classification rule adopts the Section 27-43 protected-tree definition, so five inches counts on any lot, subject to the exemptions and state-law route in this guide. (§27-284.1.2)
The specimen paragraph expressly makes a specimen tree a protected tree. (§27-284.1.2)
The code repeats the subsection label (b) for grand trees and permits the coordinator to consider additional species with similar City Tree Matrix characteristics. (§27-284.1.2)
The grand-species table lists these species; the coordinator may also consider additional species with similar Matrix characteristics. (§27-284.1.2)
Scientific name | Common name | Florida native |
|---|---|---|
Acer rubrum | Red Maple | Yes |
Carya glabra | Pignut Hickory | Yes |
Carya illinoensis | Pecan | No |
Cinnamomum camphora | Camphor | No |
Fraxinus tomentosa (sp. "profunda") | Pumpkin Ash | Yes |
Liquidambar styraciflua | Sweetgum | Yes |
Magnolia grandiflora | Southern Magnolia | Yes |
Magnolia virginiana | Sweetbay Magnolia | Yes |
Nyssa sylvatica | Black Gum (Black Tupelo) | Yes |
Pinus elliottii var densa | Slash Pine | Yes |
Pinus palustris | Longleaf Pine | Yes |
Pinus taeda | Loblolly Pine | Yes |
Platanus occidentalis | (American) Sycamore | Yes |
Quercus austrina | Bluff Oak | Yes |
Quercus durandii (sinuata) | Durand Oak | Yes |
Quercus falcata | Southern Red Oak | Yes |
Quercus geminata | Sand Live Oak | Yes |
Quercus laurifolia | Laurel Oak (Diamond Leaf Oak) | Yes |
Quercus michauxii | Swamp Chestnut Oak | Yes |
Quercus virginiana | Southern Live Oak (Live Oak) | Yes |
Taxodium ascendens | Pondcypress | Yes |
Taxodium distichum | Baldcypress | Yes |
Ulmus alata | Winged Elm | Yes |
Ulmus americana | American Elm | Yes |
How are tree diameter and palms handled?
DBH is diameter at 4.5 feet above ground, with the form-specific measurement methods controlling unusual trunks. (§27-43)
The operative measurement subsection is (c), even though the definition's cross-reference points to (d); its graphics cover straight, leaning, sloped-ground, low-branching and multi-stem trees. (§27-284.1.2)
For a round single trunk measured at the code's height, divide circumference by 3.14 to estimate diameter: five inches DBH corresponds to approximately 15.7 inches around. Use the code's graphics for unusual trunks.
The mitigation rule expressly treats palms as a tree type and replaces a palm one for one with Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 or a palm. (§27-284.4.1)
Its palm-credit row says any species with six feet of clear trunk; that is a mitigation-table condition, not a species-by-species removal-permit exemption. (§27-284.4.1)
The code does not settle which palm species require removal permits, so do not assume only cabbage palms count or all other palms are exempt; six feet of clear trunk is a mitigation condition, and Natural Resources answers the species question. (§27-43; §27-284.4.1)
Which exemptions change the answer?
The small-project site-clearing exception is limited to single-family or two-family development covering less than 500 square feet, excluding driveways, with an affidavit that no protected or grand trees or environmentally sensitive land lies within 30 feet. (§27-284.1.3)
The removal/pruning exemptions cover trees grown for sale by commercial nurseries, trees grown for commercial lumber production, irreversible natural-disaster damage subject to the emergency section, and protected non-grand, non-champion private-property pruning. (§27-284.1.3)
Even the division's local permit exemptions retain the division and Manual's planting, pruning, root-pruning, removal and mitigation standards, subject to separately controlling state law. (§27-284.1.3)
City forestry and natural-resource officials have limited public-land and right-of-way safety pruning/removal exemptions; feasible hazardous-grand notice goes to adjoining owners within 250 feet. (§27-284.1.3)
Public utilities have a pruning exemption on utility land or public right-of-way for trees directly conflicting with proper utility operation and maintenance. (§27-284.1.3)
Airport public-safety exemptions require a sworn application identifying the governing law and trees and the coordinator's determination; other airport-operations removal still undergoes replacement/mitigation review and non-exempt new construction remains regulated. (§27-284.1.3)
School-board exemptions require a sworn request identifying the governing state-law or SREF provision and are granted only to the extent those authorities require. (§27-284.1.3)
Landscape-plan exemptions are separate from removal and are listed in Section 27-284.1.3(e); a new vehicular-use area does not qualify under the dwelling-expansion exception. (§27-284.1.3)
The code says exempt trees need no removal permit, but its reference to an exempt-tree definition is defective: Section 27-43 instead defines exempt plant species. (§27-284.1.2)
Exempt plant species means Category I or II species on the 2017 Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council list and species on Florida's Noxious Weed List. (§27-43)
Category I species other than camphor must be removed with site-work permits unless the coordinator approves otherwise, and do not count in retention-mitigation tables. (§27-284.1.2)
Existing Category II species may stay or be planted, but earn no retention or planting credit. (§27-284.1.2)
Camphor has its own rule: no retention credit within 50 feet of environmentally sensitive land, required removal there, and removal without public notice or development redesign regardless of size or location, but with mandatory mitigation. (§27-284.1.2)
Camphor removed | Replacement, each 2.5-inch caliper |
|---|---|
Protected | 2 Type 1 trees |
Specimen | 3 Type 1 trees |
Grand | 4 Type 1 trees |
The camphor replacements may be exchanged only at the code's tree-type equivalency rates. (§27-284.1.2) Its special treatment is not an invitation to treat every invasive-looking tree as exempt. (§27-284.1.2)
Does pruning on private property need a permit?
Subject to the state-law and emergency routes, private-property grand-tree pruning requires a permit for any limb; ordinary protected non-grand, non-champion private-property pruning is locally exempt, not permission to damage a protected tree, and specimen pruning has an unresolved conflict. (§27-284.2.3) (§27-284.1.3) (§27-284.2.4)
The specific specimen rule requires a permit for a limb at least four inches across, measured 12 inches from its base, over private property or public right-of-way, although the private-property exemption conflicts with it. (§27-284.2.3)
Section 27-284.1.3(g) exempts private-property pruning of protected non-grand, non-champion trees, while Section 27-284.1.2(b) says specimens are protected; the specimen-limb requirement in Section 27-284.2.3(b)(2) therefore cannot be reconciled silently with that exemption. (§27-284.1.3) (§27-284.1.2) (§27-284.2.3) Confirm the city's application of the conflict rather than treating either provision as nonexistent. (§27-284.1.3) (§27-284.1.2) (§27-284.2.3)
For a protected tree over public right-of-way, the permit threshold is a limb at least four inches in diameter measured 12 inches from its base. (§27-284.2.3)
All city tree pruning must meet ANSI standards, and permit-triggering work must be supervised or conducted by the properly certified or city-authorized person described in the code. (§27-284.2.3)
A pruning applicant must be an arborist or a person the city licenses or otherwise authorizes; where no specific license exists, the applicant must come from the Section 27-284.2.1(b) list, and non-owner workers must supply the city's ANSI-compliance affidavit. (§27-284.2.3)
The city guidance applies a simpler pruning trigger: a tree 24 inches DBH or greater requires a permit. (City Tree Information)
Pruning that damages or effectively destroys a protected tree is not authorized by a permit exemption. (§27-284.2.4) The removal prohibitions remain relevant, and mangrove or public-tree work needs its applicable authority rather than an assumption that ordinary yard maintenance covers it. (§27-284.2.4)
When can a protected tree be approved for removal?
The approval table requires at least one listed ground for each protected tree and compliance with the retention limits; it names no stand-alone ground for a healthy tree that conflicts with nothing. (§27-284.2.4)
Approval ground | Conditions in Table 284.2.4 |
|---|---|
Eligible-lot TRZ | All or most of the trunk at DBH must be within the TRZ, and the proposed principal-building footprint or heated-floor-area addition must conflict with its protective root zone on the related construction plans. |
Proposed construction or utility | The proposed building, structure or above/underground utility must occupy the tree's area; minimum protection cannot be provided and reasonable reconfiguration cannot preserve it. |
Existing construction or underground utility | An existing building, structure or underground utility occupies the area, and minimum protection cannot be provided and/or serious existing-building damage results; the table references Table 27-284.2.5. |
Disease or injury | Irreversible or irreparable damage. |
Street visibility | A public-street or right-of-way conflict that pruning cannot correct. |
Unhealthy/damaged vegetation | Tree removal must be required to remove that vegetation. |
Approved infrastructure or structure | Removal must be required; infrastructure for a new subdivision may remove no more than 30 percent of the parcel's protected trees. |
Necessary vehicular access | Minimum protective radius cannot be provided and reasonable reconfiguration cannot resolve the conflict. |
Fill | Fill is pursuant to a development order and/or issued grade-fill excavation permit, and arboricultural preservation techniques are demonstrated not reasonably practical. |
Agriculture | The tree would prevent comprehensive implementation of the bona fide agricultural use. |
Reasonable reconfiguration includes moving or resizing buildings within the design-exception yard limit, without changing the number of stories or adversely altering internal flow/function; moving utilities without impairing function or safety; and changing access without violating technical function, visibility or safety standards. (Table 284.2.4, notes 3 and 4) Tree protection may support alternative setback, height or access design exceptions. (Table 284.2.4, notes 3 and 4)
The protected TRZ application accompanies a building permit and includes the survey and scaled site plan showing setbacks, TRZ, trees on or within 20 feet of the parcel and encumbrances that prevent shifting the proposed principal building. (§27-284.2.4)
Protected TRZ approval depends on the coordinator finding that the proposed principal building cannot be placed within the buildable area, without alteration or reconfiguration, without encroaching into protected-tree root zones. (§27-284.2.4)
What changes for grand trees and emergencies?
The local hazardous-tree definition requires C-9 or higher and failure potential at least high, evaluated for location, species, condition, risk and size; it is not the state-law test. (§27-43)
A tree removal zone is the area remaining after principal-structure setbacks plus five feet at front and sides and ten feet at rear are deducted. (§27-43)
A TRZ-eligible lot must satisfy all three limits, width no more than 65 feet, depth no more than 130 feet and area no more than 6,500 square feet; Parkland Estates lots are expressly excluded. (§27-43)
Grand-tree routes cover the city's hazardous-tree finding, qualifying structural building damage, emergencies, the eligible-lot TRZ route and construction impacts requiring board or commission approval. (§27-284.2.5)
Grand route | Required finding or procedure |
|---|---|
Existing hazardous condition | Coordinator or designee uses the Manual's Tree Condition Evaluation Form; pruning may be recommended instead if it adequately addresses the hazard. |
Existing permanent building | Structural foundation, wall or roof damage, including likely growth within one year; the coordinator determines tree condition and building official determines structural damage. |
Emergency | Section 27-284.2.7's immediate-risk procedure. |
Eligible-lot TRZ | All or most of the trunk at DBH is in the TRZ and the proposed principal-building footprint or heated-floor-area addition conflicts with a 15-foot radius from the trunk edge at DBH. |
Other construction impact | Board/commission approval requires either (a) an irreparably damaging proposed building footprint meeting standard setbacks/yards and height without variance/exception, plus (c) no reasonable reconfiguration; or (b) an irreparably damaging underground utility main meeting applicable location/clearance requirements, plus (c) no reasonable reconfiguration. |
For grand trees, reasonable reconfiguration includes feasible root pruning with a suspended floor and strategically placed foundation piers; changes to building placement, orientation, height or size within design-exception limits, without changing stories or adversely altering internal flow/function; utility changes preserving function/safety; and access changes meeting city technical standards. (Table 284.2.5, note 5) The table allows consideration of alternative setback, height and access exceptions, not automatic tree removal. (Table 284.2.5, note 5)
A tree rendered hazardous by construction may not be removed until construction is permitted and has commenced, and must be removed before the certificate of occupancy or completion. (Table 284.2.5, note 4) The same table requires already hazardous trees permitted for removal to be removed before those certificates. (Table 284.2.5, note 4)
Structural damage means foundation, structural walls or structural roof of an existing permanent building, including likely growth within one year; applying to demolish that building within two years creates a rebuttable presumption of a fraudulently obtained tree permit. (§27-284.2.5)
The grand TRZ application is associated with a building permit and needs the survey and scaled site plan; approval depends on inability to place the proposed principal structure without entering a 15-foot radius measured from the trunk edge at DBH. (§27-284.2.5)
Other construction-impact grand removals require a quasi-judicial variance with survey, scaled site plan, setbacks, height, limbs and encumbrances; requested arborist reports cover four-inch limbs over the buildable area, and uncompleted requested staking can add 15 days to review. (§27-284.2.5)
Within 30 days after a complete grand-removal application, the coordinator forwards evaluations and a reasonable-reconfiguration recommendation for hearing; incomplete applications are not forwarded until 30 days after becoming complete. (§27-284.2.5)
After the administrator sets the grand-tree hearing, the applicant completes Section 27-149 public notice and files the compliance affidavit. (§27-284.2.5)
The board considers tree/root-zone impacts, reasonable redesign, available setback reductions, alternative construction up to the critical root zone, and alternative-method cost and lost building use/value compared with tree condition; accessory-building applications also consider similar development within 1,320 feet in the same zoning district and use types. (§27-284.2.5)
Hazardous-grand applications require Section 27-149 notice including mailed notice and its affidavit; the coordinator must grant or deny within 20 calendar days of the affidavit filing, with appeal under Section 27-61. (§27-284.2.5)
A separate administrative design-exception route allows consideration of non-hazardous grand-tree removal for unusual topography, fill requirements or mandated environmental remediation and similar requirements, with Section 27-60 review and consultation with the relevant officials. (§27-284.2.2)
A non-exempt tree presenting an immediate and present risk to life or property in imminent danger may be pruned or removed to address the assessed risk before permit issuance. (§27-284.2.7)
For that emergency work, the permit must be obtained no later than three working days after removal or damage. (§27-284.2.7)
Who may apply?
Protected-removal applications may be made by the property owner or a person licensed or otherwise city-authorized to remove and plant trees; if no specific license requirements exist, an applicant from Section 27-284.2.1(b) must be designated. (§27-284.2.4)
For grand-tree removal the applicant provision lists a city-authorized removal-and-planting person, not the owner as a separate category, with the same fallback applicant list. (§27-284.2.5)
Does Florida Statute 163.045 apply?
The reviewed Tampa Code of Ordinances does not mention Florida Statute 163.045; the statute is a separate authority, not a local permit exemption created by the tree division. (Tampa Code of Ordinances)
Florida Statute 163.045(1)(a) requires documentation consisting of a signed onsite assessment by an ISA-certified arborist or Florida licensed landscape architect using Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017). (Florida Statute 163.045(1)(a))
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, as a conforming or legally recognized nonconforming use under local development rules. (Florida Statute 163.045(1)(b))
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 Statute 163.045(2))
Florida Statute 163.045(2) makes unacceptable risk the finding that removal is the only practical means of mitigating risk below moderate using that named assessment standard, not simply a health label. (Florida Statute 163.045(2))
Florida Statute 163.045(3) prohibits local government from requiring replanting after work performed in accordance with the statute. (Florida Statute 163.045(3))
Florida Statute 163.045(4) does not displace specifically delegated mangrove-protection authority. (Florida Statute 163.045(4))
The city's guidance requires the owner to possess the documentation at removal. (City Tree Information)
What penalties and restoration can follow?
Where no specific penalty is provided, Section 1-6 allows a fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 60 days, probation up to six months, or the stated combination, with separate daily offenses (section history: Ord. 89-221, September 28, 1989; amendments 2002-114 and 2002-115, May 30, 2002; the history does not isolate the amount-setting amendment or its commencement date). (§1-6)
Liability reaches not only the person committing the violation but someone who aids, counsels, hires or procures it. (§1-6)
After the compliance deadline for a first violation, or after notice of a repeat violation, the separate code-enforcement process allows up to $1,000 per day per first violation and $5,000 per day per repeat violation, not the residual Section 1-6 penalty (section history: Ord. 2015-50, April 16, 2015; amendment 2025-138, December 4, 2025; the history does not isolate the amount-setting amendment or its commencement date). (§9-110)
For an irreparable or irreversible violation, the code-enforcement board or special magistrate may impose up to $15,000 per violation (section history: Ord. 2015-50, April 16, 2015; amendment 2025-138, December 4, 2025; the history does not isolate the amount-setting amendment or its commencement date). (§9-110)
A recorded fine/cost order becomes a lien on the violation land and other real or personal property of the violator, enforceable through the described circuit-court process. (§9-112)
After three months from lien filing, the board or magistrate may authorize foreclosure or a money-judgment suit, subject to the stated Florida constitutional homestead and money-judgment protections. (§9-112)
Unless the code otherwise provides, city abatement notice may warn that uncorrected violations will be corrected by city forces or a contractor and the costs assessed as a property lien. (§1-20)
Unpermitted work causing irreparable or irreversible tree damage or abuse carries a triple permit fee in addition to possible prosecution; the emergency provision is excepted (section history: Ord. 2019-54, April 18, 2019; the history does not isolate the amount-setting amendment or its commencement date). (§27-284.2)
For an unlawfully damaged protected tree that can be restored, the owner or responsible person must hire an ISA Certified Arborist for corrective restoration; otherwise removal and mitigation apply as specified. (§27-284.2.4)
For an unlawfully damaged grand tree the code requires hiring an arborist for restoration, and complete removal and mitigation if it cannot be restored or was unlawfully destroyed. (§27-284.2.5)
Unless an exemption applies, protected-tree removal requires mitigation, and each day of failing to mitigate is a separate violation. (§27-284.2.4)
Unless an exemption applies, grand-tree removal requires mitigation under Sections 27-284.4 through 27-284.4.2, and each day of failing to mitigate is a separate violation. (§27-284.2.5)
Permit revocation can follow invalid permit credentials, including expiration, suspension or revocation of the certificate of competency on which the permit was issued. (§27-287.25)
The city's tree-service registration checklist asks for a Business Tax License, workers' compensation insurance or exemption, the Contractor Registration Form and a Contractor's Letter of Authorization when required. (City of Tampa)
For its insurance update process, the city requires workers' compensation insurance or exemption status, not a liability-insurance certificate. (City of Tampa)
These are city registration submissions, not a statement about Ken's Tree Service credentials or a claim that the permit-revocation clause creates a separate universal tree-service competency license. They provide a checkable way to ask a bidder about registration and compensation coverage.
Stop-work orders require work to cease immediately, state the reason and resumption conditions, and can be oral in an emergency; continuing contrary to an order carries additional exposure. (§27-287.25)
Protected-tree enforcement distinguishes reversible work, irreversible palm/ornamental damage and irreversible shade/conifer damage; triple fees apply per affected tree, and the latter may also bring mitigation, one three-inch replacement of the same shape/type or equivalent and a magistrate fine (section history: Ord. 2019-54, April 18, 2019; amendment 2024-16, February 1, 2024; the history does not isolate the amount-setting amendment or its commencement date). (§27-287.25)
Irreversible grand-tree damage may bring magistrate proceedings, trust-fund mitigation, three three-inch replacements per tree of the same shape/type or equivalent and a state-law-limited fine; the coordinator imposes mitigation/replacement if the magistrate process is not used (section history: Ord. 2019-54, April 18, 2019; amendment 2024-16, February 1, 2024; the history does not isolate the amount-setting amendment or its commencement date). (§27-287.25)
For a city-evaluated dangerous tree with a notice of violation, where the dangerous condition did not result from a Division 4 violation, removal-permit requirements are waived and the notice acts as the permit. (§27-287.25)
How does replacement and payment in lieu work?
At least 60 percent of replacement trees planted on a parcel must be native. (§27-284.4.1)
Replacement locations include the subject property and, with the required permissions and maintenance agreements, rights-of-way, public land, same-owner land or other private land in the same planning district. (§27-284.4)
Payment in lieu uses council-set value for the calculated replacement trees, but only when the parcel's minimum required trees or equivalents already exist or are permitted to be planted. (§27-284.4)
The council establishes Tree Trust contribution fees by resolution. (§16-87)
The tree trust system has five planning-district accounts: Central Tampa, Westshore, University, New Tampa and South Tampa. (§16-86)
Mitigation payments go to the planning district from which the trees were removed, identified by planning district and tree type. (§16-86)
The relocation route is for grand trees only and calls for immediate relocation, not later than two years after removal, using the permitted planting locations. (§27-284.4)
Use these retention credits and removal debits by tree type, with mitigation trees below five inches counted as five-inch trees. (§27-284.4.1)
Type | Diameter inches / dripline feet as table labels it | Retained credit | Removal debit |
|---|---|---|---|
1, tall and wide | 5 to 10 | -1 | 1 |
1 | 11 to 20 | -2 | 2 |
1 | 21 to 25 | -4 | 3 |
1 | 26 to 31 | -12 | 4 |
2, tall and narrow | 5 to 17 | -1 | 1 |
2 | 18 to 29 | -2 | 2 |
2 | 30 to 31 | -3 | 3 |
3, short/wide/multi-stem | 5 to 7 | -1 | 1 |
3 | 8 to 17 | -2 | 2 |
3 | 18 to 29 | -3 | 3 |
3 | 30 to 31 | -12 | 4 |
Palm | Any species, 6 feet clear trunk | 1 as printed | 1 |
Grand-tree credit and debit use field measurements, crown footprint, species rating and condition; the standard is 154 square feet of replacement crown footprint per 2.5-inch-caliper tree, and retention credit is calculated the same way as debit. (§27-284.4.1)
Grand calculation input | Code table field |
|---|---|
Identity | Common name, moderate growth, Type 1/2/3 |
Condition and risk | A/B/C/D/F; risk 1 to 12 |
Measurements | DBH, height, shortest limb distance, longest limb distance |
Crown calculations | Spread, footprint, replacement footprint |
Condition factor | A 100%, B 90%, C 75%, D 40%, F 0% |
Species rating missing | Use condition rating |
Result | Equivalent number of 2.5-inch-caliper trees |
The code's embedded 49-inch laurel-oak example has crown spread 74.8 feet and footprint 4,388 square feet; the table prints these successive species-rating scenarios, not a substitute for a field evaluation. (§27-284.4.1)
Printed condition grouping | Species factor | Replacement footprint square feet | 2.5-inch trees |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 4388 | 28 |
0.95 | 4169 | 27 | |
0.9 | 3950 | 26 | |
0.85 | 3730 | 24 | |
0.81 | 3555 | 23 | |
0.9 | 0.8 | 3950 | 26 |
0.75 | 3752 | 24 | |
0.7 | 3555 | 23 | |
0.65 | 3357 | 22 | |
0.61 | 3199 | 21 | |
0.75 | 0.6 | 3291 | 21 |
0.55 | 3127 | 20 | |
0.5 | 2962 | 19 | |
0.45 | 2798 | 18 | |
0.41 | 2666 | 17 | |
0.4 | 0.4 | 1755 | 11 |
0.35 | 1668 | 11 | |
0.3 | 1580 | 10 | |
0.25 | 1492 | 10 | |
0.21 | 1422 | 9 |
The embedded example's blank/merged cells are preserved as blanks, not independently recomputed; its numerical pattern should be confirmed with the city rather than silently corrected. (§27-284.4.1)
Up to 50 percent of mitigation trees may change tree shape when planting space, utilities or other constraints justify exchange; the printed reciprocal ratios and six-foot clear-trunk palm condition apply. (§27-284.4.1)
Required type | Printed ratio | Replacement type |
|---|---|---|
Palm | 1:1 | Palm |
Palm | 2:1 | Type 3 |
Type 1 | 1:2 | Type 2 |
Type 1 | 1:3 | Type 3 |
Type 2 | 3:1 | Type 1 |
Type 2 | 1:2 | Type 3 |
Type 3 | 3:1 | Type 1 |
Off-site mitigation in the locations specified by Section 27-284.4(c)(2) through (5) needs a planting permit, ownership authority, original removal permit number, tree data, scaled site information, utilities, structures, nearby trees and photographs. (§27-284.4.2)
The general planting-permit rule excludes mitigation trees planted on the subject permit property from its separate planting-permit requirement. (§27-284.2.6)
Private receiving owners must join the application and sign an affidavit accepting protected-tree status and maintenance, care, replacement and mitigation responsibility that runs with the land. (§27-284.4.2)
Before permit issuance the owners and mitigation party sign a one-year maintenance agreement; tree mapping or specified GPS coordinates precede final inspection, after which mitigation liability shifts to the receiving owners as stated in the code. (§27-284.4.2)
What changes for commercial property, HOAs and development?
The division applies citywide to public and private land and rights-of-way, so a commercial, multifamily, institutional or HOA-common-area owner cannot substitute a single-family state-law route for the applicable protected or grand-tree rules. (§27-284)
If you are clearing, demolishing, adding a pool or building
Subject to the express exceptions, site clearing, demolition and development building permits are sequenced behind natural-resource approval; the site-clearing permit applies where protected or grand trees or sensitive areas are within 30 feet of proposed development. (§27-284.2.1)
Section 27-284.2.1(b) identifies eligible clearing applicants: single-family/two-family owners, arborists and the listed contractor categories. (§27-284.2.1)
The tree survey must be prepared by a surveyor and mapper, show scientific name, DBH and location of trees on the parcel and within 20 feet of its perimeter, be verified by an arborist and show crown dimensions for non-exempt trees at least 32 inches. (§27-43)
Removal applications need the defined tree survey, and applicable removal approvals precede building permits; arborist verification may be performed by the coordinator, designee or another arborist. (§27-284.2.4)
Unless exempt, a landscape and tree-planting plan for the entire parcel must be approved before the development building permit. (§27-284.2.2)
A registered landscape architect generally prepares, supervises or adopts and signs/seals the plan; owner, nursery-merchandising, uncompensated and government-service exceptions retain their title restrictions. (§27-284.2.2)
Clearing without construction needs property/project information, a survey, sensitive-land and nearby-tree data; approval requires tree and buffer protection, erosion control, exempt-invasive/noxious removal and mitigation calculations. (§27-284.2.1)
Before clearing inspection, removal trees must be red-flagged, proposed improvements rough-staked and protective barricades installed; notify the department within 48 hours after completion, and no further development may proceed before final release. (§27-284.2.1)
Clearing must start within six months, subject to a written six-month extension; interruption, noncontinuous work or ownership transfer triggers the code's expiration conditions. (§27-284.2.1)
Post the permit and approved plans visibly from the adjacent right-of-way through final approval, and comply with the Technical Manual's construction tree-protection standards. (§27-284.2)
The Manual requires minimum protection before any construction on a development site or public or private right-of-way. (City of Tampa)
During construction, approved protective-root-zone predevelopment conditions must not change. (City of Tampa)
No vehicles, equipment or materials may be parked or stored within the minimum protective area at any time. (City of Tampa)
Clearing or grading inside that area needs the coordinator's approval as part of the related permit. (City of Tampa)
Barricades may be removed only for final landscaping preparation, with non-mechanical techniques inside the zone and no unapproved tree alterations. (City of Tampa)
An arborist must oversee and approve root pruning before the preconstruction site inspection. (City of Tampa)
Root pruning precedes construction and must be inspected before requesting inspections. (City of Tampa)
The Manual's grand-tree graphic specifies at least 20 feet measured from the trunk edge. (City of Tampa)
The large ornamental, shade and conifer graphic specifies ten feet for trunks under 24 inches DBH and 15 feet for trunks at least 24 inches DBH, measured from the trunk edge; the note applies the 15-foot zone to specimens. (City of Tampa)
The medium ornamental, shade and conifer graphic specifies at least ten feet measured from the trunk edge. (City of Tampa)
The small ornamental graphic specifies at least three feet measured from the trunk edge. (City of Tampa)
The palm graphic specifies at least three feet measured from the trunk edge. (City of Tampa)
The grand graphic calls for six- to eight-foot-high chain-link protection fencing in metal-frame sections. (City of Tampa)
The protected-tree and palm graphics show four-foot protection fencing. (City of Tampa)
Use the approved tree-preservation and site-preparation plans for fence alignment and authorized modifications; the graphics also refer to crown spread or dripline rather than treating the grand TRZ's 15-foot removal radius as every construction barricade distance.
What must be retained?
The retention table controls protected-tree percentages and requires 100 percent retention of grand trees except where the grand-removal section permits otherwise. (§27-284.3.1)
Land/use | Minimum retention | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
CBD, Channel District, YC-1; any use | No percentage printed | Standard mitigation applies. |
Non-wooded, exclusive of wetlands; any use | 50% | Subject to notes 1 through 8. |
Wooded; single-family or two-family | 50% | Subject to notes 1 through 8. |
Wooded; multifamily | 40% | Subject to notes 1 through 8. |
Wooded; nonresidential | 25% | Subject to notes 1 through 8. |
Lands one acre or less; any use | [2] only, as served | No numerical percentage is printed in this row. |
Grand trees; any land/use | 100% | Approved grand-removal routes remain applicable. |
A project below the minimum retention requires the applicable variance board or council site-plan-rezoning approval; retained trees must be in the best health/structure, rated excellent or good, subject to the removal tables. (Table 284.3.1, notes 2, 3 and 5) The percentage does not apply if too few on-site A, B or C trees exist to achieve it. (Table 284.3.1, notes 2, 3 and 5)
Note 4 is grammatically incomplete as served: it bases percentages on total protected and grand trees and then lists off-site, right-of-way, dangerous/dead, palm, poor-or-worse, exempt/invasive/noxious, climate-unsuitable and lowest-wind-resistance species without completing the exclusion sentence. (Table 284.3.1, note 4) The listed wind species are Carya illinoensis, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Juniperus virginiana, Pinus clausa, Quercus nigra and Ulmus parvifolia; confirm its application rather than inventing missing text. (Table 284.3.1, note 4)
Jurisdictional-wetland trees do not count; qualifying wetland-setback/buffer trees may count under the condition/palm notes, and standard mitigation still applies. (Table 284.3.1, notes 6 through 8) Alternatively, weighted retention multiplies Type 1/2/3 points of 3/2/1 by A/B/C/poor-or-worse condition points of 3/2/1/0, then divides retained points by all on-site points to meet the same percentage. (Table 284.3.1, notes 6 through 8)
Tree and palm selection matrix
Required and mitigation trees must satisfy the City Tree Matrix, reproduced here with its tree types, sizes, species, native status, mature dimensions, suitability ratings, growth and power-line classifications. (§27-284.3.2)
Each entry below gives the matrix's form, size and type, then native status, mature crown and height, species rating, growth and power-line classification, as printed. (§27-284.3.2)
American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana). Coniferous, Medium, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 25' to 40'. Species rating: <21%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Podocarpus (Yew Plum) (Podocarpus macrophyllus). Coniferous, Medium, Type 2. Native: NO. Crown: 20' to 25'. Height: 30' to 40'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Coniferous, Medium, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 20' to 30'. Height: 30' to 45'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Sand Pine (Pinus clausa). Coniferous, Medium, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 25' to 40'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum). Coniferous, Large, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 35'. Height: 60' to 80'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Broadleaf Podocarpus (Podocarpus nagi). Coniferous, Large, Type 2. Native: NO. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 30' to 50'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis). Coniferous, Large, Type 2. Native: NO. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 40' to 50'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda). Coniferous, Large, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 30' to 35'. Height: 50' to 80'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Loblolly-Bay (Gordonia lasianthus). Coniferous, Large, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 35'. Height: 50' to 75'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris). Coniferous, Large, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 30' to 40'. Height: 60' to 80'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Pondcypress (Taxodium ascendens). Coniferous, Large, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 50' to 60'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii var densa). Coniferous, Large, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 35' to 50'. Height: 75' to 100'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
American Elder (Sambucus nigra (subsp. Canadensis)). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 6' to 10'. Height: 8' to 12'. Species rating: 21 to 40%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Blackhaw (Walter's Vibernum) (Viburnum obovatum). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 6' to 10'. Height: 8' to 25'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Burford Holly (Chinese Holly) (Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii'). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 15' to 25'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 20'. Height: 12 to 20'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Chinese Fringetree (Chionanthus retusus). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 15' to 20'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 10' to 30'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Devilwood (Osmanthus americanus). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 15' to 25'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 12' to 20'. Height: 12' to 20'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Florida Privet (Forestiera segregata). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 5 to 10'. Height: 10' to 15'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 12 to 20'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: Y.
Jerusalem-Thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 20' to 25'. Height: 15' to 20'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Lemon Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 10' to 15'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Ligustrum (Japanese Privet) (Ligustrum japonicum). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 8' to 12'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 20'. Height: 25'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Possumhaw (Ilex decidua). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 10' to 15'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: Y.
Purple Tabebuia (Tabebuia impetiginosa). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 12' to 18'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 15' to 20'. Species rating: 21 to 40%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 20' to 25'. Height: 15' to 25'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: Y.
Starburst (Clerodendrum Quadriloculare). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 10'. Height: 15'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: Y.
Swamp ("Stiff") Dogwood (Cornus foemina). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 10' to 25'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 15' to 25'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: Y.
Upright Bottlebrush (Callistemon rigidus). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 8' to 12'. Height: 8' to 12'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: Y.
Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis [7]). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 15' to 20'. Height: 15' to 20'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
White Geiger (Wild Olive) (Cordia boissieri). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 15' to 20'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: Y.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria). Ornamental, Small, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 20'. Height: 15' to 20'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: Y.
'Nellie R. Stevens' Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 20' to 30'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: NOT AVAIL. Height: 20' to 40'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Not Avail. Power-line tree: N.
Coastal Plain Willow (Salix caroliniana). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 35'. Height: 25' to 35'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine). Ornamental, Medium, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 8' to 12'. Height: 20' to 30'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
'East Palatka' Holly (Ilex x attenuata). Ornamental, Medium, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 30' to 45'. Species rating: 21 to 40%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis). Ornamental, Medium, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 20' to 30'. Species rating: 21 to 40%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 30'. Height: 20' to 30'. Species rating: 21 to 40%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Golden Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia chrysotricha). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: NO. Crown: 25' to 35'. Height: 25' to 35'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia). Ornamental, Medium, Type 1. Native: NO. Crown: 45' to 60'. Height: 25' to 40'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 15' to 25'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 20' to 30'. Height: 25' to 30'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Simpson Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 20'. Height: 15' to 20'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). Ornamental, Medium, Type 3. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 20' to 30'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
American Holly (Ilex opaca). Ornamental, Large, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 35' to 50'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
'Bosque' Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia). Ornamental, Large, Type 1. Native: NO. Crown: 35' to 50'. Height: 35' to 45'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
'Drake' Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake'). Ornamental, Large, Type 1. Native: NO. Crown: 35' to 50'. Height: 35' to 45'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Japanese Blueberry (Eleocarpus decipiens). Ornamental, Large, Type 2. Native: NO. Crown: 20' to 40'. Height: 40' to 60'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Olive (Olea europaea). Ornamental, Large, Type 2. Native: NO. Crown: 35' to 50'. Height: 25' to 50'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Red Mulberry (Morus rubra). Ornamental, Large, Type 2. Native: YES. Crown: 35' to 50'. Height: 50' to 75'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Ornamental, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 30' to 40'. Height: 60' to 80'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). Ornamental, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 15' to 25'. Height: 40' to 50'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Ornamental, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 30' to 40'. Height: 30' to 50'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Winged Elm (Ulmus alata). Ornamental, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 30' to 40'. Height: 45' to 70'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Oriental Sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis). Shade, Small, Type 1. Native: NO. Crown: 10' to 12'. Height: 15' to 20'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana). Shade, Medium, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 20' to 30'. Height: 20' to 30'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Bluejack Oak (Quercus incana). Shade, Medium, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 35'. Height: 25' to 50'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Florida Maple (Acer floridanum). Shade, Medium, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 40'. Height: 20' to 40'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Myrtle oak (Quercus myrtifolia). Shade, Medium, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 35' to 40'. Height: 35' to 40'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Red Bay (Persea borbonia). Shade, Medium, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 30' to 50'. Height: 30' to 50'. Species rating: 21 to 40%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Swamp Bay (Persea palustris). Shade, Medium, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 30'. Height: 25' to 35'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis). Shade, Medium, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 30'. Height: 30' to 40'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
(American) Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 50' to 70'. Height: 75' to 90'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
American Elm (Ulmus americana). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 50' to 70'. Height: 70' to 90'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 35' to 50'. Height: 60' to 90'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Black Gum/Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 35'. Height: 65' to 75'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Bluff Oak (Quercus austrina). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 35' to 50'. Height: 40' to 60'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Not Avail. Power-line tree: N.
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: NO. Crown: 50' to 70'. Height: 40' to 50'. Species rating: <21%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 40' to 50'. Height: 45' to 80'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 20' to 35'. Height: 40' to 60'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Durand Oak (Quercus durandii (sinuata)). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 40' to 60'. Height: 50' to 90'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Not Avail. Power-line tree: N.
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 30'. Height: 30' to 45'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 35' to 45'. Height: 60' to 70'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Pecan (Carya illinoensis). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: NO. Crown: 50' to 70'. Height: 70' to 100'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 30' to 40'. Height: 50' to 65'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Pop Ash (Fraxinus caroliniana). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 40' to 60'. Height: 50' to 80'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus tomentosa (sp. "profunda")). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 45' to 50'. Height: 60' to 70'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 35'. Height: 60' to 75'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 45' to 60'. Height: 30' to 50'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Shumard's Oak (Quercus shumardii). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 40' to 50'. Height: 55' to 80'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 40' to 60'. Height: 60' to 80'. Species rating: <21%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 60' to 120'. Height: 60' to 80'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 60' to 70'. Height: 60' to 80'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 50' to 70'. Height: 50' to 60'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 50' to 60'. Height: 50' to 70'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 40' to 60'. Height: 60' to 80'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Not Avail. Power-line tree: N.
Swamp Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 65' to 70'. Height: 80' to 100'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 35' to 50'. Height: 60' to 75'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Water Hickory (Carya aquatica). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 40'. Height: 60' to 70'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Water Oak (Quercus nigra). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 60' to 70'. Height: 50' to 60'. Species rating: 41 to 60%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 25' to 35'. Height: 75' to 100'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
White Ash (Fraxinus americana). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 35' to 60'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Willow Oak (Quercus phellos). Shade, Large, Type 1. Native: YES. Crown: 40' to 50'. Height: 60' to 75'. Species rating: <21%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). Palm, Small, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 6' to 10'. Height: 10' to 20'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: Y.
Cliff Date Palm (Phoenix rupicola). Palm, Small, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 20'. Height: 25'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: Y.
European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis). Palm, Small, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 20'. Height: 15'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: Y.
Pindo Palm (Butia capitata). Palm, Small, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 15' to 25'. Species rating: 61-80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: Y.
Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebellenii). Palm, Small, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 7'. Height: 12'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: Y.
Paurotis Palm (Acoelorraphe wrightii). Palm, Medium, Palm. Native: YES. Crown: 12'. Height: 30'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Puerto Rican Hat Palm (Sabal causarium). Palm, Medium, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 15'. Height: 45'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Senegal Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata [7]). Palm, Medium, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 40' to 50'. Height: 30' to 35'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Wild Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris). Palm, Medium, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 20'. Height: 40'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Bismarck Palm (Bismarkia nobilis). Palm, Large, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 12' to 16'. Height: 30' to 60'. Species rating: [5]. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto). Palm, Large, Palm. Native: YES. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 40' to 50'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis). Palm, Large, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 20' to 25'. Height: 40' to 60'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis). Palm, Large, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 10' to 12'. Height: 30' to 50'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera). Palm, Large, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 12 to 15'. Height: 50' to 80'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Moderate. Power-line tree: N.
Ribbon Fan Palm (Livistona decora (deciphens)). Palm, Large, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 15'. Height: 30'. Species rating: 81 to 100%. Growth: Slow. Power-line tree: N.
Washington (Mexican Fan) Palm (Washingtonia robusta [7]). Palm, Large, Palm. Native: NO. Crown: 10' to 15'. Height: 60' to 90'. Species rating: 61 to 80%. Growth: Fast. Power-line tree: N.
Matrix types are Type 1 tall/wide, Type 2 tall/narrow, Type 3 short/wide/multi-trunked, and palm; small, medium and large mature heights are 0 to 20, 20 to 40 and 40 feet or higher. (Matrix notes) Unlisted species need coordinator approval and Florida Grades and Standards treatment; missing species ratings use condition ratings for grand mitigation. (Matrix notes) Growth means vertical growth: slow at most 12 inches/year, moderate 13 to 24 and fast greater than 25; Y/N means yes/no. (Matrix notes) Category II species marked [7] may be retained or planted but earn no mitigation credit, and ratings depend on evaluated condition; the printed rating cross-reference to 27-285.4.1 is not silently corrected. (Matrix notes)
Buffers, credits and maintenance
New construction, use changes and expansions require the applicable buffer, except the once-per-building addition/change exception no larger than 500 square feet or five percent, whichever is less; where a larger change requires a 15-foot buffer and no alternative exists, loading may be included with a six-foot masonry wall. (§27-284.3.3)
These minimum trees and landscape areas are additional development requirements, calculated with the table's exclusions and rounded up to whole trees. (§27-284.3.3)
Use | Minimum landscape area | Minimum trees and calculation exclusions |
|---|---|---|
Detached single-family or two-family | 25% of parcel | 1 per 2,000 square feet of parcel, excluding building footprints and publicly contributed/platted wetlands; 1 per 4,000 if overall retention-mitigation credit |
Attached/semi-detached with VUA | 350 square feet per townhouse | 1 per 1,500 square feet, excluding buildings, VUA and publicly contributed/platted wetlands |
Attached/semi-detached without VUA | 350 square feet per townhouse | 1 per 1,500 square feet, excluding buildings and publicly contributed/platted wetlands |
Multifamily with VUA | 350 square feet/unit; at least 50% common accessible space | 1 per 1,500 square feet, excluding buildings, VUA and publicly contributed/platted wetlands |
Multifamily without VUA | 750 square feet/unit; at least 50% common accessible space | 1 per 1,500 square feet, excluding buildings and publicly contributed/platted wetlands |
Multifamily at least 6 stories, with VUA | 30% of parcel excluding buildings and publicly contributed/platted wetlands; at least 50% common accessible space | 1 per 1,500 square feet, excluding buildings, VUA and publicly contributed/platted wetlands |
Multifamily at least 6 stories, without VUA | 30% of parcel excluding buildings and publicly contributed/platted wetlands; at least 50% common accessible space | 1 per 1,500 square feet, excluding publicly contributed/platted wetlands |
Other Group A, Group B and Group C uses | Applicable VUA and buffer standards | Applicable VUA and buffer standards |
Existing nonresidential expansion greater than 25% but less than 50%, with VUA | VUA standards | VUA frontage row (b), subject to note 16 |
VUA | At least 20% landscaped; at least half required trees interior, except interior trees not required below 10 spaces | 1 per 1,500 square feet of VUA; 1 per 40 feet of right-of-way frontage; 1 per 5,000 square feet of loading docks |
VDA | At least half required trees interior and remainder in required landscape/buffer; VUA frontage separation applies | 1 per 1,500 square feet of VDA; 1 per 40 feet of right-of-way frontage |
Use being developed | Adjacent detached/two-family | Adjacent attached | Other A | Multifamily | B | C auto/light manufacturing/supply | Other C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Detached/two-family | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Attached/semi-detached | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Multifamily block [merged source cells] | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 10 | 15 | 15 |
Other A | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 15 |
B | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 15 | 10 |
C | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
Buffer dimensions in the table are feet, with use groups determined by Article III's use tables, not a reader's informal use description. (§27-284.3.3) VUA means vehicular use area and VDA means vehicle display area; the flattened source's merged residential cells should be checked against the city's displayed table for the applicable project. (§27-284.3.3)
The buffer tree specifications are as printed here, including the overlapping general and type-specific size statements rather than silently deleting either. (§27-284.3.3)
Buffer | Required tree row | Printed size details |
|---|---|---|
5 feet | Evergreen Type 2 or 3, 20 feet on center | General: 8 to 10 feet high, spread 4 to 6 feet, 30 gallons; Type 2: at least 3-inch caliper, crown at least 28 inches, at least 45 gallons; single-trunk Type 3: at least 3 inches, crown at least 42 inches, at least 45 gallons |
10 feet | Same as 5-foot buffer | Same as 5-foot buffer |
15 feet | Evergreen Type 1 or 2, 20 feet on center | At least 8 feet high; Type 1: at least 3-inch caliper, crown at least 54 inches, at least 45 gallons; single-trunk Type 2: at least 3 inches, crown at least 28 inches, at least 45 gallons |
Five- and ten-foot buffers also require the specified evergreen-shrub row and ground treatment. (§27-284.3.3) Fifteen-foot buffers require ground treatment and a finished masonry wall at least six feet high; if a wall would conflict with a retained tree's protected radius and a stem wall or similar construction cannot avoid it, a solid six-foot PVC fence may substitute outside local historic districts. (§27-284.3.3)
Existing vegetation contributing to buffering or preservation must be maximized where practical; qualifying alternative VUA designs may preserve protected, specimen or grand trees, and overhead lines may justify the designated Type 2 or 3 species. (§27-284.3.3)
The tree-count rows use medium or large Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3 trees where note 16 applies. (§27-284.3.3) Loading-dock trees go outside the dock perimeter, with Tampa Port Authority-owned or leased docks exempt; parking islands are at least 13 feet wide, and landscape spacing must satisfy the table's 20-space maximum and ten-space overall average. (§27-284.3.3)
Required planting may be reinspected at six months, declining trees must be replaced within 30 days of notice, replacement may be reinspected six months later, and final landscape inspection checks the approved plan. (§27-284.2.2)
If a tree is shown in a prior approved landscape plan, do not assume removal releases the plan's ongoing requirements. (§27-284.2.2) Ask Natural Resources which amendment or revised-plan record is required for that parcel; a universal amendment workflow was not verified. (§27-284.2.2)
Wetlands, upland habitat, utilities and relief
Wetland buffers have a minimum width of 15 feet and average width of 25 feet and generally remain undisturbed, with the section's expressly allowed development procedures controlling exceptions. (§27-286)
The upland-habitat overlay covers city land north of Fletcher Avenue and may require an approved habitat plan before rezoning, subdivision or site/building approvals. (§27-287.3)
Section 27-287.4(c) supplies habitat-plan exemptions; a developer's several lots developed together do not qualify for its single-lot exception. (§27-287.4)
Required habitat approval precedes clearing; barriers remain through land alteration/construction, and occupancy awaits the coordinator's final compliance determination. (§27-287.5)
Alternative design exceptions are limited administrative relief, not permission to disregard preservation requirements. (§27-60)
Section 27-61 distinguishes council review of board decisions from administrative review of hazardous-grand and specified natural-resource design-exception decisions. (§27-61)
For upland review, confirm Section 27-287.23's stale reference to 27-61(i)(3) with the city; the current administrative procedure is 27-61(j)(3). (§27-287.23)
Non-tree landscape details remain in Sections 27-284.3.2 and 27-284.3.3; generic review procedures are in Section 27-61, and upland variances in Section 27-287.24.
How do you apply, and what does it cost?
The trade schedule lists protected removal/evaluation at $120 per property for both residential and commercial categories. (Trade permit fee schedule) The trade schedule lists hazardous-grand removal/evaluation at $155 per property for both categories. (Trade permit fee schedule) The trade schedule lists non-hazardous-grand removal/evaluation at $620 per property for both categories. (Trade permit fee schedule) The trade schedule lists grand pruning evaluation at $120 per property for both categories. (Trade permit fee schedule) The schedule adds a Florida Building Permit Surcharge of 2.5 percent or a $4 minimum, not included in listed amounts. (Trade permit fee schedule) The trade fee schedule states effective October 1, 2018 and updated February 16, 2023. (Trade permit fee schedule) These are application charges, not mitigation or a quote for tree work; the conflicting city workbook described in this guide means Natural Resources must confirm the applicable amount.
Confirm city jurisdiction with the address lookup described here, then identify whether the application concerns protected removal, grand removal, pruning or a development-related change.
Use the city's Accela permit portal, following its Tree Removal and Pruning Permit application guide. Select the Building Permit workflow, Natural Resources and Tree Removal Pruning Permit.
Enter the property and applicant information, identify the action for each tree and attach the required survey, plans and affidavits for the applicable route.
Review and pay the assessed charges, retain the TRE record number and wait for approval before non-emergency work.
Complete the permit conditions, mitigation and inspections; do not treat submission or payment as permission.
For construction-related removal, city guidance uses building-permit review and marks the tree for removal on the site plan, not a separate TRE record. (City of Tampa)
After the initial building permit, additional tree removals require a Building Plan Revision identifying the additional removals, according to the homeowner guidance. (City of Tampa)
The zoning Master Affidavit requires notarized owner and agent signatures, authority documents for entity owners, and additional authorizations where multiple owners require them. (Master Affidavit)
Contractor permit agents use the Contractor's Letter of Authorization, signed only by the license holder. (City of Tampa)
Current contractor registration includes tree-service contractors not required to register with DBPR. (City of Tampa)
Council-set development charges can include consultation, review, condition/risk inspection, reinspection, mitigation and relief/review proceedings; tree application charges are not the total project fee. (§27-284.1)
Natural Resources tree-permit questions go to Construction Services at 813-274-3100, Option 1. (City Tree Information)
The department email is [email protected]. (City Tree Information)
The Construction Services office is at 2555 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610. (City Tree Information)
Published office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (City Tree Information)
Where do code, guidance and newer records differ?
The operative code's inclusive five-inch definition controls over guidance saying greater than five inches. (§27-43) The pruning conflict is not resolved by a simplified 24-inch guidance threshold, and the code's duplicate (b) labels and measurement cross-reference should not be silently repaired. (§27-43)
The city removal guidance describes ordinary protected trees as greater than five inches, rather than the code definition of five inches or greater. (City Tree Information)
The FY2026 revenue workbook labels protected removal per tree, for both residential and commercial categories. (FY2026 revenue workbook) Its Departmental Rates sheet lists residential grand pruning at $155 rather than the trade PDF's $120. (FY2026 revenue workbook) That workbook attributes these rates to Resolution 2008-1165 and lists the latest increase as October 1, 2018. (FY2026 revenue workbook) The instrument-to-amount reconciliation remains open; neither document should be silently substituted for the other. (FY2026 revenue workbook)
October 15, 2026 council minutes record adoption of Resolution 2026-840 increasing the Tree Trust contribution from $300 to $475 per required tree; the agenda-attached resolution text specifies immediate effectiveness upon adoption, but the executed instrument has not yet been reconciled against that attachment. (October 15 council minutes) Do not use the old $300 contribution as an unqualified current amount. (October 15 council minutes)
Those minutes also record adoption of Ordinance 2026-103 concerning Section 16-86 annual Tree-Mendous Tampa distributions, and a first reading of a Section 22-308 sight-obstruction amendment scheduled for a November 5 second reading. (October 15 council minutes) A first reading is not an adopted replacement rule. (October 15 council minutes)
The October 15 item 73 ordinance attachment leaves Section 16-86(a)'s five district accounts and (c)'s district-of-removal deposit rule unchanged; the minutes identify the adopted measure as Ordinance 2026-103. (Ordinance attachment; adoption minutes)
The attachment is unsigned, so this comparison is not a signed-copy verification. (Ordinance attachment)
Is your Tampa mailing address inside the city?
A Tampa mailing address does not establish city jurisdiction; use the City Limits page Address Look-up and search the property address against the city boundary. (City of Tampa)
What about right-of-way trees?
Owners must maintain branches projecting across a city street or sidewalk at least eight feet above it; that duty does not silently cancel applicable pruning-permit requirements. (§22-309)
Willfully injuring, defacing or mutilating a shade tree on a city street is unlawful. (§22-311)
A right-of-way provider may not prune, remove or irreversibly damage a protected or grand tree without a city permit. (§22-323.6)
For city right-of-way, median or alley tree-pruning questions, contact the Forestry Division at 813-274-5744. (City Tree Information)
What was checked, and who can answer the remaining questions?
Checked October 28, 2026: the protected-tree definition, palm mitigation rules, city Tree Information guidance, trade-fee PDF and FY2026 revenue workbook. (City Tree Information) The remaining questions are a species-specific palm permit determination and reconciliation of the conflicting application fees, not whether any rule or fee exists. (City Tree Information) Natural Resources through Construction Services can answer these questions at 813-274-3100, Option 1. (City Tree Information)
Sources and scope
This reference covers property within Tampa city limits, using the supplied Municode Code of Ordinances export, job 483713, codified through Ordinance No. 2025-152 enacted December 18, 2025, together with the city's published guidance and Florida's statute. Newer measures and guidance may not yet be reflected in that export.
The code adopts the Tree and Landscape Technical Manual's technical standards by reference with the force and effect of law. (§27-284.1.1)
Consult the Tree and Landscape Technical Manual and City Tree Matrix alongside the cited code.
Where does this leave your tree or project?
A tree may be a candidate for removal or pruning. Natural Resources decides the route and approval; direct property-specific tree, survey and plan questions there, not to the chat.
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.
This is a regional reference, not an offer of Tampa tree work or an on-site assessment. To talk through the guide rather than obtain a property-specific determination, start with our website agent, the chat on this page.