Tree permits · Florida
Any tree greater than 4.5 inches in diameter at breast height needs a permit to remove or relocate. Grand Trees are Live Oak or Sand Live Oak with a DBH of 24 inches or more, and Slash Pine, Longleaf Pine or Southern Red Cedar with a DBH of 20 inches or more. Mangroves need a Florida DEP mangrove permit before the city will issue a removal permit.
We could not confirm this from an official Sarasota source. Call the city to check.
Dead, prohibited and undesirable trees still need a permit before removal, but the city charges no fee for removing them.
Submit the tree permit application online or in person at Development Services, 1575 2nd Street, 2nd Floor. Mark each tree with an orange ribbon within 24 hours of applying (the city can supply ribbons), post the permit on site, and schedule an inspection after removal.
If trees are not marked before the first inspection, the inspection fails and a $100 re-inspection fee applies.
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.
A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.
Last checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check the official source before work starts. Short explanation, not legal advice. Spotted a change? See our corrections page.
For homeowners
Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies.
Own a tree service in Sarasota?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, online booking and review requests, set up for tree companies. Link this page in your quotes so customers know the rules.
Yes. Sarasota requires a city permit before removing at least some private trees. The City of Sarasota requires a permit to remove or relocate any tree larger than 4.5 inches in diameter at breast height, including dead, prohibited and undesirable trees. Grand Trees (large live oaks, pines and red cedars) get extra protection. Routine trimming and pruning do not need a city permit. Our confidence: high. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Any tree greater than 4.5 inches in diameter at breast height needs a permit to remove or relocate. Grand Trees are Live Oak or Sand Live Oak with a DBH of 24 inches or more, and Slash Pine, Longleaf Pine or Southern Red Cedar with a DBH of 20 inches or more. Mangroves need a Florida DEP mangrove permit before the city will issue a removal permit.
Dead, prohibited and undesirable trees still need a permit before removal, but the city charges no fee for removing them.
Submit the tree permit application online or in person at Development Services, 1575 2nd Street, 2nd Floor. Mark each tree with an orange ribbon within 24 hours of applying (the city can supply ribbons), post the permit on site, and schedule an inspection after removal.
If trees are not marked before the first inspection, the inspection fails and a $100 re-inspection fee applies.
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.
Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.
Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.
No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.
We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.