Pinellas Tree Rules Dramatically Eased for Homeowners

Pinellas County commissioners have unanimously approved amendments to tree removal ordinances, significantly easing regulations for residents. The changes aim to address concerns about property rights and overly burdensome rules that made tree removal complex and expensive. Previously, homeowners faced substantial replanting requirements or high fees for removing even moderately sized trees.

Under the revised ordinances, homeowners removing trees with diameters between 14 and 24 inches will no longer face the previous strict mandates of planting 15 trees or paying over $7,000. For larger trees, the number of required replants has been capped, and the financial penalty reduced by approximately 75%. For instance, a homeowner who previously had to plant 27 trees or pay over $10,000 for removing two large trees now faces a requirement of eight replants or a $1,800 contribution.