Tree Protection and Removal Permits

For more information regarding assessing damage and restoring trees after a hurricane, please see the handout. 

Sarasota County’s Trees Code (Chapter 54, Article XVIII) (external) recognizes the county’s exceptional tree resources and the associated benefits of trees, provides standards on public and private lands, grand trees, and canopy roads to ensure that our trees can be enjoyed by future generations. Our department serves the unincorporated areas of Sarasota County and the city of Venice for tree permitting.

If you live in the City of Sarasota, City of North Port or the Town of Longboat Key contact those jurisdictions for their local tree permitting requirements:

• City of North Port Development Services (external)
• City of Sarasota Neighborhood Development Services (external)
• City of Venice Planning and Zoning Department (external)
• Town of Longboat Key Building Division (external)

Tree Permit Requirements

A tree permit is required:

• for tree removal or relocation. 
• pruning or causing irreparable injury to trees in a Canopy Road Protection Zone or Right-of-Way.
• planting trees or other vegetation within the Right-of-Way.

In reviewing tree permits, avoidance and then minimization of impacts are employed, and may require alternative site designs, stem walls, root pruning, bio-barriers, other techniques to divert root systems, etc. to protect the trees on- site.

Tree permits are only issued when the applicant demonstrates one or more of the following conditions are met (reference Section 54-586(2)):

• Trees pose a safety hazard to traffic (vehicle and pedestrian) or threaten to disrupt utility services.
• Trees pose a safety hazard to people, buildings, structures, vehicles or other improvements.
• Trees completely prevent access to a lot.
• Trees unreasonably prevent development of a lot, or use thereof.
• Regulations require fill to the extent that trees cannot be saved (requires engineer certification).
• Trees are diseased or weakened by age, storm, fire, or other injury to the extent they have lost most of their function and value, or poses a danger, as determined by the county.

The Trees Code provides certain exemptions (e.g., removal of exotic species; refer to Section 54-585 (external) for further exemption details), and it is highly recommended that you contact a County Environmental Specialist to determine whether a permit is required before removing any native trees with a trunk diameter greater than four inches or palms with a clear trunk greater than eight feet.

Tree List

*Trees with shallow root systems may be appropriate for constrained sites.

Please use the list above when selecting trees required to be planted by the Trees Code (Chapter 54, Article XVIII) Tree Permit. It is recommended that the site-specific conditions and character of the tree species at maturity are evaluated before selecting trees.

Notes

1. All tree planting should be completed prior to final inspection.
2. All trees planted shall be Florida #1 or better and a minimum of eight feet (8') tall with a 2-inch (2") diameter. All trees shall have a mulched bed a minimum of three feet (3') in diameter and three inches (3") deep.
3. No more than 25 percent of the total replant requirement may be Cabbage Palm or Wax Myrtle unless otherwise approved by Environmental Protection Division staff.
4. All trees planted or relocated shall be replaced by the current property owner should the trees die anytime within seven years after planting, per Section 54-590(f) of the Sarasota County Code.
5. Alternatives with respect to size and species may be approved if the applicant demonstrates that such substitutions will be consistent with the purposes of the Trees Code. Written approval from the Administrator is required before planting any alternative tree.
6. Trees shall be placed so that they will develop freely and at maturity will not crowd utility lines or other structures. The root ball must be planted at the proper height and in accordance with accepted nursery standards. Trees shall have a mulched bed a minimum of three feet (3') in diameter and three inches (3") deep to conserve water and promote growth.
7. If trees need to be staked, it shall be done in a manner that will not injure the tree. The straps attached around the trunk shall be a broad, soft material and shall be tied loosely enough to allow movement of the trunk in the wind.
8. If greater than ten (10) trees are required to be planted on a site, a minimum of three (3) species shall be planted with no one species comprising more than 50 percent of the total numbers of trees planted.
9. All replacement trees shall be a minimum of three feet (3') from a property line and six feet (6') from any utilities (above or below ground). All trees planted and pruned must adhere to the ANSI A300 standards and must have adequate room, when planted, to mature freely. See Section 54-589 (6).

Grand Trees

Native mature trees meeting the parameters for “Grand Tree” designation are an important part of our local canopy and provide unique and intrinsic values to the general public because of their age, size, and ecological value. As such, Sarasota County has standards for protecting and managing (e.g. trimming) Grand Trees to maintain their value. New developments are to be designed to avoid impacts to Grand Trees.

Please contact a County Environmental Specialist at 941-861-5000 to determine if you have a Grand Tree on your property and to learn more about options to preserve these valued resources.

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

Tree Pruning

There are many common reasons to prune trees, including removing dead branches, improving the form and structure of the tree, and reducing risk. Sarasota County does not require permits for trimming of trees on private property, however a permit is required if trimming is within a Canopy Road Protection Zone or within a Right-of-Way. For the health of your trees, it is recommended that you consult with a certified arborist when considering the pruning of trees located on your property.

Additional Information

• International Society of Arborists (ISA) (external)
• Florida ISA (external)

Canopy Roads

A canopy road is a county-owned and maintained roadway with a minimum of 50 percent overhead canopy coverage comprised predominantly of native tree species. Segments of roadway can be nominated by the public or the Sarasota Tree Advisory Council to be designated by the Sarasota County Commission as a “Canopy Road.”

There are approximately 24 miles of designated canopy road within the unincorporated portions of the county. To nominate a canopy road, please complete this form. 

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

Sarasota Tree Advisory Council

The Sarasota Tree Advisory Council (STAC) is a voluntary group of nine interested citizens who provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners relating to the conservation and management of trees.

Appointments to the STAC are for three-year terms and can be renewed. The STAC typically meets once a month.

Mangroves are salt tolerant trees commonly found along Florida’s Southwest coast. There are three types of mangroves in Sarasota County: red, black and white mangroves. Mangroves filter pollution, provide protection to coastlines during storm events, prevent erosion, provide privacy to property owners and serve as an important habitat for a variety of organisms.

Since mangroves provide so many benefits to humans and the environment, they have special protections. The State of Florida developed a statewide law to protect mangroves from unnecessary removal or destruction. The county received delegation from the state to administer local mangrove trimming and alteration permits in 2016.

County program goals include a local presence for permitting, compliance, education and outreach. The program is based on the state act allowing for rights of water view and conservation of mangrove resources vital to our coastal community.

Many trimming activities in Sarasota County require a permit. A Professional Mangrove Trimmer (PMT) is required for any permitted trimming or alteration of mangroves (and is recommended for any exempt trimming on private property).

Please contact a County Environmental Specialist with additional questions about permits or becoming a registered PMT at 941-861-5000.

Additional Information

• Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Code (Chapter 54, Article XXXV) (external)
• See the Documents Library below for more information

Earthmoving

Environmental Permitting reviews and issues Earthmoving Permits for the regulation of excavating (including commercial borrow pits), filling (including creation of a foundation pad without an approved Building Permit), hauling and stockpiling. Certain activities that are not otherwise approved through a Land Development Regulations construction plan approval or an approved Building Permit require an Earthmoving Permit or earthmoving exemption determination.

Earthmoving Permit applications are reviewed for:

• Potential impacts to historic stormwater flow;
• Potential impacts to floodplains;
• Haul route concerns;
• Potential impacts to protected habitats and listed species.

The Earthmoving Code (Chapter 54, Article XII) (external) provides permitting guidance and also includes a number of agricultural and non-agricultural exemptions.

Some of these exemptions may require review and written approval (exemption determination).

Please contact a County Environmental Specialist about Earthmoving requirements before breaking ground at 941-861- 5000.

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

Reviews

Environmental Permitting reviews the following to ensure consistency with the Environment Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and environmental elements of the Sarasota County Code of Ordinance:

• Comprehensive Plan Amendments
• Land Use Petitions and Rezones
• Land Development proposals
• Building Permits

Environmental specialists review a wide variety of development proposals and address wetland and upland habitat protection, ensure owners are coordinating with the appropriate wildlife agencies for any protected wildlife concerns, use of best management practices, etc. 

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

Preserves

Natural areas that have been designated as preserve or conservation areas during the development approval process play an integral role in the livability and character of our neighborhoods.

1. After a developer completes construction, the permit requirements and legal responsibility for maintaining preserve areas are typically transferred to a homeowners, condominium owners or property owners association.
2. Coordination with your association representative or property manager is important if you have concerns about managing these backyard preserve and conservation areas.

Water and Navigation Control Authority (WNCA) Permits

Environmental Protection Division (EPD) reviews applications and issues permits for the construction of docks, boat lifts, personal watercraft lifts, rock revetments and bulkheads, and similar structures, as well as maintenance dredges.

• General Permits are typically for repair and replacement of existing permitted structures or installation of a boat lift at an existing dock. 
• Minor Work Permits are typically required for new dock construction, modifications to existing dock structures, and for any proposed maintenance dredge projects.
• Major Work Permits are required for any project that does not meet the standards for a General or Minor Work Permit.

The WNCA Code (Chapter 54, Article XX) (external) provides the standards for these types of projects and our team remains solution-oriented to ensure that property rights, navigation and natural resources are protected while providing lawful access to waterfront property owners.

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

Coastal Setback

EPD reviews and presents requests to the Sarasota County Commission regarding variances to the prohibition of construction and excavation seaward of the Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL) or waterward of the Barrier Island Pass Twenty-Year Hazard Line (PHL). These are coastal high hazard areas where development would be subjected to erosion, flooding and storm damage caused by wind, wave and surge impacts.

Certain activities are exempt from the need for a variance and there are a limited number of activities that can be approved by staff through a Written Conditioned Exception. The Coastal Setback Code (Chapter 54, Article XXII) (external) provides guidance. 

Owners are responsible for obtaining any permit approvals that may be required by federal, state, or Sarasota County laws before conducting any work. State, federal, and/or other local permits may also be required for work seaward of the county’s GBSL or PHL.

Please contact a County Environmental Specialist at 941-861-5000 for further information regarding the Coastal Setback Code requirements, exemptions, and variance process.

Additional Information

• South District Office (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Fort Myers) 239-344-5600
• Office of Beaches and Coastal Systems (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee) 850-245- 7669

Myakka River Protection Zone

The Myakka River is a state-designated “Wild and Scenic River” throughout Sarasota County, and recognized as a valuable environmental resource in our community.

As such, the county adopted the Myakka River Protection Code (Chapter 54, Article XXXIII) (external) that is applicable to all properties within 220 feet of the Myakka River Area. The primary goals of the Myakka River Protection Code are to continue to facilitate protection of the wild and scenic characteristics of the river while maintaining livability along the river for its neighbors.

Additional Information

• Myakka River Protection Zone (Chapter 54, Article XXI) (external)

Lakes and Ponds

The freshwater ponds in our neighborhoods are often man-made features of a stormwater system. These ponds help control and prevent flooding and treat water quality by filtering out many pollutants before they flow into our bays or reach our groundwater, which is our main source of drinking water.

Many of the lakes and ponds in Sarasota County have “littoral zones”, or shallow water areas that support aquatic vegetation and mimic natural wetlands. The county monitors many littoral zones for success criteria established during the permit approval process. 

1. Upon completion of construction, the maintenance of the stormwater system is the responsibility of the homeowners, condominium owners or property owners association.
2. Littoral zones are required to be monitored by a professional environmental consultant until success criteria is reached. Please be aware that littoral zone plants should not be removed, mowed or sprayed with herbicide and the routine stormwater pond maintenance should not negatively impact the littoral zone.
3. Coordination with your association representative or Property Manager is important if you have any concerns related to the management of the stormwater system and its associated littoral zone vegetation.

Funds are available now through the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities and Revived Economy (RESTORE) Act to spend on programs, projects and activities that restore and protect the environment and economy of the Gulf Coast region.

Sarasota County is proposing to use RESTORE Act Direct Component funds on a pilot project to improve Ted Sperling Park, located at 2201 Ben Franklin Drive and 190 Taft Drive in Sarasota. These improvements include construction of a portion of the city of Sarasota’s multi-use recreational trail and replacement of an existing boardwalk.

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

Please refer to the West Coast Inland Navigation District Grants page for more information.

Local Protection

Sea Turtle

The Sarasota County Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance (MTPO) (external) was adopted in 1997 to protect nesting and hatching sea turtles from artificial light and obstructions on the beach. Artificial light draws turtles away from the water, which can lead to injury or death.

Ordinance Highlights

• Enforced on unincorporated county beaches and in the City of Sarasota during nesting season (May 1 through October 31)
• Requires lighting visible from the beach is shielded and that long-wavelength turtle-safe bulbs (external) are used
• Furniture and recreational items are prohibited on the beach overnight, except where a Recreational Use Agreement (RUA) has been issued (these items can trap turtles, causing injury or harm). The RUA form is in the document library below.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Best Practices

In addition to the ordinance requirements for lighting and the placement of furniture and recreational items, the following actions will help sea turtles increase their survival rate from hatchling to adulthood*:

• Knock down sand sculptures and fill in any holes
• Properly dispose of trash
• Reduce the use of flashlights on the beaches at night
• Recreate in locations away from marked nesting areas

*Averaging over 200 sea turtle nests per mile along Sarasota County’s coastline, only one out of every 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood. Most die from predators, and the exhaustion and starvation caused by disorienting bright, artificial lights.

All sea turtle species found in Florida waters are also protected under:

• Marine Turtle Protection Act (external)
• Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Rule (external)
• Federal U.S. Endangered Species Act (external)

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

Florida Manatee

Sarasota County is one of 13 counties designated as a priority protection site for manatees and is required by Florida Statutes to develop a Manatee Protection Plan (MPP).

The MPP reduces the likelihood of boat-manatee interactions. In accordance with the Manatee Protection Plan Implementation Code (external), if a development proposal includes spaces for 5 or more motorized boats (wet or dry slips), a county MPP review is required. The MPP does not apply to single-family docks.

Manatees are also protected under:

• Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act (external)
• Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Rule (external)
• U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (external)
• U.S. Endangered Species Act (external)

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

State and Federal Protection

Developing or building in Sarasota County? You may need to consider the following species before you begin:

Bald Eagle

Property owners may need a Federal bald eagle permit if development is planned within 660 feet of a nest.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (external)
• USFWS Migratory Bird Office for Permit Information: 404-679-7070 or permitsR4MB@fws.gov

• Permitting and Regulations Quick Reference Guide (external)
• USFWS National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (external)
• Bald Eagle Nest Locator Map (external)

Gopher Tortoise

Property owners may need a relocation permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) if a proposed activity is within 25 feet of a gopher tortoise burrow.

• FWC (external)

• FWC Southwest Regional Office: 863-648-3200

• FWC Gopher Tortoise Management Plan (external)
• FWC Tortoise Permit Guidelines (external)

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

Florida Scrub-Jay

Florida scrub-jays are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Prior to conducting any activities that could disturb scrub-jays or their habitat, applicants for development orders are required to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and provide documentation of such coordination to the County.

To determine if a property is required to coordinate with the USFWS, please search the Parcel Identification List provided in the document library below. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) if the proposed development is located on a parcel included in this list.

Once a County building, earthmoving or tree removal permit is in process, USFWS reviews the proposal and identifies potential negative effects to the birds. If impacts are identified, strategies for avoidance, minimization or mitigation of these impacts are required by USFWS.

Please note that this parcel list may be updated from time to time. Further, coordination with the USFWS may be required if verified survey information, or County, State or Federal personnel observations indicate use of a parcel by Florida scrub-jays. Contact the Environmental Protection Division at 941-861-5000 for additional information or with any questions about this process.

• USFWS (external) at 772-562- 3909
• Please call 941-861-5000 for questions about property identification number (PID) list in the document library

See the available Scrub Jay Review Parcel List in the document library below.

Snowy Plover

Sarasota County’s Snowy Plover Adaptive Management Plan aims to protect critical habitat on county managed land by directing human activity away from nesting sites and minimize opportunities for predators by relocating trash cans away from the open beach.

Additional Information

• Florida Shorebird Alliance (external)
• Florida Audubon (external)

The numbers of exotic species can increase rapidly since they do not have any natural predators here.

Sarasota County developed an Exotic Reptile Management Plan (ERMP) to reduce the overall population of non-native reptiles. The ERMP establishes a plan to monitor populations, provide for public outreach and education, conduct focused removal activities, and explore research opportunities.

Please call 941-861-5000 or online at IveGot1.org (external) to report sightings of iguanas, monitor lizards, pythons, or other exotic reptiles.

Additional information is available in the Documents Library below.

In April 2020, and in partnership with Charlotte County, the Sarasota County portion of Manasota Key Beach was restored, adding 301,680 cubic yards of sand to the beach. The restored beach begins at the Charlotte County line and extends to Blind Pass Beach Park (Middle Beach) and several private properties north of the park. In addition, the County is now responsible for post-construction monitoring of the project area.

The final project cost was a little more than $8.6 M. Initially funded from tourist development tax dollars and a commercial paper borrow. The funding approach utilized a mix of local and state funds. The percentages are approximately 45% County, 35% State, 20% Municipal Services Benefit Unit Assessment District.

On August 24, 2021, the Board adopted the final rate resolution (Resolution No. 2021-151), establishing the assessments for the project’s Municipal Services Benefit Unit. The assessments will commence with the November 2021 tax bills and continue for seven years unless the property owner makes an early payoff.

Please call 861-5000 for information about early payoffs.

Additional Information is available in the Documents Library below.