Short answer: if trees are coming out, probably yes. In the City of Tampa, trees 5″ in diameter or larger generally need a removal permit. In unincorporated Hillsborough County, a tree removal permit is generally required, and you can't clear a residential lot before securing a Land Alteration and Landscaping (LAL) permit. Wetlands and ponds bring in the EPC and SWFWMD.
Step 1: Figure out whose rules apply
A "Tampa" mailing address doesn't mean the City of Tampa regulates your land. Many Brandon, Riverview, Lutz, Seffner and Wimauma properties sit in unincorporated Hillsborough County, and Temple Terrace and Plant City have their own codes. Look up your parcel on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser site to confirm the jurisdiction before you plan anything.
City of Tampa
- Permit threshold: tree removal permits are required for trees 5 inches DBH or larger (diameter at breast height, about 4.5 feet up), excluding invasive species.
- Grand trees: trees 32 inches DBH or larger get special protection. Removing a healthy grand tree may need a variance or other public review.
- Mitigation: removals carry replacement-planting requirements based on tree size, health and how many trees stay. If they won't fit on site, you can pay into the city's tree fund instead.
- Building projects: trees marked for removal on an approved building permit site plan don't need a separate removal permit — they're reviewed with the building permit.
- Pruning: trees 24 inches DBH or larger need a permit even for pruning.
Removing trees inside city limits? See the full City of Tampa tree removal permit guide: 2026 fees, exempt species, the Accela application and replacement-tree rules.
Unincorporated Hillsborough County
- Tree removal permit: generally required. At the time of writing, the county lists the fee at $81.65 for any number of trees on a parcel up to 5 acres, plus $24.93 per additional acre. Fees change, so check the county site.
- Clearing to build: homeowners must get a Land Alteration and Landscaping (LAL) permit alongside the building permit. The county is explicit that residential property can't be cleared before the LAL permit is secured.
- Large trees on commercial sites and subdivisions: removing trees over 24 inches in fair or good condition requires extra plantings or a contribution.
- Grand oaks carry stricter rules of their own.
The dangerous-tree exemption (statewide)
Under Florida Statute 163.045, a residential property owner doesn't need a local permit or mitigation to remove a tree when an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect documents that it poses an unacceptable risk and removal is the only practical fix. Keep that documentation on file.
Wetlands, ponds and conservation areas
Separate agencies step in when water is involved. In Hillsborough County, the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) regulates wetlands and other surface waters, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) issues Environmental Resource Permits covering work that affects wetlands, surface waters and stormwater systems. Retention and detention ponds built under those permits usually come with maintenance conditions, so clearing them correctly keeps you in compliance and clearing them wrong can create a violation.
This is specialty work we do regularly: setback and buffer clearing, conservation-area clearing (including hand crews where machines aren't allowed), and pond and drainage clearing done to permit.
What usually doesn't need a tree permit
Routine mowing or bush hogging of grass, weeds and dog fennel is maintenance, not tree removal. Removing invasive species is also treated differently in the City of Tampa. Once trees at or above the size thresholds are involved, or the work is in or near a wetland, the rules above apply.
Before-you-clear checklist
- Confirm your jurisdiction on the property appraiser site.
- Walk the lot and note trees near or above the thresholds, especially large live oaks.
- Check for wetlands, ponds, ditches or flood-zone issues on or next to the property.
- Check HOA and deed restrictions.
- Get the permit or document the exemption.
- Then clear — with a contractor who knows where the lines are.
Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove trees in the City of Tampa?
Generally yes, for any tree 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), except invasive species. Grand trees — 32 inches DBH or larger — have extra protections. Trees shown for removal on an approved building permit site plan are reviewed through the building permit instead of a separate tree removal permit.
Can I clear my lot in unincorporated Hillsborough County before I pull a building permit?
No. Hillsborough County says residential property can't be cleared before you apply for and secure a Land Alteration and Landscaping (LAL) permit, which is applied for together with the building permit.
Is there an exemption for dangerous trees?
Yes. Under Florida Statute 163.045, a residential property owner doesn't need a local permit to remove a tree when an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect documents that it poses an unacceptable risk and removal is the only practical way to reduce it.
Does bush hogging or mowing need a permit?
Routine mowing or bush hogging of grass and weeds is maintenance, not tree removal. Once trees at or above the local size thresholds are involved, or the work is in or near a wetland, the permit rules apply.
Official sources
- City of Tampa — Tree Resources
- City of Tampa — Tree Information
- Hillsborough County — Tree Resources
- Hillsborough County — Apply for a Tree Removal Permit
- EPC of Hillsborough County — Wetlands Division
- SWFWMD — Environmental Resource Permits
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; always confirm with the permitting agency for your parcel. Pinellas, Pasco and Manatee counties and their cities have their own codes.