Do I Need a Permit to Remove This Tree in Hillsborough County?

Short answer: it depends on where you live (city vs. unincorporated), the tree’s size/species/condition, and whether you have professional documentation of risk. Below is the no-nonsense walkthrough so you don’t get stuck in red tape—or worse, a fine.

Step 1: Are you in unincorporated Hillsborough County or inside a city?

• Unincorporated Hillsborough County (Seffner, Brandon, Valrico, etc.): County Natural Resources handles tree permitting and “Grand Oak” protections. Hillsborough County+1

• Inside city limits (rules differ!):

  • City of Tampa: has its own tree permit process and also honors the state “dangerous tree” exemption—with specific documentation rules. City of Tampa+3City of Tampa+3City of Tampa+3

  • Temple Terrace: permit generally required ≥12" DBH; check their ordinance/exempt list. Temple Terrace

  • Plant City: has its own code (not covered here—ask us and we’ll check your address).

Not sure which you are? Send your address—we’ll verify and handle the right process for you.

Step 2: Does the Florida dangerous-tree law (FS 163.045) apply?

Florida law says a local government may not require a permit to prune/trim/remove a tree on residential property if you, the owner, possess documentation from an ISA-Certified Arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an “unacceptable risk” and removal is the only practical way to reduce it. Keep that signed assessment on site at the time of removal (Tampa spells this out). The Florida Senate+2Florida Legislative Website+2

Translation: If a qualified pro documents the risk correctly, you can proceed without a local permit on residential property. (This does not waive HOA approvals—more on that below.)

Step 3: If the tree isn’t “dangerous,” do you need a County permit?

In unincorporated Hillsborough County, many removals do require a permit—but there are clear pathways:

• Standard Tree Removal Permit: apply online. The County even offers an affidavit/expedited track when a Certified Arborist submits the required form; some large oaks have extra evaluation requirements. Grand Oaks never qualify for the expedited path. Hillsborough County

• Grand Oaks are protected. A “Grand Oak” is an oak (Quercus) with ≥34" DBH plus a qualifying point total and condition rating; these have stricter rules. Hillsborough County

• Some species are exempt from permits (e.g., certain invasives). The County maintains a current list; note wetland locations are regulated separately by EPC. Hillsborough County

• Pruning ≠ removal: routine pruning typically doesn’t need a permit, and the County notes staying under ~25% of canopy is the general guidance. (Still: follow ANSI A300; no topping.) Hillsborough County

Step 4: City-specific notes (if you’re not in unincorporated areas)

• Tampa

  • For dangerous trees, Tampa mirrors the state statute but requires ISA TRAQ-style risk documentation signed by the arborist/landscape architect and kept on site at removal. City of Tampa

  • Tampa maintains separate resources and how-to guides for creating a tree removal/pruning application when a permit is required. City of Tampa

• Temple Terrace

  • Permit required for most trees ≥12" DBH; invasive species have carve-outs. Debris timelines and permit validity are also specified. Temple Terrace

Bottom line: rules change by jurisdiction. We check your address first, then follow the right path so you don’t have to learn three sets of rules.

Step 5: HOA reality check

An HOA can’t issue government permits, but they can require architectural approval before any removal—even if government permitting is waived under the state’s dangerous-tree exemption. Translation: You may be permit-exempt and still need HOA approval to avoid fines or violation letters. (We routinely provide your HOA packet with the arborist letter so approvals go faster.)

What we handle for you (so you don’t)

1. Address check & jurisdiction (County vs. City).

2. ISA-Certified Arborist inspection with written findings (meets FS 163.045 documentation when applicable). The Florida Senate

3. County application (standard or affidavit/expedited when eligible) or City permit if required. Hillsborough County+1

4. Grand Oak determinations and alternatives (cabling/pruning) when removal isn’t approvable. Hillsborough County

5. HOA package (photos, arborist letter, site map).

6. ROW & EPC coordination if trees are in right-of-way or near regulated wetlands. Hillsborough County

Quick FAQs

Do I need a permit to prune my tree?

In unincorporated Hillsborough County, no permit is typically required for pruning, and guidance suggests staying under about 25% canopy. Use proper reduction/structural cuts—no topping. Hillsborough County

What counts as a “dangerous” tree under the state law?

Your arborist must document, per ISA risk methods, that the tree poses an unacceptable risk and removal is the only practical way to lower it below “moderate.” Keep that signed document on site. City of Tampa

What’s a “Grand Oak”?

An oak with DBH ≥34" that also meets a minimum point total and condition rating. These are protected with stricter standards. Hillsborough County

Are any trees permit-exempt by species?

Yes—Hillsborough posts an exempt list (often invasives). Check the County list; wetlands rules may still apply. Hillsborough County

My tree is in the right-of-way (street side).

That’s a different process—ROW permits/requests apply. We’ll verify ownership/maintenance and file the correct request. Hillsborough County

Simple paths to yes (choose one)

• Hazard removal (residential): We perform an ISA inspection and, if warranted, issue the FS 163.045 documentation—removal proceeds without a local permit, and we leave the signed letter with you. The Florida Senate

• Non-hazard removal: We submit the County permit (or City application), manage inspections, and advise on re-planting if required. Hillsborough County+1

• Not sure: Book a Tree Health Assessment and we’ll decide together whether pruning, cabling, or removal makes the most sense—legally and biologically.

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