Tree Code Updates

trees in clearwater

Proposed Amendments

The city of Clearwater is preparing an amendment to the city's tree code to clarify requirements, improve usability, and update tree removal permit fees. The Clearwater City Council previously held a work session to review recent amendments to the Pinellas County tree code, the city’s adopted tree code and potential changes to the city’s tree code.

The tree code amendment is tentatively scheduled for adoption in February of 2027. Community meetings will be held for residents to learn more about the upcoming changes to the tree code. 

Draft Proposed Amendments

Below are some of the draft tree code amendments being considered:

  • Reorganize and clarify tree code, while codifying administrative practices
  • Consolidate tree grade categories
  • Add tree permit exemptions to include Florida-Friendly landscaping on commercial properties
  • Add a small lot category to the minimum tree requirements for single-family and two-family lots
  • Clarify hazardous and emergency tree removal procedures, including a no-fee tree removal permit for hazardous trees
  • Update tree removal permit and replacement fees
  • Establish a tree credit system for single-family residential properties that retain trees beyond minimum requirements and remove nuisance/invasive trees
  • Add a table showing the required number of replacement trees

Invasive/Nuisance Plant Species

  • Australian Pine (Casuarina species) Also Prohibited
  • Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthfolia) Also Prohibited
  • Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)
  • Carrotwood Tree (Cupaniopsis anacardioides)
  • Chinaberry Tree (Melia azedarach)
  • Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)
  • Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera) Also Prohibited
  • Ear Tree (Acacia auriculiformis)
  • Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
  • Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
  • Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) Also Prohibited
  • Punk Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) Also Prohibited
  • Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
  • Silk Oak Tree (Grevillea robusta)

Recommended Shade Trees

  • Red Maple (Acer Rubrum)
  • River Birch (Betula nigra)
  • Hickories (Carya spp.)
  • Ash (Fraxinus spp.)
  • Loblolly Bay (Gordonia lasianthus)
  • Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
  • Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
  • Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
  • Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
  • Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
  • Avocado (Persea americana)
  • Southern Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)
  • Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)
  • Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
  • Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
  • White Oak (Quercus alba)
  • Bluff Oak (Quercus austrina)
  • Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata)
  • Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata)
  • Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
  • Pond/Bald Cypress (Taxodium spp.)
  • Winged Elm (Ulmus alata)
  • American Elm (Ulmus americana)

Recommended Accent Trees

  • Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
  • Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginincus)
  • Seagrape (Coccoloba unifera)
  • Japanese Blueberry (Elaeocarpus decipens)
  • Loquat (Eriobotyra japonica)
  • East Palatka Holly (Ilex x attenuate)
  • Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
  • Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
  • Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x “Nellie R. Stevens)
  • Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus siliciola)
  • Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana)
  • Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)
  • Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
  • Olive (Olea Europa)
  • Red Bay (Persea borbonia)
  • Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia)
  • Walter’s Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum)

Recommended Palms (Must Have 10 Feet of Clear Trunk)

  • Paurotis Palm (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii)
  • Bismark Palm (Bismarckia nobilis)
  • Pindo Palm (Butia capitata)
  • Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis)
  • Sylvester Palm (Phoenix sylvestris)
  • Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)
  • Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
  • Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcate)

Contact Details

Planning & Development

(727) 562-4567

Tree Code Amendment Comment Form

Upcoming Meetings

In-Person Community Meeting

Oct. 8, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m.
  • Clearwater East Community Library @ St. Petersburg College, 2465 Drew St.
  • Snacks will be provided

Virtual Community Meeting

Oct. 20, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m.

Links

Adopted tree code sections can be found in Municode and in the following code sections:

  • Article 3/Division 12
  • Article 4/Division 11-12
  • Appendix A

Specific tree code topics:

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