Rebuilding the tree advisory committee and raising tree fees
Summary
The fee developers pay into the city's tree mitigation fund went up 58%, from $300 to $475.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 3
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Oct 7, 2026, up from 2 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Developers removing protected trees pay $475 instead of $300 into the tree fund.
Tree planting and canopy programs funded through the trust fund.
Developers and property owners who pay the mitigation fee face higher costs.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Code Enforcement — October 21, 2026
Property owners who remove protected trees or leave dangerous ones standing can face steep fines — in one case $8,000 flat. These hearings decide deadlines and daily penalties for tree violations across the city.
Council Regular — October 15, 2026
The fee developers pay into the city's tree mitigation fund went up 58%, from $300 to $475.
Code Enforcement — October 7, 2026
A homeowner cut down grand and protected trees that can't be replaced, so the magistrate imposed a $1,000 flat fine rather than an ongoing daily penalty. It's a reminder that Tampa's tree rules carry real financial consequences even after a property is fixed.
Code Enforcement — September 2, 2026
Tampa protects mature trees, and cutting one down without a permit can cost five figures. This hearing hit three property owners with fines totaling $37,000, and unpaid fines become liens on the property itself.
Code Enforcement — August 12, 2026
A dangerous tree left standing on a property at 6502 N 31st St was declared a code violation. Owners must remove it by August 26, 2026, or fines of $250 a day start adding up.
Council Evening — June 25, 2026
The Natural Resources Advisory Committee gets a reboot with 13 members appointed August 6, and council wants a path to raising the $300-per-tree mitigation fee — which requires two legal studies first. The free Tremendous planting program also expands to front yards.
Tree Removal Statutory Exemption
Tree Removal Statutory Exemption City of Tampa (.gov)
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