Pasco County Land Clearing Permits: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you own property in Pasco County -- whether in Land O' Lakes, Lutz, or Wesley Chapel -- and you are planning any kind of land clearing, you need to understand the local permit process before equipment hits the ground. Pasco County has specific regulations around tree removal, land disturbance, and environmental protection that differ from neighboring Hillsborough County. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Do You Need a Permit for Land Clearing in Pasco County?

The short answer: in most cases, yes. Pasco County requires permits for land clearing activities that involve removing trees of a certain size, disturbing more than a specified area of ground, or working near environmentally sensitive zones. The county's Land Development Code governs these requirements.

However, not every activity on your property requires a formal permit. Understanding the distinction can save you time and money.

Activities that typically require a permit:

• Removing protected trees (generally those with a trunk diameter of 8 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above ground)
• Clearing vegetation on more than one acre of land
• Any land disturbance within 50 feet of a wetland or water body
• Grading or filling that alters the natural drainage pattern
• Clearing for new construction (tied to building permit)

Activities that generally do not require a permit:

• Removing dead, diseased, or hazardous trees (documentation recommended)
• Routine lawn maintenance and trimming of shrubs
• Removing invasive exotic species (like Brazilian pepper or Australian pine)
• Clearing brush and undergrowth that does not include protected trees
• Removing trees under the protected size threshold on residential property

Protected Trees in Pasco County

Pasco County's tree protection ordinance is one of the most important regulations to understand before starting a land clearing project. The county distinguishes between protected trees, specimen trees, and heritage trees, each with different requirements.

Native species commonly found in Pasco County that fall under protection include live oaks, laurel oaks, bald cypress, slash pine, longleaf pine, red maple, and sabal palms (when they exceed the size threshold). The county actively encourages removal of invasive exotics like Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, and melaleuca, and no permit is needed for those species regardless of size.

The Permit Application Process

Pasco County's Development Services Department handles land clearing and tree removal permits. Here is a step-by-step overview of the typical process for residential property owners.

Step 1: Property Assessment and Tree Survey

Before applying, you need to identify what is on your property. For small projects involving a few trees, you may be able to submit photos and measurements with your application. For larger clearing projects, Pasco County may require a formal tree survey conducted by a certified arborist or surveyor. This survey maps every protected tree on the property, noting species, diameter, and condition.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Applications can be submitted online through the Pasco County ePlan portal or in person at the Development Services office in New Port Richey or the Land O' Lakes satellite office. The application requires:

• Completed tree removal or land clearing application form
• Property survey or site plan showing the work area
• Tree survey (if applicable)
• Description of the clearing scope and purpose
• Mitigation plan (how you will replace removed trees)
• Application fee

Step 3: County Review

Pasco County staff reviews the application to verify compliance with the Land Development Code. Standard residential tree removal permits are often processed within 5-10 business days. More complex projects involving specimen or heritage trees, wetland buffers, or large-scale clearing may take 15-30 business days due to additional environmental review.

Step 4: Permit Issuance and Conditions

Once approved, the permit is issued with specific conditions. These typically include the trees approved for removal, required mitigation plantings, erosion control measures, and a timeline for completion. Permits generally remain valid for 6-12 months.

Permit Fees in Pasco County

Pasco County's land clearing permit fees are structured based on the scope of work. As of 2026, typical fees include:

Fees are subject to change, and the county periodically adjusts its fee schedule. Contact Pasco County Development Services directly or ask your land clearing contractor for the most current numbers.

Pasco County Permit Timelines

One of the most common frustrations homeowners face is underestimating how long the permit process takes. Here is a realistic timeline for Pasco County land clearing permits:

In total, plan for 3-6 weeks from initial assessment to permit in hand for a typical residential project. Complex projects near environmentally sensitive areas can take 2-3 months. Starting the permit process early is one of the best ways to keep your overall project on schedule.

Area-Specific Considerations in Pasco County

Land O' Lakes

Land O' Lakes properties frequently sit adjacent to wetlands, conservation easements, and stormwater management areas. The Conner Preserve, Starkey Wilderness Preserve, and numerous small wetland pockets throughout the community mean that many residential lots have setback requirements that limit where clearing can occur. Properties in developments like Connerton, Dupree Lakes, and Bexley may also have community-specific clearing restrictions enforced by the HOA.

Lutz

Lutz straddles the Hillsborough-Pasco county line, which creates a unique situation. Properties on the Pasco side follow Pasco County regulations, while those on the Hillsborough side follow a different set of tree protection rules. If you are not sure which jurisdiction your property falls under, your tax bill or the Pasco County Property Appraiser website will confirm it. Older Lutz neighborhoods on larger lots often have significant tree canopy that triggers the specimen and heritage tree review process.

Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel has experienced rapid development over the past decade, and much of the remaining undeveloped land is now being cleared for residential and commercial construction. The county pays close attention to clearing in this area due to stormwater management concerns -- Wesley Chapel sits within the Cypress Creek and Lower Hillsborough River watersheds. Projects that affect drainage patterns may require additional stormwater review and potentially a separate Environmental Resource Permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).

Penalties for Clearing Without a Permit

Pasco County takes unpermitted land clearing seriously. Penalties can include:

• Fines: Up to $500 per tree removed without a permit, with higher penalties for specimen and heritage trees
• Mandatory restoration: The county can require you to replant trees at a ratio of 2:1 or higher
• Stop-work orders: All construction activity on the property may be halted until violations are resolved
• Permit denial: Future permits for the property may be delayed or denied until previous violations are cleared
• Legal action: In severe cases involving protected environmental areas, the county can pursue civil penalties through the courts

The cost of fines and restoration almost always exceeds the cost of obtaining permits properly in the first place. Working with a professional land clearing company that knows Pasco County regulations can help you avoid these pitfalls entirely.

How a Professional Land Clearing Company Helps with Permits

Navigating the Pasco County permit process does not have to be stressful. Experienced land clearing contractors handle permit applications regularly and can streamline the process in several ways:

• Accurate tree identification: Knowing which species are protected and which are exempt saves time during the survey phase
• Complete application packages: Incomplete applications are the number-one cause of delays. Experienced contractors know exactly what the county needs
• Relationships with county staff: Contractors who work in Pasco County regularly understand the review process and can anticipate questions
• Mitigation planning: Professional contractors can advise on the most cost-effective mitigation approach -- whether replanting on-site or paying the in-lieu fee
• Coordinated scheduling: Permit timelines are factored into the project schedule so clearing begins the day the permit is issued