Dune Trimming Season is March 1^st - October 1^st and coincides with Sea Turtle Season, March 1^st - November 15^th. Dune Trimming Permit Applications will be accepted beginning the last week of February through September 25^th. Dune trimming permits are required annually and are only valid for that season.

• Trimming is defined as cutting branches and leaves to prune a healthy plant; not the complete defoliation or destruction of the plant.
• Trimming may commence once payment has been received, the permit has been issued by ERD, and the permit is posted onsite.  
• Trimming is permitted beginning March 1st and shall be completed prior to October 1st.
• Only plants greater than six feet (6’) in height are permitted to be trimmed and no plant shall be cut less than six feet (6’) in height.
• A maximum of one-third of the plant height is permitted to be trimmed seasonally. Trimming may occur two times per year as long as no more than one-third of the plant height is removed.
• Dead leaves and limbs should not be removed unless they are creating a safety hazard. They protect sensitive understory plants and new growth from salt spray.
• Trimming that will result in a lighting violation of Sea Turtle Protection Regulations is strictly prohibited (refer to Sea Turtle Information, https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/environmental-resources/environmental-regulations-permits/sea-turtle-information and https://www.stlucieco.gov/government/community-initiatives/sea-turtle-nesting-season). Sea turtle mortality resulting from increased illumination may be considered a violation of Chapter 370.12 FS, and the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Such a violation could subject the responsible party to prosecution by both the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with fines up to $10,000.
• The project must comply with all Federal and/or State permitting requirements. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inquire and apply if additional permits are required. No trimming shall occur until all permits have been issued.
• The Applicant shall contact the assigned Environmental Resources Department Planner two-weeks prior to trimming and one-week post-trimming to schedule a pre- and post-inspection.
• The removal or destruction of beach dune vegetation due to improper trimming is a violation of Section 6.00.00 of the Land Development Code and Sections 161.053 and 161.054 of the Florida Statute. Violations of St. Lucie County regulations may require mitigation, and the applicant may not be permitted to trim the subsequent year. Violations of Florida Statute are a second-degree misdemeanor and punishable by fines up to $500 and $10,000 a day, respectively. 

Thank you!