Fort Lauderdale Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Broward County, Florida

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

4.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Specimen/historic tree designations apply to designated large and native species.

Protected Species

Specimen designations include live oak mahogany gumbo limbo and other native canopy species.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen and historic designations per Section 47-21 apply to designated large native species (live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo, and others) at enhanced DBH thresholds; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation. Broward County Code Chapter 27 standards also apply.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for protected trees. Development sites require tree survey and preservation review. Hurricane-damaged trees with arborist hazard certification may qualify for expedited removal under FL Statute 163.045.

Who can apply: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service

Required Report Sections

Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, removal justification, site plan, and replacement/mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees

On-site replacement with approved native species; Tree Trust Fund accepts in-lieu fees.

Fees & Fines

Permit fee
$50.00

Permit fees plus mitigation as calculated.

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Fort Lauderdale Unified Land Development Regulations Section 47-21 (Landscape and Tree Preservation)

View full ordinance

Contact

Sustainable Development / Urban Design and Planning

(954) 828-6520

Nearby Cities in Broward County

Coconut Creek Coral Springs Hollywood Miramar

Other Florida cities

Bradenton Coconut Creek Fort Myers Ocala Palm Bay Pensacola Port St. Lucie Sarasota
See all Florida cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Fort Lauderdale before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Fort Lauderdale →

See Florida permit fees compared: How Fort Lauderdale's $50.00 fee ranks in Florida →

See Florida replacement obligations compared: How Fort Lauderdale's replacement ratio ranks in Florida →

See Florida heritage criteria compared: How Fort Lauderdale's heritage designation ranks in Florida →

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