Miami Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Miami-Dade County, Florida

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

6.0" DBH minimum for protection

Tree: any self-supporting woody plant with a single trunk at least 6 inches DBH or multi-trunk at least 10 inches DBH measured 4.5 feet above grade. Specimen trees (≥18 inches DBH or of rare species) receive enhanced protection and may not be removed without demonstrating hardship.

Protected Species

Specimen designations commonly include live oak (Quercus virginiana) bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba) mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) and other native hardwoods. Mangroves are separately regulated under state and county rules.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen designations per Chapter 17 apply to designated native hardwoods (live oak, bald cypress, gumbo limbo, mahogany) at 18 inch DBH or greater; removal requires demonstrated hardship and a site visit by the City Arborist, with enhanced mitigation (typically 2:1 or greater).

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for any tree meeting the definition on public or private property. Applications reviewed by the City Arborist. Specimen trees require enhanced review and typically site visit.

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

Required Report Sections

Site plan showing existing trees, species, DBH, condition, reason for removal, and mitigation/replacement plan

Replacement Requirements

Mitigation based on DBH: typically inch-for-inch replacement with native species; specimen trees require enhanced mitigation (2:1 or greater)

On-site replacement preferred. In-lieu fees paid to Tree Trust Fund when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Permit fee
$75.00
Max fine/tree
$1,000.00

Permit fees vary by project scope. Tree Trust Fund fees calculated per inch of replacement DBH not planted on site.

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent; commercial tree work requires Miami-Dade County Tree Contractor licensure.

Municipal Code

Miami Code of Ordinances Chapter 17 (Environmental Preservation) / Tree Protection

View full ordinance

Contact

Resilience and Public Works / Office of Sustainability

(305) 416-1025

Nearby Cities in Miami-Dade County

Hialeah

Other Florida cities

Coral Springs Delray Beach Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Naples Orlando Tallahassee Tampa
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 Miami before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Miami →

See Florida permit fees compared: How Miami's $75.00 fee ranks in Florida →

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

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

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