How to apply for a tree removal permit in Hialeah, Florida

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Hialeah's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 2-4 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Miami-Dade County landscape and tree preservation rules (Chapter 24) also apply within city limits, including enhanced protection for specimen trees (≥18 inch DBH of designated native species) and Environmentally Endangered Lands. Heritage / landmark designation: Specimen trees ≥18 inch DBH of designated native species per Miami-Dade County Code receive enhanced review; removal prohibited except for hardship, hazard, or approved development.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Hialeah: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Site plan with tree location, species, DBH, condition, removal justification, and replacement/mitigation plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; commercial tree work requires Miami-Dade County Tree Contractor licensure..

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Planning and Zoning Department. Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.hialeahfl.gov/.

    View the full Hialeah ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement with native species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees (2:1 or greater). On-site replacement preferred with approved native or Florida-friendly species. In-lieu payments to Miami-Dade Tree Trust Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Where to file

Planning and Zoning Department

(305) 883-5820

Other Florida permit walkthroughs

See Florida replacement obligations compared — how Hialeah's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Florida heritage criteria compared — how Hialeah's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Hialeah permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Hialeah's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment