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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Miami'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. 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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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).

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

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

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Site plan showing existing trees, species, DBH, condition, reason for removal, and mitigation/replacement plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent; commercial tree work requires Miami-Dade County Tree Contractor licensure..

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Resilience and Public Works / Office of Sustainability. Permit fee: $75.00. Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.miami.gov/Government/Departments-Organizations/Resilience-Public-Works.

    View the full Miami ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Resilience and Public Works / Office of Sustainability

(305) 416-1025

Other Florida permit walkthroughs

See Florida permit fees compared — Miami's $75.00 fee in context.

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Miami permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment