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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Sunrise'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 4" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Broward County tree preservation standards (Chapter 27) also apply. Specimen trees receive enhanced protection. Heritage / landmark designation: Specimen designations apply per Broward County code at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

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

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, removal justification, site plan, and replacement/mitigation plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development. Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.sunrisefl.gov/.

    View the full Sunrise ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees. On-site replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species preferred. In-lieu fees to tree mitigation fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Where to file

Community Development

(954) 746-3250

Other Florida permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Sunrise permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment