Heritage Tree Permits in South Florida — Miami-Dade vs. Broward Requirements Compared
Heritage Tree Permits in South Florida: Miami-Dade vs. Broward
Miami-Dade and Broward are adjacent counties with shared culture and overlapping client bases — but their tree protection ordinances work differently, set different DBH thresholds for heritage status, and impose different fine structures for violations. Arborists and tree contractors who work in both counties need to know which county's rules govern any given job before picking up a chainsaw.
Miami-Dade County Tree Protection: Chapter 24
Miami-Dade's tree protection is administered by DERM under Chapter 24 of the Miami-Dade County Code. Any tree with a DBH of 4 inches or greater on private property requires a DERM permit before removal.
Heritage Tree Definition (Miami-Dade)
Miami-Dade designates trees as "significant" or "specimen" trees based on DBH thresholds by species:
- 18" DBH or greater for most species = Significant Tree
- 24" DBH or greater for most species = Specimen Tree (highest level of protection)
- Species-specific lower thresholds apply to slow-growing or rare species (e.g., native mahogany at 12" DBH is significant)
For significant and specimen trees:
- A licensed or ISA-certified arborist must submit a report justifying the removal
- DERM may require replacement at 3:1 to 5:1 canopy inch ratio
- Replacement must occur on-site or, if infeasible, through payment to the Tree Trust Fund
Miami-Dade Replacement Requirements
When a tree is removed by permit, replacement trees must be planted per the DERM-approved replacement schedule. The replacement requirement is:
- Inch-for-inch canopy replacement for standard trees (4"–17" DBH)
- 3:1 to 5:1 replacement for significant and specimen trees
- Payment to Tree Trust Fund if on-site replacement is not feasible
Tree Trust Fund rates as of 2025: approximately $100–$300 per DBH inch removed, depending on species tier.
Miami-Dade Fine Structure
Removing a tree without a permit in Miami-Dade:
- Base fine: Up to $15,000 per tree
- Mandatory replacement: At 3:1 to 5:1 ratio (three to five times the unpermitted removal)
- Stop-work order on all construction activity at the property
- Criminal referral for egregious or repeat violations
Broward County Tree Protection
Broward County's tree protection is administered through the Broward County Land Development Code. Unlike Miami-Dade's 4" DBH threshold, Broward uses a 6-inch DBH threshold for permit requirements in the unincorporated county. However, many Broward municipalities — including Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Hollywood — have their own, often stricter, tree ordinances.
Heritage Tree Definition (Broward)
Broward County designates trees as "historical" or "significant" based on:
- 18" DBH or greater for most species
- Native tree species are subject to additional protection regardless of size in some Broward municipalities
Broward Replacement Requirements
Broward's canopy replacement approach mirrors Miami-Dade's general structure but with locally-defined replacement ratios. Tree replacement is typically 1:1 for standard trees and 2:1 to 3:1 for significant/heritage trees in the unincorporated county.
Broward Fine Structure
- Unpermitted removal in Broward: fines range from $500 to $5,000+ per tree depending on species, size, and municipality
- Municipal overlays (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs) have independent fine structures
Side-by-Side Comparison
Miami-Dade vs Broward Heritage Tree Permit Requirements 2025
| Factor | Miami-Dade County | Broward County (unincorporated) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit threshold (DBH) | 4" DBH (lower — more trees require permits) | 6" DBH for unincorporated; municipalities may be lower |
| Heritage tree threshold | 18" DBH (significant); 24" DBH (specimen) | 18" DBH; municipal definitions vary |
| Administering agency | DERM (Dept of Regulatory & Economic Resources) | Broward County Land Development Division; municipalities separately |
| Arborist report required | Required for 18"+ DBH trees and hazard claims | Required for significant trees; recommended for others |
| Maximum fine (unpermitted) | Up to $15,000 per tree | $500–$5,000 per tree (varies by municipality) |
| Canopy replacement | Inch-for-inch; 3:1–5:1 for heritage trees | 1:1 standard; 2:1–3:1 for heritage trees |
| Invasive species exemption | FLEPPC Cat I removable without permit | FLEPPC Cat I removable without permit (verify municipal overlay) |
Both counties require that the tree permit be obtained BEFORE removal begins — not after. Retroactive permits are not available. Emergency removals (immediate safety hazard) may proceed without pre-approval but must be reported within 30 days in Miami-Dade. Source: Miami-Dade DERM; Broward County; FloridaLandscapeIQ, 2025.
What Arborists Need to Do Before Any Removal
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Identify the governing jurisdiction. Is the property in unincorporated Miami-Dade, City of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or another municipality? The permit requirement and process differ.
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Measure DBH accurately. DBH is measured at 4.5 feet above grade on the uphill side for trees on slopes. For multi-stem trees, each stem is measured separately and summed if within 6 inches of the ground.
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Check for heritage status. For any tree over 12" DBH, verify species-specific heritage thresholds with the county DERM or Broward Land Development.
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Apply before beginning work. Permit applications can take 2–8 weeks in Miami-Dade. Build this into your project timeline.
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Document the post-removal replacement. Photograph replacement trees planted, retain planting records, and close out the permit when replacement is complete.
Consult with a certified arborist before any tree removal project in Miami-Dade or Broward. Find ISA-certified arborists and licensed tree contractors through the FloridaLandscapeIQ Contractor Directory.
Source: Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 24; Miami-Dade DERM; Broward County Land Development Code; FloridaLandscapeIQ Staff, May 2025.