How to Get a Tree Removal Permit in Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County has some of the most detailed tree protection regulations in Florida. Chapter 24 of the Miami-Dade County Code — administered by the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (DERM) — governs the removal, relocation, and replacement of trees on private and public property throughout the county. Getting the permit wrong means fines of up to $15,000 per tree, stop-work orders, and mandatory replanting at your expense.

This guide covers every step contractors, homeowners, and HOA managers need to follow to obtain a lawful tree removal permit.

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What Requires a Permit

Not every tree cut requires a formal permit — but most significant removals do. Miami-Dade's threshold is based on diameter at breast height (DBH), measured at 4.5 feet above ground.

Any tree with a DBH of 4 inches or greater on private property requires a DERM permit before removal. This applies to:

• Hazard tree removal (even for dead trees)
• Site clearing for construction
• Trees interfering with structures or utilities
• Healthy trees the owner simply wants removed

Exemptions (no permit required):

• Trees smaller than 4" DBH
• Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia), Australian pine (Casuarina spp.), and melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) — all Category I FLEPPC invasives — may be removed without a permit on private property (but verify with your municipality, as some cities have local overlays)
• Emergency removal of trees posing an immediate safety hazard — a permit must still be applied for within 30 days after emergency removal

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The Application Process: Step by Step

Step 1 — Determine if your municipality has a local overlay Miami-Dade County ordinance is the floor, not the ceiling. Cities like Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove have stricter local tree ordinances. Before applying to DERM, confirm your municipality doesn't require a separate city permit.

Step 2 — Complete the DERM Tree Removal Application (TR-1 form) The TR-1 form is available from DERM. Required information includes:

• Property address and folio number
• Species, DBH, and height of each tree to be removed
• Reason for removal (hazard, construction, disease, etc.)
• Proposed replacement trees

Step 3 — Gather supporting documentation Standard applications require:

• Site plan showing tree locations
• Photos of each tree proposed for removal
• Property survey (for construction-related removal)

Step 4 — Determine if an arborist report is required (see section below)

Step 5 — Submit and pay fees Applications are submitted to DERM's One-Stop Center. As of 2025, fees are assessed per tree based on DBH class.

Step 6 — Await site inspection DERM may conduct a site visit before issuing the permit, particularly for heritage trees or contested applications.

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What Triggers an Arborist Report Requirement

A certified arborist report is mandatory in Miami-Dade under the following conditions:

• Heritage trees (DBH ≥ 18" or species-specific thresholds) — arborist must justify removal and certify no reasonable alternative exists
• Hazard claims — the hazard must be documented by a Florida-licensed or ISA-certified arborist who has conducted a Level 2 tree risk assessment
• Construction impact — trees within the critical root zone of structures being constructed require arborist input on protection or relocation feasibility
• Disputed removal — any third-party complaint filed during the review process triggers arborist review

The arborist report must identify the tree species, health condition, structural integrity, and risk level using ISA Risk Assessment methodology.

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Permit Fees and Timeline

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Canopy Replacement Requirements

Miami-Dade does not simply allow tree removal — it requires canopy replacement. When a permit is issued, the permittee must:

• Replace on a caliper-inch-for-caliper-inch basis for removed trees
• Use Florida-Friendly or Florida native species from the approved replacement tree list
• Plant replacement trees on the same property where possible
• If on-site replacement is not feasible (lot too small, construction conflict), pay into the Miami-Dade Tree Trust Fund

Tree Trust Fund payments: Calculated per inch of DBH removed, typically $100–$250 per DBH inch depending on species tier.

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Fines for Unpermitted Removal

Removing a tree without a permit in Miami-Dade is a serious violation:

• Base fine: Up to $15,000 per unlawfully removed tree
• Mandatory replacement: Canopy replacement at three to five times the removed canopy
• Stop-work order: All construction activity on the property halted until compliance is achieved
• Criminal referral: Repeat violations may be referred to the State Attorney's office

These fines are actively enforced. Miami-Dade DERM conducts complaint-based inspections and satellite-image monitoring of cleared lots. Contractors whose clients are cited can face license consequences through CILB.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming the city and county permit are the same. They are not. A DERM permit does not substitute for a Coral Gables or Miami Beach city permit.

Starting site clearing before the permit is issued. Even after submitting the application, work cannot begin until the permit is in hand.

Misidentifying invasive species. Not all exotic trees are FLEPPC Category I. Only species on the current FLEPPC list qualify for permit-free removal.

Failing to replace. The permit is conditioned on replacement. DERM can revoke future permits if replacement obligations from prior permits are unfulfilled.

Find a certified arborist or licensed contractor for your Miami-Dade tree removal project through the FloridaLandscapeIQ Contractor Directory.

Source: Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 24; Miami-Dade DERM Tree Removal Permit Requirements; UF/IFAS Urban Tree Risk Assessment; FloridaLandscapeIQ Staff, May 2025.