Miami-Dade County protects native and migratory birds through the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Florida nongame rules, with extra county safeguards for nesting wading birds, burrowing owls, and shoreline rookeries.
Most native birds in Miami-Dade—including herons, egrets, ibis, ospreys, and burrowing owls—are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Florida Statutes Chapter 379. It is unlawful to harass, capture, kill, or destroy active nests without a permit. The county’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) coordinates with FWC on shoreline rookery protection, mangrove buffers, and burrowing-owl burrows on vacant lots. Tree-trimming and demolition contractors must survey work sites for active nests during nesting season and pause work if protected nests are found.
Disturbing active nests, harming birds, or removing protected trees with nests can trigger state criminal charges, federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act fines, and county DERM environmental penalties.
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Miami, FL
The City of Miami is a flat, low-elevation coastal urban area and is not designated as a high wildfire hazard severity zone. Most wildland fire activity in M...
Miami, FL
Miami's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Political signs are protected as f...
Miami, FL
Miami has no specific City ordinance restricting residential inflatable holiday displays. Practical limits come from HOA and condo covenants, the Miami Code ...
Miami, FL
Miami has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Condo and HOA covenants frequently impose rules under FL §718 ...
Miami, FL
Outdoor kitchens in Miami require building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits from the City of Miami Building Department under the Florida Buildin...
Miami, FL
Miami does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit b...
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