Coral Gables's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Coral Gables, Florida, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Parkway Planting

New development in Coral Gables must plant street trees in the parkway strip on 30-foot centers, at least 15 feet tall at planting, from an approved species list.

Key details: Tree spacing: 30-foot centers. Minimum height at planting: 15 feet. Parkway landscaped area minimum: 25%. Species source: City Public Works Manual list.

Streetscape and parkway landscaping are conditions of the required building/site plan approval; noncompliant plans are not approved, and completed work found out of conformance is subject to code enforcement under the Zoning Code's general penalty provisions.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Coral Gables can deny a specimen tree removal permit outright if the tree holds community heritage value or stands on a historic landmark property, even when no other preservation criteria are met.

Key details: Protected size: 18-inch DBH or greater. Heritage denial ground: Sec. 82-34(2), important community heritage. Historic district ground: Sec. 82-34(5), landmark/historic character. Appeal window: 10 days after decision. Willful city-tree damage fine: Up to $15,000.

Unpermitted removal or injury to a specimen tree draws a fine up to $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for repeats, and up to 60 days jail (Sec. 82-37); willful damage to a specimen tree on city property or right-of-way carries a fine up to $15,000 plus the tree's monetary value and attorney's fees (Sec. 82-38).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Coral Gables actively enforces its heritage & protected trees requirements.

Protected Tree Species

Coral Gables' tree code protects any tree with an 18-inch-or-greater trunk diameter as a "specimen tree," but carves out nonnative fruit trees, county-exempt species, and most multi-trunk palms from that protection.

Key details: Protected threshold: 18-inch DBH or greater. Excluded: nonnative fruit trees (mango, avocado, citrus). Excluded: multi-trunk palms except Paurotis Palm. Removal/modification: requires tree preservation agency permit. Max penalty: $15,000 for city-property trees.

Code enforcement can fine violators up to $1,000 for a first offense or $5,000 for repeat offenses, plus up to 60 days in county jail; willfully injuring or moving a specimen tree on city property or right-of-way without approval carries fines up to $15,000 per tree.

This is one of the stricter rules in Coral Gables's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Coral Gables is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Coral Gables, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Coral Gables's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.