Why Coral Springs Has Some of the Strictest Tree Protection in the State

Coral Springs maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Coral Springs falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Removal Permits

Coral Springs requires a no-charge tree removal permit for removing any canopy tree or palm under Section 212 of the Land Development Code. Specimen and historic trees require a council plan permit before any pruning or removal. Certain invasive species are exempt from permits.

Key details: Permit Fee: No charge. Code Section: LDC Sec. 212. Specimen Trees: Council plan permit required. Contact: 954-344-1160.

Removing a protected tree without a permit is a code violation with fines starting at $250. Removal of specimen trees without council approval may result in enhanced penalties and mandatory replacement at appraised value. Repeat offenders face escalating fines.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Coral Springs actively enforces its tree removal permits requirements.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Coral Springs protects specimen and historic trees under Section 212 of the Land Development Code. These trees require a council plan permit before any pruning or removal. A professional tree appraisal determines the dollar value, and removal requires replacement trees equal to the appraised value.

Key details: Protection Level: Council plan permit required. Appraisal: Required before removal. Replacement: Equal to appraised value. Species: Native or similar required.

Unauthorized removal of specimen or historic trees results in mandatory replacement at full appraised value plus fines. Code enforcement penalties start at $500 for specimen tree violations and may escalate to $1,000 per day for non-compliance with replacement orders.

Compared to other cities, Coral Springs takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Coral Springs requires replacement of removed trees within 6 months of permit approval under Section 212 of the Land Development Code. Construction-related removals must be replaced within 60 days. Replacement species must be native or similar, approved by the city manager.

Key details: Standard Timeline: Within 6 months. Construction: Within 60 days. Specimen Trees: Equal to appraised value. Species: Native or similar required.

Failure to replace trees within the required timeframe results in code enforcement action. Fines start at $250 per day for non-compliance. Unpermitted removal requires replacement plus additional penalties at the specimen tree appraisal rate.

Compared to other cities, Coral Springs takes a harder line on tree replacement requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Coral Springs is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Coral Springs, 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 Springs's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.