Tree Protection in Miramar, FL

If you live in Miramar or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Miramar has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Protected Tree Species

Miramar's Land Development Code protects more than just large trees: Section 506.14.3 extends permit protection to street trees, perimeter landscaping, parking-lot vegetation, historical trees, specimen trees and any tree in a designated area of particular concern. A separate definition in Section 201 lists the natural forest communities and wilderness areas that trigger special-status tree protection.

Key details: Permit trigger: Removal or dripline encroachment of protected vegetation. Includes: Street trees, perimeter and parking-lot vegetation. Special status areas: Natural forest, wilderness, resource areas (Broward Code). Also covers: Historical trees and specimen trees. Permit issuer: Community Development Department.

Removing, relocating or damaging protected vegetation, including encroaching within a protected tree's dripline, without a Tree Removal/Relocation Permit is a violation of Chapter 5. Under Section 506.19.3, each affected tree is treated as a separate offense, carrying a $500 fine plus the replacement cost of the tree and the city's investigation and prosecution costs, with the property owner strictly liable absent a recognized defense such as an act of God.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Miramar's Land Development Code recognizes two heritage categories: historic trees, formally designated in the city's official records for their age or historic association, and specimen trees, defined by a minimum trunk diameter. Both categories count as protected vegetation, and the code directs the city to give them priority for preservation over removal when a permit application is reviewed.

Key details: Historic tree test: City-designated for age or historic association. Specimen tree DBH: 18 in. dicots; 18 in. + 35 ft. for palms. Excluded species: Cultivated fruit trees, most ficus, small palms. Protection mechanism: Folded into protected vegetation, TRP required. Review priority: Preservation prioritized over removal in permitting.

Cutting down, relocating or damaging a designated historic tree or a qualifying specimen tree without an approved Tree Removal/Relocation Permit is a violation of the protected-vegetation rules in Section 506.14.3, punishable under Section 506.19.3 by a $500 fine per tree plus the cost of replacement and the city's investigation and prosecution expenses, with the property owner strictly liable for the loss.

Parkway Planting

Miramar's Land Development Code carves out a 30-foot landscape easement along Miramar Parkway between Palm Avenue and Southwest 196th Avenue and layers extra planting requirements on top of the citywide street-tree rules. Section 506.10.3 requires one tree per 30 lineal feet, at least 75 percent native species, and berming across at least 75 percent of the corridor frontage.

Key details: Corridor width: 30 feet, Palm Ave. to SW 196th Ave.. Tree spacing: 1 tree per 30 lineal feet, max 75' apart. Native tree share: At least 75% of required trees. Berm coverage: Minimum 75% of corridor frontage. Berm height: 2 ft. low point, 4 ft. crown minimum.

Development that encroaches on the dedicated Miramar Parkway landscape easement or fails to meet the corridor's planting ratios is subject to the same enforcement as the rest of Chapter 5's landscaping standards: a $500 fine per violation under Section 506.19.3, plus replacement costs, and the city can withhold or revoke a certificate of occupancy until the easement planting is installed and inspected.

The Bottom Line

Miramar's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Miramar is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Miramar's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.