How Pembroke Pines Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Pembroke Pines maintains 124 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 Pembroke Pines falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Protected Tree Species

Pembroke Pines protects any tree with an 18-inch or greater diameter at breast height as a "specimen tree" under Code of Ordinances § 155.203, with narrow carve-outs for cultivated fruit trees, most ficus species, multi-trunk palms, and invasive plants. Removing one requires a city permit.

Key details: Specimen tree threshold: 18 inches DBH or greater. Exempt species: Most Ficus, cultivated fruit, multi-trunk palms. Invasive exemption: FLEPPC Category I species, fee waived. Native tree rule: Native trees must be replaced with native trees. Permit fee: $10 single-family; $50 first 10 trees.

Cutting or relocating a protected tree without the § 155.674 permit is a code violation enforced under § 155.679, with a copy of any existing notice of violation required as part of a late permit application under § 155.674(C)(5). The city can require replacement canopy trees at the owner's expense as a permit condition, and native trees removed without authorization must be replaced with native stock under § 155.676(G) rather than any substitute species.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Pembroke Pines gives extra protection to 'specimen trees,' any tree 18 inches or more in diameter at breast height, aside from a handful of carve-outs. Removing or relocating one still goes through the standard tree permit, but a certified arborist must appraise the specimen's dollar value for replacement, and a relocated specimen tree can require a survival bond.

Key details: Specimen tree threshold: 18 in. diameter at breast height. Exempt from specimen status: Non-native fruit trees, most Ficus, multi-trunk palms. Replacement method: Certified arborist dollar appraisal. Relocation safeguard: Survival bond may be required. Bond release: After 1 year if tree survives.

Specimen tree violations, including removal or relocation without the required permit or appraisal, are enforced under § 155.679, which ties to the citywide general penalty in § 10.99: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. A relocated specimen tree that dies within the one-year survival window also triggers forfeiture of its bond into the city's Landscape Fund, separate from any § 10.99 fine.

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

Parkway Planting

Pembroke Pines requires swale, the parkway strip between sidewalk and street, trees to be canopy species, with the Planning and Economic Development Department Director approving any substitute where a canopy tree will not work. Root barriers go in when growth could damage nearby infrastructure, and swale groundcover, shrubs, and hedges stay under two feet.

Key details: Swale tree species: Must be canopy trees. Substitute species: Requires Director approval. Root barriers: Required where growth threatens infrastructure. Swale groundcover/shrub height: 2 ft maximum. Swale tree upkeep: Also governed by Chapter 52.

Landscaping violations, including a swale planted with the wrong tree species or an unauthorized root barrier omission, are enforced under § 155.679, which ties back to the citywide general penalty in § 10.99: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Police officers, Code Compliance Officers, and city landscape personnel can also order swale planting work stopped until it matches the approved standard.

The Bottom Line

Pembroke Pines'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 Pembroke Pines is broadly strict or permissive.

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