Tree Protection in Pembroke Pines, FL (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Pembroke Pines, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Pembroke Pines Specimen Tree Protections
Significant RestrictionsPembroke Pines Code of Ordinances § 155.203; § 155.677(B); § 155.678(B)(1)
SPECIMEN TREE: Any tree which has a diameter breast height of 18 inches or greater, with the exception of the following: (1) Non-native fruit trees that are cultivated or grown for the specific purpose of producing edible fruit, including, but not limited to, mangos, avocados or citrus. (2) Species of the genus Ficus, except F. aurea (strangler fig), F. laevigata (short leaf fig), F. rubigino...
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.
Pembroke Pines Protected Tree Species Rules
Some RestrictionsPembroke Pines Code of Ordinances § 155.203
SPECIMEN TREE: Any tree which has a diameter breast height of 18 inches or greater, with the exception of the following: (1) Non-native fruit trees that are cultivated or grown for the specific purpose of producing edible fruit, including, but not limited to, mangos, avocados or citrus. (2) Species of the genus Ficus, except F. aurea (strangler fig), F. laevigata (short leaf fig), F. rubiginosa...
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.
Pembroke Pines Swale Tree Planting Rules
Some RestrictionsPembroke Pines Code of Ordinances § 155.662(A)(1); § 155.655(C)(1)(g); § 155.669(D)
(1) Swale trees shall consist of canopy trees. Alternative species may be utilized in lieu of canopy trees, as determined by the Planning and Economic Development Department Director or designee, in cases where canopy trees are not viable. The trees shall be planted to ensure that there is adequate root and canopy space upon maturity. Root barriers shall be installed, if, as determined by the...
Looking for Broward County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pembroke Pines city rules.
Tree Protection in Broward County →