Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Coral Gables vs Doral
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Coral Gables, FL and Doral, FL?
Coral Gables and Doral have similar restriction levels.
Coral Gables, FL
Miami-Dade County
Coral Gables has strong tree canopy protection under Chapter 82 (Vegetation) requiring permits for removal of any protected tree. Specimen trees at 18 inches DBH or larger require arborist reports, and trees at 24 inches DBH require double mitigation. The city tree trust fund charges $1,500 per 500 sq ft of canopy deficit.
View full Coral Gables rules →Doral, FL
Miami-Dade County
Doral has strict tree protection regulations under its Land Development Code. Removal of protected trees requires a permit and mitigation through replacement planting or payment into the city's tree trust fund. Specimen trees and trees above certain caliper sizes receive enhanced protection.
View full Doral rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Coral Gables | Doral |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes, for all protected trees | Yes, for all protected trees |
| Specimen Threshold | 18 inches DBH | - |
| Double Mitigation | Required for 24+ inch DBH | - |
| Trust Fund | $1,500 per 500 sq ft canopy deficit | - |
| Contact | PWGreenspace@coralgables.com | - |
| Protected Size | - | 4 inches DBH and above |
| Mitigation | - | Replacement planting or tree trust fund |
| Specimen Trees | - | Enhanced protection, Council approval may be needed |
| Code Compliance | - | (305) 593-6740 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Coral Gables FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Coral Gables?
Yes. Removal of any protected tree requires a permit obtained through the EnerGov portal. Trees at 18 inches DBH or larger are classified as specimens requiring a certified arborist report. Apply by searching Tree Removal/Relocations/Pruning.
What happens if a tree is too large to mitigate on my property?
If your property cannot accommodate required replacement trees due to insufficient planting area, you must contribute to the city tree trust fund at $1,500 per 500 square feet of canopy deficit, as determined by the tree preservation agency.
Are banyans and royal palms protected in Coral Gables?
Yes. Coral Gables is known for its protected tree canopy including banyans, oaks, and royal palms. These species receive strong protection under Chapter 82, and removal requires full permitting, arborist reports, and mitigation plans.
Doral FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Doral?
Yes, if the tree has a trunk diameter of 4 inches or more at chest height (DBH). Apply for a tree removal permit through the Planning and Zoning Department. Specimen trees may require City Council approval.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit in Doral?
Unauthorized tree removal carries significant fines and requires mitigation at enhanced replacement ratios. Penalties may include payment into the city's tree trust fund and planting of replacement trees at a greater-than-1:1 ratio.
Can I trim trees in the right-of-way in Doral?
No. Trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the city. Residents cannot remove or significantly prune right-of-way trees without authorization. Contact the city's Public Works Department for right-of-way tree maintenance requests.
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