Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Doral vs Miami
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Doral, FL and Miami, FL?
Doral and Miami have similar restriction levels.
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 →Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami requires permits for removing trees with a trunk diameter of 3 inches or more at breast height. Specimen trees with 18-inch or greater diameter receive heightened protection. Exemptions exist for single-family yard trees that are not specimen or heritage trees.
View full Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Doral | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Protected Size | 4 inches DBH and above | - |
| Permit Required | Yes, for all protected trees | - |
| Mitigation | Replacement planting or tree trust fund | - |
| Specimen Trees | Enhanced protection, Council approval may be needed | - |
| Code Compliance | (305) 593-6740 | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | 3-inch DBH or 12 ft tall |
| Specimen Tree | - | 18-inch DBH or greater |
| Processing Time | - | Approximately 21 days |
| Single-Family Exempt | - | Non-specimen yard trees |
| City Contact | - | miami.gov/Trees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Miami FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my Miami yard?
Single-family homeowners are generally exempt from permits for non-specimen trees within their yard. Trees with 18-inch or greater DBH (specimen trees) always require a permit regardless of property type.
How long does a Miami tree removal permit take?
Tree removal permit applications are processed in approximately 21 days. Submit applications through the City of Miami with required site plans and tree survey documentation.
What is the penalty for illegal tree removal in Miami?
Illegal tree removal results in fines calculated at treble the replacement cost of the removed tree, plus mandatory replanting at a ratio set by the city arborist.
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