Heritage & Protected Trees: Doral vs Miami
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Doral, FL and Miami, FL?
Doral and Miami have similar restriction levels.
Doral, FL
Miami-Dade County
Doral provides enhanced protection for heritage and specimen trees, including large native species and historically significant trees. These trees receive the highest level of protection under the city's tree preservation ordinance. Removal is permitted only with strong justification and requires enhanced mitigation measures.
View full Doral rules →Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami protects all trees on private property 4+ inch DBH under City Code Chapter 17 and overlays Miami-Dade County Specimen Tree rules for trees 18+ inch DBH or designated species (live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo). Removal requires a tree-removal permit, replacement plantings, and county review for Specimen Trees.
View full Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Doral | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Level | Highest under city code | - |
| Arborist Report | Required for removal | - |
| Replacement | Enhanced ratios or tree fund | 2-inch caliper minimum, ratio by canopy lost |
| Construction | Root protection zone required | - |
| Building Dept | (305) 593-6740 | - |
| City DBH threshold | - | 4-inch DBH triggers permit |
| County Specimen Tree | - | 18-inch DBH or designated species |
| Protected species | - | Live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo, native palms |
| In-lieu fee | - | Tree Trust Fund payment alternative |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Doral FAQ
What qualifies as a heritage tree in Doral?
Heritage trees are those of significant size, age, or historical importance. Specimen trees include large native species like live oaks and royal palms meeting specific size thresholds. Contact the Building Department at (305) 593-6740 for criteria.
Can I ever remove a heritage tree?
Only with strong justification and a certified arborist report. You must demonstrate no reasonable alternative exists. If approved, enhanced replacement planting or payment into the city tree fund at full appraised value is required.
How must heritage trees be protected during construction?
Construction barriers must maintain a minimum root protection zone around heritage trees. No equipment, materials, or grading is permitted within the protection zone. Damage to heritage trees during construction results in stop-work orders and fines.
Miami FAQ
Can I cut a tree on my own Miami lot?
Not if it has a 4-inch DBH or larger. Miami requires a tree-removal permit for nearly every mature tree, and 18-inch DBH (or native species) trees also need Miami-Dade County Specimen Tree review.
Is a live oak always protected?
Yes. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is a designated Specimen species under Miami-Dade Code §24-49 at any size and cannot be removed without both city and county approval and substantial mitigation.
What about palms?
Palms with 8 feet of clear trunk or more require a permit. Several native palms (royal, sabal, paurotis) are Specimen species regardless of height.
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