Heritage & Protected Trees: Homestead vs Miami Beach
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Homestead, FL and Miami Beach, FL?
Homestead and Miami Beach have similar restriction levels.
Homestead, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County protects significant trees under Section 24-49 through the tree removal permit process. Specimen trees and native hardwoods receive additional consideration in permit review by DERM.
View full Homestead rules →Miami Beach, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami Beach has a Heritage Tree program administered by Urban Forestry. Property owners can apply to designate exceptional trees as Heritage Trees through the Heritage Tree Permit Application. Heritage Trees receive the highest level of protection and cannot be removed except under extreme circumstances.
View full Miami Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Homestead | Miami Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Section 24-49 | - |
| Review | DERM evaluates | - |
| Native Trees | Special consideration | - |
| Mitigation | Replacement required | - |
| Development | Tree survey required | - |
| Designation | - | Heritage Tree Permit Application |
| Definition | - | Largest of species in state/nation |
| Protection Level | - | Highest under city code |
| Administered By | - | Urban Forestry Division |
| Contact | - | urbanforestry@miamibeachfl.gov |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Homestead FAQ
Does Miami-Dade protect heritage trees?
Yes. Section 24-49 requires permits for trees with 5+ inch diameter trunks. DERM gives special consideration to native species and specimen trees, often requiring replacement plantings.
Can I remove a hurricane-damaged tree?
Expedited removal permits may be available during declared emergencies for hurricane-damaged trees. Contact the Tree Program at 305-372-6574.
Miami Beach FAQ
How do I get a tree designated as a Heritage Tree in Miami Beach?
Submit a Heritage Tree Permit Application through the Urban Forestry division. Contact urbanforestry@miamibeachfl.gov for the application form and criteria.
Can a Heritage Tree ever be removed?
Only under extraordinary circumstances with extensive review. Heritage Trees receive the highest protection level. Removal requires extraordinary justification and carries the severest penalties for unauthorized action.
What types of trees qualify as Heritage Trees?
Trees that are the largest of their species within Florida or nationally, as defined by the Florida Division of Forestry or American Forestry Association. Specimen live oaks, gumbo limbo, and tropical hardwoods are common candidates.
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