Heritage & Protected Trees: Homestead vs Miami
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Homestead, FL and Miami, FL?
Homestead and Miami 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, 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 | Homestead | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Section 24-49 | - |
| Review | DERM evaluates | - |
| Native Trees | Special consideration | - |
| Mitigation | Replacement required | - |
| Development | Tree survey required | - |
| 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 |
| Replacement | - | 2-inch caliper minimum, ratio by canopy lost |
| In-lieu fee | - | Tree Trust Fund payment alternative |
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 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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