Heritage & Protected Trees: Miami vs Miami Gardens
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Miami, FL and Miami Gardens, FL?
Miami and Miami Gardens have similar restriction levels.
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 →Miami Gardens, FL
Miami-Dade County
Heritage trees designated by Miami-Dade County or Broward County receive enhanced protections. These trees generally have trunk diameters of 24 inches or more and meet historical or ecological significance criteria. Removal of heritage trees is prohibited except under extreme circumstances and requires special permits with extensive mitigation.
View full Miami Gardens rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Trunk Diameter | - | Typically 24+ inches for designation |
| Removal | - | Prohibited except extreme circumstances |
| Fine per Tree | - | Up to $5,000 + enhanced mitigation |
| Designation | - | By county Board of Commissioners |
| Protection Level | - | Highest under tree ordinance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Miami Gardens FAQ
What is a heritage tree?
A heritage tree is designated by the county based on trunk diameter (typically 24+ inches), age, and historical or ecological significance. These trees receive the highest level of protection.
Can I remove a heritage tree on my property?
Heritage tree removal is prohibited except under extreme circumstances and requires special permits with extensive mitigation requirements.
How do I know if my tree is a heritage tree?
Contact the county's tree preservation program or the city's planning department at 305-622-8000 ext. 2628 to determine if a tree on your property is designated.
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