Tree Protection in Miami-Dade County, FL (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Tree Removal Permits

Miami-Dade County requires tree removal permits for trees with trunk diameter of 5 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above ground under Section 24-49. DERM reviews applications. Improper pruning that destroys a tree is also a violation.

Miami-Dade County Tree Removal Permits

Some Restrictions

Miami-Dade County Code § 24-49

A tree removal/relocation permit is required for the removal or relocation of any tree within Miami-Dade County not specifically exempt under the Environmental Code of Miami-Dade County... Prior authorization from Miami-Dade County is required for the above listed work, as well as for any tree removal or relocations within the unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Heritage & Protected Trees

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.

Miami-Dade County Heritage Tree Protection

Heavy Restrictions

Miami-Dade County Code § 24-49 (Specimen Tree definition)

A specimen tree shall mean a tree with any individual trunk that has a DBH of 18 inches or greater (or a circumference of 56.5 inches or greater) when measured at point 4.5 feet from the ground at natural grade. The following trees are not considered specimen: Non-native fruit trees that are cultivated or grown for the specific purpose of producing edible fruit, including, but not limited to, m...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Replacement Requirements

Miami-Dade County requires tree replacement when removal permits are granted under Section 24-49. Replacement ratios are determined by DERM based on the species, size, and significance of the removed tree.

Miami-Dade County Tree Replacement Requirements

Some Restrictions

Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 24 (Tree Permit Mitigation)

A field inspection will be performed to verify that the permit requirements, using the Planting Mitigation Guidelines, have been completed and satisfied as stated in the permit. Once the permit requirements have been completed satisfactorily, the permit will be closed and the applicant will be informed accordingly. An After-the-Fact (ATF) tree removal/relocation permit is required for trees tha...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Protected Tree Species

Miami-Dade Code Chapter 24 §24-49 protects mangroves, native specimen trees, and heritage trees countywide, requiring DERM permits for trimming or removal, with strict penalties for unauthorized cutting.