Broward County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Broward County, FL, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Ch. 27, Art. XIV, §§ 27-401–27-413
- Enforcing agency
- Public Works and Environmental Services Dept.
- Scope
- Countywide unless municipality PWESD-certified
- Owner-occupant exemption
- Lots ≤1 acre, single-family or duplex
- Hazard-tree exemption
- Certified arborist documentation per Fla. Stat. 163.045
Summary
Broward County's tree preservation ordinance bans removing or abusing any tree, or a historical tree, without PWESD approval, and applies countywide unless a municipality holds valid tree-certification from PWESD.
This article applies to all persons within the geographic boundaries of Broward County and shall be enforceable on a county-wide basis unless otherwise provided herein. ... Unless otherwise authorized by this article, no person shall cause, suffer, permit or allow: (a) The removal of any Historical tree without first obtaining approval from the Board to conduct the removal. (b) The removal of any tree without first obtaining a tree removal license from PWESD as herein provided. (c) Tree abuse as defined by this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward's Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance (Code of Ordinances Ch. 27, Art. XIV) is enforced countywide by the Public Works and Environmental Services Department unless a municipality holds valid PWESD tree-preservation certification -- Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs run their own certified programs. Sec. 27-405 bars removing a tree, historical tree, or Natural Forest Community vegetation without a PWESD license, grading or storing materials inside a tree's drip line, and 'tree abuse' -- hatracking, overlifting, topping or improper pruning as defined in Sec. 27-404. Owner-occupied lots of one acre or less doing detached single-family or duplex removal are exempt, as are documented hazard trees under Fla. Stat. 163.045.
Violations & Fines
PWESD enforces administratively under Sec. 27-14; unlicensed removal or tree abuse triggers mandatory remedial pruning, replacement-tree requirements under Sec. 27-408(i), and Chapter 8½ code enforcement citations, plus forfeiture of relocation and preservation bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Broward County's tree ordinance apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Can I remove a tree on my own house lot without a permit?
What counts as illegal tree abuse under Broward's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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