Hialeah, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Hialeah, 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
- Permit Required
- Yes, for protected species 4"+ DBH
- Protected Species
- Live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo, royal palm
- County Code
- Miami-Dade Section 24-49
- Exemptions
- Dead, hazardous, or invasive trees
- Contact
- (305) 556-8380 Code Compliance
Summary
Hialeah follows Miami-Dade County's tree protection framework under County Code Section 24-49, which mandates protection of tree and forest resources. Removal of protected native species such as live oak, mahogany, and gumbo limbo requires a tree removal permit from the city. Dead, hazardous, or invasive trees may qualify for exemptions.
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. [...] Definition of 'Tree': A tree shall mean a woody or fibrous perennial plant with a trunk having a minimum DBH of three inches or with an overall height of 12 or more feet. A non-specimen tree is any tree with a trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) less than 18 inches (56.5 inches in circumference) when measured at point 4.5 feet from the ground at natural grade. 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, mangos, avocados or species of citrus; Non-native species of the genus Ficus; All multi-trunk palms except Paurotis palm/Everglades palm (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii) and Reclinata palm (Phoenix reclinata), which have a minimum overall height of 15 feet. [...] According to Section 24-49.7(3) of the Miami-Dade County Code, all tree permit applications that remain incomplete for a period of 120 days shall be denied. [...] Permit Expiration: A tree removal/relocation permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance. [...] A tree removal/relocation permit is not required for the proper pruning or trimming of trees, provided the pruning is done according to the most recent American National Standards (ANSI) A-300 Standard Practices for Tree Care Operations. However, excessive or improper pruning of the tree's canopy (i.e. hat-racking, topping, lion-tailing, etc.) and other activities (i.e. trunk girdling, excessive root cutting, use of tree-killing chemicals, etc.), which results in the effective destruction of a tree, constitutes a violation of Section 24-49 to of the Code of Miami-Dade County.
Full Breakdown
Hialeah enforces tree protection through the Miami-Dade County Environmental Protection Code (Section 24-49) and the city's Land Development Code. Protected native species include live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo, royal palm, and other South Florida canopy trees. A tree removal permit must be obtained before removing any protected tree with a trunk diameter of 4 inches or greater at breast height. The permit application requires a site survey showing tree locations and species. Mitigation may be required through replanting or payment into a tree fund. Exemptions exist for dead, diseased, or hazardous trees documented by a certified arborist, and for invasive species such as Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, and melaleuca. The city's dense urban environment makes canopy preservation a priority for stormwater management and heat island mitigation.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without a permit can result in fines of $100 to $500 per tree plus mandatory replanting. Repeat violations or removal of heritage-size trees may result in enhanced penalties. Contact Code Compliance at (305) 556-8380 for enforcement questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Hialeah?
Which trees are protected in Hialeah?
Can I remove a dead tree without a permit in Hialeah?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hialeah
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle tree removal & heritage trees.