Homestead, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Homestead, 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
- Exempt Trees
- Dead, invasive, fruit trees
- Contact
- (305) 224-4800 Code Compliance
Summary
Tree removal in Homestead is regulated under Miami-Dade County Code Section 24-49. Protected native species like live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo, and royal palm require permits for removal. Dead, hazardous, or invasive species (Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, melaleuca) can be removed without permits. Mitigation through replanting or tree fund contribution may be required.
Tree Removal or Relocation Permits: 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. [...] Municipal Jurisdictions: The municipalities below have their own tree ordinances that address tree removal requirements for most residential or commercial properties. Call the appropriate municipality for more information regarding their tree removal/relocation permit procedures. [...] A separate county authorization is not generally required in these municipalities except as described above. Municipalities with their own tree ordinances recognized by Miami-Dade County include: Coral Gables: 305-460-5135; Homestead: 305-224-4500; Miami: 305-416-1416; Miami Beach: 305-673-7000; Miami Gardens: 305-622-8000 ext. 2628; Miami Lakes: 305-634-6100; Miami Springs: 305-805-5170; North Miami: 305-895-6511 ext. 19012; North Miami Beach: 305-948-2965; Pinecrest: 305-234-2121; South Miami: 305-663-6326. [...] 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. [...] Tree Trimming: 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
Homestead enforces tree protection through Miami-Dade County's Environmental Protection Code Section 24-49. Protected native species including live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo, royal palm, bald cypress, and other South Florida canopy trees with trunk diameters of 4 inches or more at breast height (DBH) require a tree removal permit. The permit application requires a site survey showing tree locations and species, and the reason for removal. Mitigation may include replanting replacement trees at a specified ratio or contributing to the county's tree trust fund. Exemptions apply to dead, diseased, or hazardous trees (documented by a certified arborist), invasive species (Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, melaleuca), and fruit trees. Homestead's proximity to the Everglades makes native tree preservation important for wildlife corridors and ecosystem connectivity. Hurricane-damaged trees may qualify for emergency removal without standard permits. The city encourages planting hurricane-resistant native species when replacing removed trees.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without a permit carries fines of $100 to $500 per tree plus mandatory replanting at a 2:1 ratio. Contact Code Compliance at (305) 224-4800 or Miami-Dade DERM for tree permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Homestead?
Which trees are invasive and can be removed freely?
What is required if I remove a protected tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Homestead
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Homestead to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle tree removal & heritage trees.