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.
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.
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.
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.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Homestead's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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