Miami, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Miami, 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 for
- removal, relocation, 25%+ pruning
- Unpermitted removal fine
- $1,000/tree (non-homestead)
- Specimen tree threshold
- 18 inches DBH or larger
- Issuing agency
- Dept. of Planning and Zoning
- Appeal deadline
- 10 calendar days to HEPB
Summary
Miami requires a tree permit before removing, relocating, or heavily pruning any tree 12 feet or taller with a 2-inch DBH trunk (16 feet and 6-inch DBH for palms), enforced by the Department of Planning and Zoning under City Code Chapter 17.
(1)No person, agent or representative thereof, directly or indirectly, shall engage in tree activity on any property described in section 17-3 of this article without first obtaining a tree permit and unless exempted by section 17-11 of 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 23 | Ordinance 11000 (Previous Zoning Code): Supplement 22 | Miami 21 (Zoning Code): ?).
Full Breakdown
The city's Department of Planning and Zoning reviews tree permit applications for removal, relocation, or pruning of more than 25 percent of a tree's canopy, plus root pruning of more than 10 percent of a tree's root system or roots 1 inch or larger in diameter. Removing a tree without a permit triggers mandatory replacement trees under the diameter-based replacement chart plus a fine of $1,000 per tree (non-homestead) or $500 per tree (homestead) under City Code § 17-10, with repeat violations referred to the code enforcement board for enhanced penalties up to $5,000 per day. Specimen trees, 18 inches DBH or larger, get extra protection: staff can require a redesign to preserve them or a full appraisal-based replacement value.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a tree without a permit costs $1,000 per tree (non-homestead) or $500 (homestead), plus mandatory replacement trees; repeat violations trigger code board referral and fines up to $5,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my own yard in Miami?
What counts as a "specimen tree" in Miami?
What happens if I cut down a tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami 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.