Miami Gardens, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Miami Gardens, 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 all protected trees
- Protected Size
- Native trees 3+ inches DBH
- Replacement
- 1:1 canopy replacement
- Fine per Tree
- Up to $5,000 + replanting
- Contact
- Planning Dept. 305-622-8000 ext. 2628
Summary
Tree removal in Miami Gardens requires a permit from the city's planning department. Miami-Dade County protects all native trees over 3 inches in diameter. Permits must be obtained before any removal or relocation. One-to-one canopy replacement is required for approved removals. Improper pruning is also prohibited.
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. [...] 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. A new tree removal permit application shall be required for all work previously proposed under a permit application that has been denied. [...] A tree removal/relocation permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance. [...] After-the-Fact (ATF) Permit: An After-the-Fact (ATF) tree removal/relocation permit is required for trees that have been removed/relocated or effectively destroyed within Miami-Dade County. The application and per-tree fees for an ATF tree removal/relocation permit costs double than normal. [...] 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
The City of Miami Gardens requires tree removal permits for all protected trees. Contact the city's planning department at 305-622-8000 ext. 2628 for permit procedures. Miami-Dade County's tree preservation ordinance protects all native trees with a trunk diameter of 3 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above ground (diameter at breast height, or DBH). Removal or relocation must be justified, and one-to-one canopy replacement is required for all approved removals. Nuisance trees and invasive species may be exempt from the permit requirement. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may qualify for expedited removal. All tree work must be performed by qualified professionals. Improper pruning techniques including hat-racking, topping, and stub cutting are prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without a permit results in fines up to $5,000 per tree plus mandatory replanting. Broward County imposes similar penalties in its jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a tree removal permit?
How do I apply for a tree removal permit?
Are any trees exempt from the permit requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami Gardens
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami Gardens to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle tree removal & heritage trees.