North Miami, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

North Miami's tree protection ordinance (Chapter 5, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances) protects trees with a trunk diameter of 3 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above grade (DBH). No protected tree may be removed, relocated, or severely pruned without a tree removal permit from the Community Development Department at (305) 895-9825. Specimen trees (certain species or sizes designated for enhanced protection) and heritage trees require additional review and are generally not approved for removal unless dead, diseased, or posing an imminent safety hazard. The permit application requires a tree survey by a certified arborist identifying species, size, condition, and location. Approved tree removals require mitigation through replanting replacement trees on-site (typically 1:1 or greater replacement ratio by caliper inches) or payment into the city's tree trust fund. Unauthorized tree removal on city property or rights-of-way is prohibited. Emergency removal of trees posing immediate danger (storm damage, structural failure) may proceed without a permit but must be reported to the city within a specified timeframe for documentation. Mangrove trees along Biscayne Bay waterfront areas are additionally protected under F.S. 403.9321-403.9333 (Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act) and require state permits for alteration.