Tree removal permit rules in North Miami, FL β sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances β list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
North Miami has a comprehensive tree protection ordinance requiring permits for the removal of protected trees. Trees with a trunk diameter of 3 inches or more at 4.5 feet above grade are protected and cannot be removed without a permit. Specimen and heritage trees receive additional protections, and mitigation (replanting or payment) is required for approved removals.
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.
Unauthorized tree removal may result in fines up to $500 per inch of trunk diameter, mandatory replanting, and additional code enforcement penalties. Violations involving mangroves may trigger state-level enforcement by DEP.
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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 North Miami's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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