Pompano Beach, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Pompano Beach, 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, or substantial alteration
- Governing section
- Code of Ordinances § 155.5204.C
- Approval basis
- specific findings, not by-right
- Qualifying findings
- dead/diseased, sight-line hazard, invasive species
- Dead trees
- must be removed under a Tree Permit, § 155.5204.C.4
- Pre-permit removal
- doubles the application fee
- Default fine
- up to $500 or 60 days jail, § 10.99
Summary
Cutting down, relocating, or substantially altering a protected tree in Pompano Beach requires a Tree Permit, and the Development Services Director can only approve removal on specific findings such as the tree being dead, hazardous, or blocking safe sight lines at a driveway or intersection.
C. Tree Removal
1. The Development Services Director shall approve a Tree Permit authorizing tree removal only on making one or more of the following findings:
a. That the tree removal is necessary to accommodate a proposed development, i.e., that the proposed development cannot be located on the site without tree removal, despite every reasonable effort having been made to incorporate the tree(s) proposed to be removed into the development and to minimize the number of trees removed.
b. That the tree proposed to be removed is dead, effectively destroyed, diseased, injured, or otherwise of poor quality and condition.
c. That the tree proposed to be removed is obstructing safe vehicular cross visibility.
d. That the tree proposed to be removed is too close to an existing structure so as to endanger the structure, or otherwise is creating ongoing safety problems for existing development.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-122: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through 2026-35, passed 7-29-26).
Full Breakdown
b requires a Tree Permit before any removal, relocation, replacement, or substantial alteration of a tree, any land clearing, or demolition near trees, unless a listed exemption applies. 1: the Development Services Director may approve a Tree Permit authorizing removal only on making one or more findings, including that the removal is necessary to accommodate a proposed development that genuinely cannot be built without it despite every reasonable effort to design around the tree; that the tree is dead, effectively destroyed, diseased, injured, or otherwise in poor condition; that it obstructs safe vehicular cross visibility; that it stands too close to an existing structure and endangers it or creates an ongoing safety problem; or that it is an invasive species listed in Article 9's definitions and removal eliminates it entirely.
2 layers on added findings about preserving endangered-species habitat, high-wildlife-use areas, and undisturbed canopy. 4; it must come down under an approved Tree Permit. 3 doubles the permit application fee for anyone who removes a tree first and applies for authorization afterward.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without an approved Tree Permit, or in a manner exceeding what a permit authorizes, doubles the application fee for the after-the-fact permit under § 155.5204.B.3 and can require replacement trees under § 155.5204.E. Because Chapter 155 does not set a separate fine schedule for tree violations, the citywide § 10.99 general penalty applies: up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both, with each day of an ongoing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Pompano Beach?
On what grounds will the city approve a tree removal permit?
What if I remove a tree before applying for a permit?
Do dead trees need a permit before removal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pompano Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pompano Beach to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle tree removal & heritage trees.