Broward County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Hatracking / topping
- Prohibited as tree abuse
- Pruning standard
- Must follow ANSI A300/Z133.1
- Palm fronds
- No cuts above horizontal plane
- Coverage
- Countywide unless city certified
- Enforcer
- PWESD (Public Works & Environmental Services)
Summary
Broward County bans hatracking, topping, flush cuts, and non-ANSI pruning cuts as "tree abuse" countywide, whether or not a tree removal permit is otherwise required, enforced by PWESD under Chapter 27's Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance.
Tree abuse means:
(a)Hatracking a tree; or(b)Destroying the natural habit of tree growth; or(c)Pruning which leaves stubs or results in a flush cut; or splitting of limb ends; or(d)Removing tree bark to the extent that if a line is drawn at any height around the circumference of the tree, over one-third of the length of the line falls on portions of the tree where bark no longer remains; or(e)Using climbing spikes, nails, or hooks, except for purposes of total tree removal or as specifically permitted by standards set by the American National Standards Institute, as amended; or(f)Pruning that does not conform to standards or recommendations set by the American National Standards Institute, as amended; or(g)Pruning of live palm fronds which initiate above the horizontal plane; or(h)Overlifting a tree; or(i)Shaping a tree. Tree canopy means the upper portion of the tree consisting of limbs, branches, and leaves.
Tree removal license means a written authorization with conditions issued by PWESD to remove or relocate a tree.
Tree survey means a document signed and sealed by a Florida Registered Land Surveyor meeting the requirements of Section 472.025, Florida Statutes, as amended, which must provide, at a minimum, the following information:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward's Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance (Chapter 27, Article XIV) applies countywide and makes improper pruning a code violation, not just an aesthetic problem: cuts must follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 and Z133.1 standards. Hatracking, flush cuts, over-lifting, and topping live palm fronds above the horizontal plane are all defined as "tree abuse" and prohibited under Sec. 27-405(c). PWESD can order corrective pruning, replacement trees, or a stop-work order under Sec. 27-414. A municipality with its own certified tree ordinance takes over enforcement within its limits.
Violations & Fines
PWESD-ordered corrective pruning and replacement trees for abused trees; stop-work order under Sec. 27-414 halts ongoing work until compliance; tree removal license required to take down a severely abused tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim my own trees in Broward County?
What happens if a tree is topped or hatracked in unincorporated Broward?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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