Tree trimming in Miami-Dade County does not require a permit if done per ANSI A-300 standards. However, excessive pruning such as hat-racking, topping, or lion-tailing that effectively destroys a tree violates Section 24-49.
Miami-Dade County does not require a permit for proper pruning or trimming of trees done according to the most recent ANSI A-300 Standard Practices for Tree Care Operations. However, excessive or improper pruning of a tree's canopy, including hat-racking, topping, and lion-tailing, as well as trunk girdling, excessive root cutting, or use of tree-killing chemicals that result in the effective destruction of a tree, constitutes a violation of Section 24-49 of the Miami-Dade County Code. Tree removal permits are required for trees with a trunk diameter of 5 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above ground. The Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) reviews tree removal applications.
Destruction of trees through improper pruning violates Section 24-49. Tree removal without a permit is a code violation. DERM enforces tree protection provisions. Fines and required tree replacement may be imposed.
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