Miami-Dade County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Trimming Permit
- Not required if proper
- Standard
- ANSI A-300
- Prohibited
- Topping, hat-racking
- Removal Permit
- Trees 5+ inch diameter
- Code Section
- §24-49
Summary
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.
A tree removal/relocation permit is not required for the proper pruning or trimming of trees, provided the pruning is done according to the most recent American National Standards (ANSI) A-300 Standard Practices for Tree Care Operations. However, excessive or improper pruning of the tree's canopy (i.e. hat-racking, topping, lion-tailing, etc.) and other activities (i.e. trunk girdling, excessive root cutting, use of tree-killing chemicals, etc.), which results in the effective destruction of a tree, constitutes a violation of Section 24-49 to of the Code of Miami-Dade County.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim trees in Miami-Dade?
When is a tree removal permit required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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