Davie, FL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen threshold
- 18-inch DBH (native/non-native)
- Excluded species
- Fruit trees, most ficus species
- Mitigation basis
- Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th ed.
- Governing law
- Davie Code §§ 12-151, 12-160
Summary
The Town of Davie designates large native and non-native trees 18 inches or more in trunk diameter as protected "specimen trees," triggering appraisal-based mitigation into the tree preservation fund when relocation isn't feasible.
If it is determined by the Town that relocation of a specimen tree is not feasible, then payment shall be made into the tree preservation fund. Payment shall be based on the value of the tree or trees, determined by the Guide for Plant Appraisal, Ninth Edition, 2000. The Town will then calculate the number of replacement trees required to equal the appraised value to the specimen tree removed. This calculation shall include the purchase price of the replacement tree plus installation cost. The cost of the evaluation shall be borne by the owner of the property.
(Ord. No. 96-045, § 2, 11-20-96; Ord. No. 99-33, § 2, 9-15-99; Ord. No. 2003-048, § 1, 12-3-03; Ord. No. 2016-014, § 2(Exh. A), 7-27-16)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Davie Code § 12-151 defines a "specimen tree" as any native conifer, hardwood, or palm with a diameter breast height (DBH) of 18 inches or greater, well-shaped and in good health, with similarly sized non-native trees also protected (cultivated fruit trees and most ficus species are excluded). Under § 12-160, if the town determines relocating a specimen tree isn't feasible, the property owner must pay into the tree preservation fund based on the tree's appraised value under the Guide for Plant Appraisal, Ninth Edition, with the owner bearing the cost of the appraisal.
Violations & Fines
Removing or destroying a specimen tree without town approval, or without paying required mitigation into the tree preservation fund, violates Chapter 12's tree preservation division.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a protected "specimen tree" in Davie?
What happens if a specimen tree can't be saved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davie
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Davie to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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