Miami, FL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen tree threshold
- 18 inches DBH or larger
- Permit needed
- for any tree activity
- Removal fine
- $1,000/tree (non-homestead)
- Repeat violation
- up to $5,000/day
- Appeal body
- Historic & Environmental Preservation Board
Summary
Miami singles out "specimen trees", 18 inches DBH or larger, for extra protection: the city can require project redesigns, on- or off-site relocation, or costly replacement before one may be removed.
The applicant may be required to redesign the project to preserve specimen tree(s) or any other tree determined by the department to be of substantial value because of its species, size, age, form and/or historical significance, and to provide an alternate plan that includes the adequate preservation of said tree(s) and design alterations within the scope and intent of the initially proposed plan.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 | Ordinance 11000 (Previous Zoning Code): Supplement 22 | Miami 21 (Zoning Code): ?).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 17 of the Miami Code defines a specimen tree as any tree 18 inches or more in diameter at breast height (palms, non-native Ficus, and grove fruit trees excluded). Any tree activity citywide needs a tree permit from the Department, and before permitting removal of a specimen tree, or any tree the Department finds valuable for its size, age, form or historical significance, the applicant can be required to redesign the project to preserve it, or relocate it on- or off-site, before replacement trees are accepted as a fallback under the Sec. 17-6 chart.
Violations & Fines
Removing or abusing a specimen tree without a permit draws a $1,000 fine per tree (non-homestead) or $500 (homestead) plus mandatory replacement trees, and repeat violations within five years escalate to $5,000/day under F.S. § 162.09 before the code enforcement board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just cut down a large tree on my Miami property?
What happens if I remove a specimen tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle heritage & protected trees.