Pembroke Pines, FL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen tree threshold
- 18 in. diameter at breast height
- Exempt from specimen status
- Non-native fruit trees, most Ficus, multi-trunk palms
- Replacement method
- Certified arborist dollar appraisal
- Relocation safeguard
- Survival bond may be required
- Bond release
- After 1 year if tree survives
Summary
Pembroke Pines gives extra protection to 'specimen trees,' any tree 18 inches or more in diameter at breast height, aside from a handful of carve-outs. Removing or relocating one still goes through the standard tree permit, but a certified arborist must appraise the specimen's dollar value for replacement, and a relocated specimen tree can require a survival bond.
SPECIMEN TREE: Any tree which has a diameter breast height of 18 inches or greater, with the exception of the following: (1) Non-native fruit trees that are cultivated or grown for the specific purpose of producing edible fruit, including, but not limited to, mangos, avocados or citrus. (2) Species of the genus Ficus, except F. aurea (strangler fig), F. laevigata (short leaf fig), F. rubiginosa (rusty fig or rusty leaf fig), F. jacquinifolia. (3) All multi-trunk palms. (4) Trees that are in poor condition or form as determined by the city. ... (B) For specimen trees only, the replacement canopy tree calculation shall be obtained by a certified arborist using tree appraisal guidelines set in the most recent edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal ... The city shall use the specimen tree's dollar value to calculate the compensatory required number of replacement canopy trees. ... Relocated specimen trees may require a bond issuance to insure the survival of the specimen trees designated for preservation, unless otherwise exempted in writing from the city, from the property owner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-61: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2056, passed 12-11-25).
Full Breakdown
jacquinifolia; all multi-trunk palms; and trees the city determines are in poor condition or form. 674, including the homeowner association letter, photos, and application fee. 677(B): instead of the flat one-and-a-half canopy trees per ordinary tree removed, a certified arborist must appraise the specimen tree's dollar value using the most recent Guide for Plant Appraisal published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, and the city uses that dollar figure to calculate how many compensatory replacement canopy trees are owed. 678(B): the city can require a bond, approved by the City Attorney and drawn on a bank, savings and loan, or insurance company licensed in Florida, sized according to the same Guide for Plant Appraisals.
If the relocated specimen tree survives one year and the Landscape Division confirms it in writing, the bond is released; if the tree is effectively destroyed within that year, the bond is drawn upon and the proceeds go into the city's Landscape Fund to pay for its replacement.
Violations & Fines
Specimen tree violations, including removal or relocation without the required permit or appraisal, are enforced under § 155.679, which ties to the citywide general penalty in § 10.99: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. A relocated specimen tree that dies within the one-year survival window also triggers forfeiture of its bond into the city's Landscape Fund, separate from any § 10.99 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a 'specimen tree' in Pembroke Pines?
Do I need a permit to remove a large tree in my yard?
What happens if a relocated specimen tree dies?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pembroke Pines
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pembroke Pines to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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