Miami-Dade County protects significant trees under Section 24-49 through the tree removal permit process. Specimen trees and native hardwoods receive additional consideration in permit review by DERM.
Miami-Dade County protects significant and specimen trees through the permit process under Section 24-49. Trees native to South Florida including live oaks, gumbo limbo, mahogany, and royal palms receive special consideration during removal permit review by the Division of Environmental Resource Management. Mitigation requirements may include replacement plantings at specified ratios. The county's Chapter 18A Landscaping Ordinance requires preservation of existing trees during new development. Developers must submit tree surveys and protection plans. Hurricane-damaged trees may qualify for expedited removal permits during declared emergencies.
Unauthorized removal of significant trees carries enhanced penalties. Replacement plantings at specified ratios may be required. DERM enforces mitigation requirements.
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See how Miami-Dade County's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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