Broward County, FL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- unincorporated Broward County only
- Cure period
- 60 days to remove tree
- Standard
- Right Tree, Right Place Guidelines
- Penalty basis
- Section 8½-16(a) fines
- HOA/condo conflict
- excuses owner from violation
Summary
Unincorporated Broward requires any tree planted near power lines to follow the Right Tree, Right Place Guidelines, giving violators 60 days to remove a noncompliant tree before code enforcement fines apply.
(a)The intent of this section is to prohibit property owners from planting trees an unsafe distance from power lines in order to minimize damage to power lines.(b)Any tree planted within unincorporated Broward County after the effective date of this ordinance shall be planted in conformity with the Right Tree, Right Place Guidelines. Upon receipt of a notice of violation, the property owner shall have sixty (60) days to remedy the violation by removal of the offending tree.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County Code Section 39-138.1 bars planting a tree an unsafe distance from power lines in unincorporated Broward County, requiring new plantings to conform to the county's Right Tree, Right Place Guidelines. A cited property owner receives a notice of violation under Section 39-134 and 60 days to remove the offending tree before further enforcement, with an appeal available under Chapter 8½ of the Code. Homeowners' or condominium associations that undertake the planting themselves become the responsible party, and an owner is not in violation where compliance would conflict with the association's recorded declaration, by-laws, or regulations.
Violations & Fines
Each tree planted in violation is a separate offense under Section 8½-16(a), triggering Broward's code enforcement civil penalty schedule; owners get 60 days from a notice of violation to remove a noncompliant tree before further action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
What happens if I plant a tree too close to a power line?
Can my HOA get me out of a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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