Broward County, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen tree threshold
- 18-inch DBH, 60%+ condition rating
- Permit required
- PWESD tree removal license
- Historical trees
- Need County Board approval to remove
- Exempt species
- Most Ficus, nonnative fruit, multi-trunk palms
- Applies
- Countywide unless city holds its own certification
Summary
Broward County protects any tree with an 18-inch trunk diameter and a 60% condition rating as a specimen tree, requiring a PWESD removal license or Board approval before it can be cut down, except for named exempt species.
Specimen tree means any tree that has a DBH of eighteen (18) inches or greater with a condition rating of sixty percent (60%) or greater in accordance with the condition rating guidelines as specified in the Guide for Plant Appraisal, as amended, except for the following:
(a)Nonnative fruit trees that are cultivated or grown for the specific purpose of producing edible fruit, including, but not limited to: mangos, avocados, or citrus.(b)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;(c)All multi-trunk palms.(d)Trees that are in poor condition or form as determined by PWESD. Structure means anything built or constructed. Examples include, but are not limited to, buildings, trailers, fences, billboards, swimming pools, poles, pipelines, ditches, roads, utility installation, transmission lines, track and advertising signs.
Subcanopy means an intermediate level of trees and other vegetation within a Natural Forest Community.
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
Under Sec. 27-404, a specimen tree is any tree with a diameter at breast height of 18 inches or more and a condition rating of 60% or higher under the Guide for Plant Appraisal, unless it is a nonnative fruit tree, most Ficus species, a multi-trunk palm, or in poor condition. Sec. 27-405 bars removing a specimen tree without a PWESD tree removal license, and bars removing a historical tree without Board approval. The rule applies countywide under Sec. 27-402 unless a municipality holds valid PWESD certification of its own equally strict tree ordinance under Sec. 27-407, as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and other cities may.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a protected specimen tree without a PWESD license is a code violation carrying civil penalties, a recorded lien, and mandatory mitigation or appraisal-based tree replacement under Sec. 27-408.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Can I remove a large tree on my own property without a permit?
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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