Lauderhill, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Lauderhill's Land Development Regulations define two categories of protected trees under LDR Section 6.8.4. A 'specimen tree' is any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 18 inches or greater, except non-native fruit trees such as mangos, avocados, or citrus, most Ficus species other than four native figs, all multi-trunk palms, and trees the City finds in poor condition or form. A 'protected tree' is any species the City Commission separately declares protected. Section 6.8.5's General Prohibitions bar removing a historical tree without Commission approval and bar removing any tree, protected or not, without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the City.

The same section prohibits tree abuse (hatracking, flush cuts, overlifting), land clearing or heavy equipment operation within a tree's drip line without a protective barrier at least four feet tall, and land clearing in a designated Natural Forest Community without a permit. Limited exemptions exist for hurricane emergencies suspended by the Commission, nuisance tree species listed in Section 6.8.4 (including Brazilian pepper and Australian pine), hazardous trees documented before removal, and owner-occupied single-family or duplex lots after written City approval, unless the tree is historical or a specimen tree.

The City of Lauderhill Code Enforcement Department, per Section 6.8.1, enforces these standards citywide, and Section 6.8.17 lets a Code Enforcement Officer issue a stop-work order on any activity performed out of compliance until the violator corrects it.