Miami Beach, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Who designates
- Environment and sustainability director
- Protected buffer
- 15 feet or drip-line, whichever greater
- Pruning reimbursement
- Up to $750 per 4-year cycle
- Review required
- ISA or ASCA arborist evaluation
- Repeat-violation fine
- $4,000 per tree
Summary
Miami Beach protects its most valuable trees through a heritage tree designation made by the environment and sustainability director. Once designated, a heritage tree gets a protected drip-line zone, mandatory arborist review before any pruning or removal, and access to a city pruning-cost reimbursement program.
(1)Designation. Heritage trees shall be those specimen trees or grouping of specimen trees designated by the city environment and sustainability director in recognition that the trees or grouping of trees are of unique or intrinsic value. In order for a specimen tree to be considered for heritage tree designation, the tree must be identified through an evaluation by a ISA certified arborist and or ASCA registered consulting arborist to be in good health and structural integrity as defined by the latest version of ANSI A300 part 9. Trees of any species, except for those trees defined as palms, including prohibited species, may be designated as heritage trees, provided they meet one of the following criteria:(a)It is a historic tree or grouping of trees, of documented historical significance and value to the city because of its or their location or historical association with the community.(b)It is a tree or grouping of trees with exemplary representation of species' characteristics and of high value to the community because of its or their species, size, age, location, distinctive form, exceptional characteristics, or ecological value.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 98 | Resiliency Code (Current Land Development Regulations): Publication | Ordinance 89-2665 (Previous Land Development Regulations): Publication).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Sec. 46-63, a specimen tree (or grouping) can be designated a heritage tree if an ISA-certified or ASCA-registered arborist confirms it is healthy and structurally sound, and it meets one of three criteria: documented historic significance to the community, exemplary species characteristics of high community value, or status as a state or national champion tree of its species. Any species except palms, including prohibited species, is eligible. Anyone can start a designation with the written consent of the property owner, filed with the environment and sustainability department; the city can initiate one itself on city property.
Designating a prohibited species as heritage requires a variance from Miami-Dade County Code chapter 24, and the department pays the county variance fee. Once designated, Sec. 46-63(2) protects the entire drip-line from disturbance, requires protective barriers at least 15 feet from the trunk or the drip-line (whichever is farther) before any nearby development, and lets the director grant a front, rear or side-yard setback variance specifically to save the tree. No tree work permit for removing, relocating or pruning a heritage tree issues without a written arborist evaluation, and removal permits must show the tree threatens life or property, or is dead or beyond saving.
The city keeps a public heritage tree recognition list and reimburses up to $750 in pruning costs per four-year cycle for qualifying private heritage trees.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement runs through Sec. 46-67: the code compliance department issues a notice of violation for unpermitted removal, relocation or destruction of a heritage tree, with civil fines starting at a warning, then $2,000, $3,000 and $4,000 per tree for repeat offenses within 12 months. A violator has ten days to appeal to a special magistrate before the fine and violation become final and enforceable as a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides if a tree in Miami Beach becomes a heritage tree?
Can I get help paying to prune my heritage tree?
Do I need a permit to prune a heritage tree myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami Beach to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle protected tree species.