Pembroke Pines, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen tree threshold
- 18 inches DBH or greater
- Exempt species
- Most Ficus, cultivated fruit, multi-trunk palms
- Invasive exemption
- FLEPPC Category I species, fee waived
- Native tree rule
- Native trees must be replaced with native trees
- Permit fee
- $10 single-family; $50 first 10 trees
Summary
Pembroke Pines protects any tree with an 18-inch or greater diameter at breast height as a "specimen tree" under Code of Ordinances § 155.203, with narrow carve-outs for cultivated fruit trees, most ficus species, multi-trunk palms, and invasive plants. Removing one requires a city permit.
SPECIMEN TREE: Any tree which has a diameter breast height of 18 inches or greater, with the exception of the following: (1) Non-native fruit trees that are cultivated or grown for the specific purpose of producing edible fruit, including, but not limited to, mangos, avocados or citrus. (2) 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. (3) All multi-trunk palms. (4) Trees that are in poor condition or form as determined by the city. (5) All tree species as defined as category one invasive materials in the most recent document compiled by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) for the south region.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-61: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2056, passed 12-11-25).
Full Breakdown
The city's land development code defines a SPECIMEN TREE as "[a]ny tree which has a diameter breast height of 18 inches or greater" (§ 155.203), which is the threshold that triggers full tree removal permitting under § 155.674. Five categories are carved out of that protection: non-native fruit trees grown for edible fruit (mangos, avocados, citrus), all species of the genus Ficus except F. aurea (strangler fig), F. laevigata (short leaf fig), F. rubiginosa (rusty fig), and F. jacquinifolia, all multi-trunk palms, trees the city determines are in poor condition or form, and any species classified as a Category I invasive material in the current Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) south-region list.
Owners still need a permit to cut down or relocate any regulated tree, even a non-specimen one, per § 155.674(A): "No property owner shall cut down or relocate any tree without first obtaining a permit from the city." That permit costs $10 for single-family owner-occupied lots and $50 for the first ten trees on nonresidential or multi-family sites (§ 155.674(E)), but the fee is waived entirely for FLEPPC Category I invasive species (§ 155.674(F)). Section 155.676(G) adds a species-specific replacement rule distinct from the general canopy-replacement formula: "Native replacement canopy trees must be used in removals of native trees," and NATIVE TREES is separately defined in § 155.203 as trees and palms "found indigenous or are an original inhabitant of this area." The Landscape Division keeps a discretionary preferred-species list available to property owners under § 155.676(H).
Permit applications must include an HOA authorization letter (where applicable), a site sketch, at least one color photo per tree, and payment; incomplete applications are not processed under § 155.674(D).
Violations & Fines
Cutting or relocating a protected tree without the § 155.674 permit is a code violation enforced under § 155.679, with a copy of any existing notice of violation required as part of a late permit application under § 155.674(C)(5). The city can require replacement canopy trees at the owner's expense as a permit condition, and native trees removed without authorization must be replaced with native stock under § 155.676(G) rather than any substitute species.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tree is protected in Pembroke Pines?
Are any tree species excluded from protection?
Do I need a permit to remove an invasive tree?
What happens if I remove a native tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pembroke Pines
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pembroke Pines to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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