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
674. 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. 674(F)). 676(H). 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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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle protected tree species.