Tamarac, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen tree threshold
- 18+ inch DBH, 60%+ condition rating
- Excluded
- fruit trees, most Ficus, multi-trunk palms
- Relocation bond
- required under LDC § 10-4.4(F)(7)(a)
- Bond basis
- set using the Guide for Plant Appraisal
- Bond forfeiture
- goes to Tree Preservation Trust Fund if tree dies
Summary
Tamarac's Land Development Code gives extra protection to 'specimen trees,' any tree at least 18 inches in trunk diameter and in at least 60 percent condition under the Guide for Plant Appraisal. Relocating a specimen tree requires a City-approved bond guaranteeing its survival, on top of the tree removal license every tree in Tamarac needs.
Specimen tree means any tree which has a DBH of 18 inches or greater with a condition rating of 60 percent or greater in accordance with the condition rating guidelines as specified in the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th edition, as amended; 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 Community Development Department. ... any person conducting tree relocation activities ... involving specimen trees must post a bond to ensure the survival of specimen trees designated for preservation.
Full Breakdown
Section 10-4.4(C) defines a specimen tree as any tree with a diameter at breast height of 18 inches or greater and a condition rating of 60 percent or better under the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th edition. The definition carves out four exceptions: cultivated non-native fruit trees such as mango, avocado, and citrus; most Ficus species other than four native or naturalized figs; all multi-trunk palms; and any tree the Community Development Department finds in poor condition or form. Specimen trees get heavier procedural protection than ordinary trees.
Removing a specimen tree claimed as hazardous requires documentation presented to the Department within 48 hours, appraisal by the Department under the Guide for Plant Appraisal before any removal is approved, and, under section 10-4.4(F)(7)(a), a bond from the property owner or applicant to ensure the survival of any specimen tree the City approves for relocation rather than removal. The Department calculates the bond amount using the current Guide for Plant Appraisal, and section 10-4.4(F)(7)(d) only releases the bond once the relocated specimen tree survives and construction is complete. Government entities are exempt from the bond requirement, but private applicants are not.
Violations & Fines
Removing, damaging, or relocating a specimen tree without a tree removal license and, where relocation is approved, without posting the required bond is a Land Development Code violation enforced by the Code Compliance Division and Special Magistrate under Chapter 2 of the City Code. The City may draw on a posted bond if the Department determines a relocated specimen tree died within a year, depositing the funds into the Tree Preservation Trust Fund, in addition to misdemeanor and civil-fine exposure under section 10-5.5(D).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a protected 'specimen tree' in Tamarac?
Do I need to post a bond to relocate a specimen tree?
What happens if a relocated specimen tree dies?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tamarac
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tamarac 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 Broward County handle protected tree species.