Section 24.49. the Miami-Dade County Code mandates the protection of Miami-Dade County 's tree and forest resources. The following information should assist you in understanding Miami-Dade County tree and forest protection requirements. Please take the time to read this information carefully.

Please read all of the information below before downloading the permit application: 

• Tree Removal Permit Requirements
• Tree Trimming
• Replacing the Tree Canopy
• Tree Removal Permit Fees
• Penalties for Non-Compliance or Removing a Tree Without a Permit
• Tree Removal Permit Exemptions
• Tree Removal Permit Application

Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Tree removal permits are required for the cutting down, bulldozing, removal or relocation of any tree in Miami-Dade County, except for certain exemptions. Permits are also required for any work in any designated Natural Forest Community (i.e. pinelands, hammocks). DERM may require the property owner to modify a site plan to preserve tree and forest resources.

• A tree is defined as any woody or fibrous perennial plant having a minimum trunk dbh* of three inches or greater or with an Over All Height (OAH) of twelve or more feet.
  * DBH (Diameter at Breast Height): Trunk diameter measured at 4 1/2 feet above ground.
• The owner of the property upon which the tree removal work will occur must sign the tree removal permit. The owner may designate an agent to sign the permit by submitting a letter of authorization to DERM.
• If a site has been designated as a Natural Forest Community or if you think a site may be a Natural Forest Community, please contact the DERM Forest Resources Program at (305) 372-6585 for information.
• Tree Removal Permits are valid for one year, but can be renewed by contacting DERM.

Tree Trimming
Tree removal permits are not required for the selective pruning of trees, provided the pruning is done according to the most recent American National Standards (ANSI) A-300 Standard Practices for Tree Care Operations.

However, excessive pruning (i.e. hatracking, topping, etc.) which results in the effective destruction of a tree constitutes a violation of Section 24-49 of the Environmental Code of Miami-Dade County.

Any other activity that can effectively destroy a tree, such as trunk girdling, excessive root cutting, or use of tree-killing chemicals, also violates Miami-Dade County Code.

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Replacing the Tree Canopy
All "regular-sized" trees you remove -- except for the exempt or prohibited species -- must be replaced with an equal amount (100%) of tree canopy. "Specimen-sized" trees require double canopy replacement. This is accomplished by planting trees from the categories below:

Planting Requirements
If you plant a:	With this minimum size:	You will get this credit (in Sq ft)
Hardwood Tree	12' Overall Height	500
Hardwood Tree	8' Overall Height	300
Palm	10' Clear Trunk	300
Palm	3' Clear Trunk	100
Small Tree	6' Overall Height	200
See Illustrations

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Tree Removal Permit Fees
A non-refundable application fee (based on zoning) and initial inspection fee is required upon permit application submission. Additional fees may be charged at the time of permit issuance.

• Tree Removal Permit Fees

Penalties for Non-Compliance or Removing a Tree Without a Permit
If you do not comply with all of the permit conditions, you will be issued a "Notice of Violation" and ordered to stop all land clearing and construction until you have complied with Section 24.49. Furthermore, you may be required to pay penalties for each violation and replace tree canopy.

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Tree Removal Permit Exemptions
A tree removal permit is not required for the following activities:

• Removal of trees within the yard area of an existing single-family residence, provided the trees are not within a natural forest community, and are not specimen trees (18" or greater diameter) or mangrove trees (Class I Permit may be required, see #3 below). This exemption does not apply to trees that are growing on County right-of-ways (area between the sidewalk and the street) adjoining existing single-family residences.
• Removal of any dead tree.
• Removal of any trees located upon coastal or freshwater wetlands, as defined in Section 24.3. Please contact the DERM Natural Resources Division at 305-372-6585 for further details. Separate coastal and/or wetland construction permits are required for work -- including mangrove trimming -- in those areas.
• Removal of trees within state-approved plant nurseries and botanical gardens, provided these trees were planted and are growing for the display, breeding, propagation, sale or intended sale to the general public in the ordinary course of business.
• Removal of any of the following species: (Provided it is not within a natural forest community, in which case a permit shall be required, but all application and permit fees shall be waived by the Department): 
  • Casuarina spp. (Australian Pine )
  • Bischofia javanica (Bishopwood )
  • Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian Pepper )
  • Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cajeput or Paperback Tree )
  • Cupaniopsis anacardiopsis(Carrotwood )
  • Ricinus communis (Castorbean )
  • Mimosa pigra (Catclaw Mimosa )
  • Acacia auriculaeformis (Earleaf Acacia)
  • Flacourtia indica   (Governor's Plum)
  • Psidium guajava (Guavas)
  • Dalbergia sissoo (Indian dalbergia, sissoo)
  • Ficus microcarpa (=R. nitida; =F. retusa var. nitida) (Laurelfig)
  • Leucaena leucocephala (Lead tree )
  • Hibiscus tiliaceus (Mahoe )
  • Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine)
  • Metopium toxiferum (Poison Wood)
  • Schefflera actinophylla (Queensland Umbrella Tree )
  • Adenanthera pavonina (Red Sandalwood)
  • Thespesia populnea (Seaside Mahoe)
  • Albizia lebbeck (Woman's Tongue )

Tree Removal Permit Application

• Tree Survey Guidelines
• Tree Permit Processing Procedures
• Tree Removal / Relocation Application Package
• Expedited Tree Permitting Process