Tree Removal and Relocation

Removal or relocation of any tree within the City requires permits, as specified by Chapter 17 of the City of Miami Code of Ordinances. No building permit for any work that has the potential to affect trees, including new construction, additions, carports, pools, decks, fences, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, demolition, or similar work, shall be issued by the building department unless the zoning department has determined that no tree removal permit is require or that a valid tree removal permit has been issued.

Permits

• Private Property – Removal or relocation of trees from private property requires a permit from the Department of Code Enforcement.
• Right of Way – Removal or relocation of trees from the right of way and other public property requires a permit from the Department of Public Works.

Replacement Trees

Removal of trees shall require that property owners perform at least one of the following:

1. Plant new trees on the impacted property,
2. Plant new trees on an approved alternative location, or
3. Payment into the City’s Tree Trust Fund.

The quantity of trees required or the amount of payment required will be determined by the size and quantity of the trees removed, as specified in Chapter 17 of the City Code.

Failure to Obtain a Permit

In addition to the replacement requirements above, any person, or agent thereof, who removes a tree without a tree removal permit, may be fined in accordance with the Code of the City of Miami.

Resources

• City of Miami Code of Ordinances Chapter 17, Article I – Tree Protection in General
• City of Miami Department of Code Enforcement
• City of Miami Department of Public Works
• American National Standards Institute A300 – Standards for Tree Care Operations
• Certified Arborist Directory
• American Society of Landscape Architects – Florida Chapter
• Miami Dade County Landscape Manual
• Miami Dade County Landscape Manual – Pruning Sections
• FPL – Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place

The resources above are offered for educational purposes. In the event of discrepancies between the Code of the City of Miami and any other materials cited above, the City Code shall have precedence.