Removing a tree from your Broward County property isn’t as simple as hiring a service or firing up a chainsaw. Most municipalities within the county have specific regulations governing tree removal, with permits required in most cases. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in substantial fines, replacement requirements, and even legal action.
With over 25 years serving communities throughout Broward County, our team has navigated the complex web of local tree ordinances across all municipalities. This comprehensive guide breaks down the specific requirements for each city, helping you understand when permits are needed, how to apply, and what to expect from the process.
Why Tree Permits Matter: The Purpose Behind the Paperwork
Before diving into specific requirements, it’s important to understand why these regulations exist:
Environmental Protection
Tree ordinances help preserve Broward County’s urban forest, which provides crucial benefits:
- Carbon sequestration and oxygen production
- Stormwater management and erosion control
- Wildlife habitat preservation
- Heat island effect reduction
- Air quality improvement
Community Aesthetics
Trees contribute significantly to neighborhood character and property values:
- Enhanced streetscapes and community appearance
- Increased property values (5-20% for well-treed properties)
- Privacy and noise reduction
- Distinctive community character
Public Safety
Permit processes help ensure:
- Proper removal techniques that protect surrounding properties
- Licensed, insured professionals performing the work
- Appropriate replacement trees when required
- Protection of significant or historic specimens
County-Wide Regulations: The Baseline Requirements
Broward County has overarching tree ordinances that apply throughout the county, with individual municipalities adding their own specific requirements:
Broward County Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance
The county-wide ordinance establishes:
- Protection for trees with trunk diameters of 6 inches or greater (measured at 4.5 feet above ground)
- Permit requirements for removal of protected trees
- Exemptions for certain invasive species
- Licensing requirements for tree trimmers
- Penalties for violations
Broward County Tree Trimmer Licensing
All professional tree services must:
- Hold a valid Broward County Tree Trimmer License
- Maintain minimum $300,000 liability insurance
- Carry workers’ compensation insurance
- Demonstrate knowledge of proper tree care techniques
- Comply with all local tree ordinances
Municipality-Specific Requirements: City-by-City Breakdown
Each city within Broward County has its own specific regulations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the major municipalities:
Fort Lauderdale
Permit Requirements:
- Required for removal of trees with trunks 6 inches or larger in diameter
- Special protection for historic trees and native species
- Permit applications reviewed by urban forestry staff
- Site inspections typically required before approval
Application Process:
- Submit application to Development Services Department
- Include property survey showing tree locations
- Provide photos of trees to be removed
- Application fee: $75-$150 depending on number of trees
- Processing time: 7-14 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on size of removed trees
- Typically 2:1 replacement ratio for healthy trees
- Mitigation fees if replacement not possible
- Focus on native species for replacements
Exemptions:
- Certain invasive species (Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, etc.)
- Emergency removals with post-removal documentation
- Dead trees (with arborist verification)
Contact Information:
- Urban Forestry: (954) 828-5785
- Development Services: (954) 828-6520
- Website: fortlauderdale.gov/trees
Hollywood
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees with trunk diameter of 4 inches or greater
- Stricter requirements for historic districts
- Special protection for specimen trees
- Additional requirements for corner lots
Application Process:
- Submit through Department of Public Works
- Include site plan showing tree locations
- Provide reason for removal request
- Application fee: $50-$100 per tree
- Processing time: 10-15 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on canopy lost
- Replacement with native species preferred
- Mitigation fees: $250-$500 per tree if replacement not possible
- Follow-up inspections to verify compliance
Exemptions:
- Specified invasive exotic species
- Imminent hazard situations (requires documentation)
- Trees under size threshold
Contact Information:
- Department of Public Works: (954) 921-3288
- Code Compliance: (954) 921-3061
- Website: hollywoodfl.org
Pompano Beach
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees with trunk diameter of 6 inches or greater
- Special protection for historic and specimen trees
- Additional requirements for multi-family and commercial properties
- Heritage tree designations with enhanced protection
Application Process:
- Submit through Development Services Department
- Include property survey with tree locations
- Provide photos and reason for removal
- Application fee: $50-$125 depending on number of trees
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on diameter of removed tree
- Typical replacement ratio of 1:1 to 3:1
- Mitigation fees if replacement not feasible
- Emphasis on drought-tolerant native species
Exemptions:
- Specified nuisance species
- Emergency situations with documentation
- Trees certified as hazardous by qualified arborist
Contact Information:
- Urban Forestry: (954) 786-4044
- Development Services: (954) 786-4670
- Website: pompanobeachfl.gov
Pembroke Pines
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees 4 inches in diameter or larger
- Special considerations for developments with tree preservation plans
- Additional requirements for specimen and historic trees
- Separate process for commercial vs. residential properties
Application Process:
- Submit through Building Department
- Include site plan showing tree locations
- Provide photographs of trees to be removed
- Application fee: $75-$200 based on tree size and number
- Processing time: 7-12 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on size and species of removed tree
- Typical replacement with equal or greater diameter
- Mitigation fees: $200-$400 per diameter inch if replacement not possible
- Focus on native, drought-tolerant species
Exemptions:
- Specified exotic invasive species
- Emergency situations with proper documentation
- Trees certified as diseased or hazardous by qualified professional
Contact Information:
- Building Department: (954) 435-6502
- Code Compliance: (954) 431-4466
- Website: ppines.com
Coral Springs
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees with trunk diameter of 4 inches or greater
- Enhanced protection for specimen and historic trees
- Special considerations for environmentally sensitive areas
- Additional requirements for commercial properties
Application Process:
- Submit through Development Services
- Include property survey with tree locations marked
- Provide photos and reason for removal
- Application fee: $50-$150 depending on scope
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on canopy impact assessment
- Replacement ratios from 1:1 to 4:1 depending on species
- Mitigation fees if replacement not feasible
- Strong preference for native species
Exemptions:
- Listed invasive exotic species
- Emergency situations with documentation
- Trees certified as hazardous by qualified arborist
Contact Information:
- Landscape Inspection: (954) 344-1198
- Development Services: (954) 344-1025
- Website: coralsprings.gov
Davie
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees 6 inches in diameter or larger
- Special protection for specimen and historic trees
- Additional requirements for agricultural properties
- Enhanced protection in designated natural areas
Application Process:
- Submit through Building Department
- Include site plan showing tree locations
- Provide photographs of trees to be removed
- Application fee: $50-$150 based on number of trees
- Processing time: 7-14 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on size, species, and condition of removed tree
- Replacement ratios from 1:1 to 3:1
- Mitigation fees if replacement not feasible
- Emphasis on native species appropriate to site conditions
Exemptions:
- Specified nuisance species
- Emergency situations with proper documentation
- Trees certified as diseased by qualified professional
Contact Information:
- Building Department: (954) 797-1111
- Code Compliance: (954) 693-8237
- Website: davie-fl.gov
Plantation
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees with trunk diameter of 6 inches or greater
- Special protection for historic and specimen trees
- Additional requirements for multi-family and commercial properties
- Stricter standards in designated historic districts
Application Process:
- Submit through Building Department
- Include property survey with tree locations
- Provide reason for removal request
- Application fee: $50-$125 depending on scope
- Processing time: 10-15 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on diameter of removed tree
- Replacement with similar species when appropriate
- Mitigation fees: $150-$300 per diameter inch if replacement not possible
- Emphasis on appropriate species for location
Exemptions:
- Listed exotic invasive species
- Emergency situations with documentation
- Dead trees (with verification)
Contact Information:
- Building Department: (954) 797-2721
- Landscape Inspector: (954) 797-2246
- Website: plantation.org
Sunrise
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees 4 inches in diameter or larger
- Special provisions for specimen and historic trees
- Additional requirements for commercial properties
- Enhanced protection in environmentally sensitive areas
Application Process:
- Submit through Development Services
- Include site plan showing tree locations
- Provide photographs and reason for removal
- Application fee: $50-$100 per tree
- Processing time: 7-10 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on diameter of removed tree
- Typical replacement ratio of 1:1 to 2:1
- Mitigation fees if replacement not feasible
- Focus on appropriate species for site conditions
Exemptions:
- Specified nuisance species
- Emergency situations with documentation
- Trees certified as hazardous by qualified arborist
Contact Information:
- Development Services: (954) 746-3270
- Code Enforcement: (954) 746-3270
- Website: sunrisefl.gov
Tamarac
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees with trunk diameter of 4 inches or greater
- Special protection for historic and specimen trees
- Additional requirements for commercial properties
- HOA approval required for properties within associations
Application Process:
- Submit through Building Department
- Include property survey with tree locations
- Provide photographs of trees to be removed
- Application fee: $50-$100 depending on number of trees
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on size of removed tree
- Replacement ratios from 1:1 to 2:1
- Mitigation fees if replacement not feasible
- Preference for native, drought-tolerant species
Exemptions:
- Listed invasive exotic species
- Emergency situations with proper documentation
- Trees certified as diseased by qualified professional
Contact Information:
- Building Department: (954) 597-3420
- Community Development: (954) 597-3530
- Website: tamarac.org
Deerfield Beach
Permit Requirements:
- Required for trees 6 inches in diameter or larger
- Special protection for historic and specimen trees
- Additional requirements for beachside properties
- Enhanced protection in environmentally sensitive areas
Application Process:
- Submit through Building Department
- Include site plan showing tree locations
- Provide photographs and reason for removal
- Application fee: $50-$125 based on scope
- Processing time: 7-14 business days
Replacement Requirements:
- Based on size and species of removed tree
- Replacement with similar or appropriate species
- Mitigation fees if replacement not feasible
- Focus on salt-tolerant species for coastal properties
Exemptions:
- Specified exotic invasive species
- Emergency situations with documentation
- Trees certified as hazardous by qualified arborist
Contact Information:
- Building Department: (954) 480-4250
- Code Compliance: (954) 480-4222
- Website: deerfield-beach.com
Special Considerations for HOA Properties
Many Broward County residents live in communities governed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs), which adds another layer to the permit process:
HOA Approval Requirements
In most cases:
- HOA approval must be obtained before applying for municipal permits
- Written authorization from the HOA must be included with permit applications
- Some HOAs have additional tree preservation requirements beyond municipal codes
- HOA approval does not replace the need for municipal permits
Potential Conflicts
When HOA and municipal requirements differ:
- The stricter standard typically applies
- Municipal codes take legal precedence over HOA rules
- Some HOAs may require permits even for exempt species
- Professional arborists can help navigate conflicting requirements
The Permit Application Process: Step by Step
While specific requirements vary by municipality, the general permit application process follows these steps:
1. Assessment and Documentation
Before applying:
- Identify trees for potential removal
- Document their condition with photographs
- Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above ground
- Determine species (especially important for exempt invasive species)
- Mark trees on a property survey or site plan
2. HOA Approval (If Applicable)
For properties within associations:
- Submit request to HOA board or architectural committee
- Provide required documentation per HOA guidelines
- Obtain written approval to include with municipal application
- Allow sufficient time for HOA review process
3. Municipal Application Submission
Prepare and submit:
- Completed application form for specific municipality
- Property survey or site plan showing tree locations
- Photographs of trees to be removed
- Written explanation of removal reason
- Application fee payment
- HOA approval documentation (if applicable)
- Arborist report (if claiming hazard exemption)
4. Inspection and Review
After submission:
- Municipal inspector typically visits property
- Trees are evaluated against permit criteria
- Additional information may be requested
- Decision is made to approve, modify, or deny request
5. Permit Issuance and Compliance
If approved:
- Permit is issued with specific conditions
- Tree removal must be performed by licensed professionals
- Replacement requirements must be fulfilled
- Final inspection may be required to verify compliance
Emergency Removal Procedures
Occasionally, trees pose immediate hazards requiring urgent removal. Most municipalities have special procedures for these situations:
Qualifying Emergency Conditions
Generally limited to:
- Trees that have fallen or are actively falling
- Trees with significant structural damage posing imminent risk
- Trees blocking emergency access
- Trees contacting power lines or threatening critical infrastructure
Documentation Requirements
Even in emergencies:
- Photograph the hazardous condition before removal
- Contact municipal offices as soon as possible (even after hours)
- Follow up with formal documentation within 24-72 hours
- Be prepared to demonstrate the emergency nature of the situation
Consequences of Non-Compliance: When Permits Are Ignored
Failing to obtain required permits can result in significant penalties:
Financial Penalties
Fines vary by municipality but typically include:
- Base penalties of $250-$1,000 per tree
- Additional per-inch diameter penalties ($100-$300 per inch)
- Daily accruing fines for non-compliance
- Potential liens against property
Replacement Requirements
Unauthorized removals often face enhanced replacement obligations:
- Increased replacement ratios (up to 10:1 for significant trees)
- Larger caliper size requirements for replacements
- Specific species requirements
- More stringent survival guarantees
Legal Consequences
Beyond fines, non-compliance can lead to:
- Stop work orders on related construction
- Permit holds for unrelated projects
- Code enforcement hearings
- Civil litigation in severe cases
Working with Professionals: How Tree Services Help Navigate Permits
A qualified tree service company can significantly simplify the permit process:
Permit Assistance Services
Professional tree services typically offer:
- Complete permit application preparation
- Documentation of tree conditions
- Representation during inspections
- Communication with municipal officials
- Management of replacement requirements
Expert Documentation
Tree professionals can provide:
- Accurate species identification (critical for exemptions)
- Professional assessment of hazardous conditions
- Proper measurement of trunk diameters
- Detailed site plans and photographs
- Expert testimony if needed for variance requests
Compliance Assurance
Working with licensed professionals ensures:
- All work is performed according to permit conditions
- Proper techniques are used to protect surrounding trees
- Replacement plantings meet specifications
- Final inspections are successfully completed
- Documentation is maintained for future reference
Common Questions About Tree Removal Permits
Are permits required for all tree removals?
No, but exemptions are limited. Most municipalities exempt:
- Trees below specific diameter thresholds (typically 4-6 inches)
- Certain invasive species explicitly listed in ordinances
- Emergency situations that pose immediate dangers
- Dead trees (with proper verification)
How much do permits typically cost?
Permit fees vary by municipality and scope:
- Residential permits: $50-$150 for typical applications
- Commercial permits: $100-$300+ depending on size
- Multiple tree removals: Often have graduated fee structures
- Variance requests: May incur additional fees
How long does the permit process take?
Typical processing times range from:
- 5-10 business days for straightforward residential requests
- 10-15 business days for commercial or complex applications
- 15-30+ days for requests requiring variance hearings
- 1-3 days for expedited emergency situations (when available)
What if my permit application is denied?
If your initial application is denied:
- Request written explanation of denial reasons
- Consider modifications to address concerns
- Consult with a certified arborist for alternatives
- Apply for a variance or appeal if appropriate
- Explore mitigation options like enhanced replacements
Do I need a permit to trim my trees?
Generally, pruning does not require permits, but:
- Some municipalities restrict excessive pruning (more than 25%)
- “Hat-racking” or topping is prohibited throughout Broward County
- Trimming protected or historic trees may have restrictions
- Professional tree trimmers must still be licensed
Case Study: Successful Permit Navigation
To illustrate the process, consider this real-world example from a recent project:
Situation: Homeowner in Fort Lauderdale needed to remove three trees: a diseased black olive, a healthy oak too close to the foundation, and an invasive Brazilian pepper.
Approach:
- Professional assessment documented all three trees
- Brazilian pepper identified as exempt invasive species
- Arborist report confirmed disease in black olive
- Application submitted with detailed site plan and photographs
- Proposed four replacement trees of native species
- Permit approved within 10 days with modified replacement requirements
- Removal completed according to permit conditions
- Final inspection confirmed compliance
Outcome: Successful removal with full compliance, avoiding potential fines while enhancing the property’s landscape with appropriate native replacements.
Responsible Tree Management in Broward County
Understanding and complying with tree removal permit requirements is an essential part of responsible property ownership in Broward County. While the process may seem complex, it serves important environmental, aesthetic, and safety purposes that benefit the entire community.
At Discount Tree Service, our family-owned business has been helping Broward County homeowners navigate tree regulations for over 25 years. Our experienced team understands the specific requirements of each municipality and can guide you through the entire process, from initial assessment through final compliance.
Contact us at (954) 289-2150 for professional assistance with your tree removal permit needs. Whether you’re planning a removal, facing an emergency situation, or simply need guidance on your options, our certified team is ready to help ensure your project proceeds smoothly and legally.
For professional tree care, trimming, removal, or emergency services, call (954) 289-2150 or visit discounttreesbroward.com.
