Thinking about removing or trimming a tree at your home in The Roads and not sure where to start? You are not alone. Tree rules in the City of Miami are specific, and the right permit can save you time, money, and stress. In this quick guide, you will learn when you need a permit, who regulates what, how to apply, and what timelines to expect so your project stays compliant. Let’s dive in.
Know who regulates your tree
City rules apply in The Roads
The Roads sits inside the City of Miami, so City tree rules are your starting point. The City’s Resilience & Public Works team manages urban forestry, tree permits on private property, and most trees in the adjacent right of way. You can review permit categories, size thresholds, and the application process on the City’s standalone tree permit page. Visit the City’s guidance on standalone tree permits for details on thresholds and process: Obtain a Standalone Tree Permit.
When Miami-Dade County or the State also apply
If your project involves mangroves, coastal or tidal wetlands, county-owned land, or protected environmental areas, you will also need County authorization. Most mangrove trimming or alteration requires a Miami-Dade Class I permit and may also require state authorization. Learn more at the County’s Class I permit page: Class I Permit information and the State’s mangrove rules: FDEP Mangrove FAQ.
When you need a tree permit in The Roads
Standalone tree work on existing homes
For typical removal on an existing property, the City uses size thresholds to decide if a permit is required. Trees at or above the minimums generally require a permit. As a quick reference, hardwoods under 2 inches DBH and under 12 feet tall, and palms under 6 inches DBH and under 16 feet tall, usually do not require a City removal permit. Review the City’s current thresholds and exemptions here: City of Miami standalone tree permits.
Specimen trees get extra protection
The City treats specimen trees as more protected. A specimen tree is generally any tree with a trunk, or combined multi-trunks, measuring 18 inches DBH or greater. These trigger higher review and replacement or mitigation requirements. See the definition in Miami 21: specimen tree definition.
Tree work tied to construction
If your tree work is part of a building project, the tree permit is submitted as a sub-permit with your building application. The City posts an intended decision and holds a 10-day appeal period before final approval. See the construction pathway here: Tree Permit for New Construction.
Mangroves and shoreline areas
Do not trim or remove mangroves without confirming permit status. Most mangrove work needs a County Class I permit and may also require state authorization. Start with Miami-Dade’s coastal permitting page: Class I Permit information and confirm state limits and homeowner exemptions at the FDEP Mangrove FAQ.
How to apply: step by step
1) Decide the permit path
Confirm whether your work is a standalone tree permit or part of new construction. For most homeowner removals or relocations not linked to a building permit, use the City’s standalone process: Obtain a Standalone Tree Permit.
2) Prepare your documents
Measure DBH at 4.5 feet above grade, note the height, and take photos. If requested, obtain an arborist report. Be ready with a site plan or tree survey for multiple or specimen trees and a mitigation or replacement plan.
3) Submit online and track review
Apply through the City’s online portal as directed on the permit page. Once the City completes its review, it issues an intended decision followed by a 10 calendar day waiting period for appeals. For construction-related permits, see the process overview here: Tree Permit for New Construction.
4) Know typical timelines
City timelines vary by complexity and completeness. If County permits are also required, allow about 21 days for a standard County tree permit and several weeks or months for Class I coastal or mangrove permits. See County timing and fees: Miami-Dade Tree Removal/Relocation Permits and Class I Permit information.
Avoid violations and after-the-fact fixes
Enforcement, fines, and ATF permits
Removing or damaging a protected or specimen tree without approval can lead to fines, required mitigation, and an After-the-Fact permit. Miami-Dade notes higher fees and penalties for ATF cases. Learn more about ATF and penalties on the County’s page: Tree Removal/Relocation Permits.
Pruning standards matter
Routine, properly executed pruning often does not need a removal permit. However, excessive or improper pruning that effectively destroys a tree can be a violation. The County references ANSI A300 standards for proper pruning. If pruning for safety, document the hazard and consult City staff or an ISA-certified arborist. See general guidance here: Tree Removal/Relocation Permits.
Right-of-way trees in The Roads
Trees in the public right of way or swale are generally maintained by the City. Before planting or altering a ROW tree, request permission through the City’s service portal. You can also request a new tree for the swale. Explore City services at Request a Tree in the City Right of Way.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Identify jurisdiction and location. Start with the City of Miami. If mangroves, wetlands, or County property are involved, contact Miami-Dade as well.
- Measure and document. Record DBH, height, photos, and location. Note health or hazard concerns.
- Confirm permit need. Use City guidance to check size thresholds. If part of construction, apply as a sub-permit.
- Prepare your packet. Include forms, site plan or tree survey when needed, mitigation plan, and arborist report if requested.
- Submit, respond, and pull. Apply online, reply to comments fast, then pull the permit and keep the card onsite during work.
- If work is already done. Expect an After-the-Fact process with higher fees. Engage the City or County immediately.
Keep an eye on rule changes
City tree rules have been under active discussion. In January 2025, commissioners deferred a vote that would have relaxed some permit rules, which means requirements could change. For context, see this report: Miami commissioners delay tree cutting vote. Always confirm current requirements with the City or County before starting work.
Ready to plan a project in The Roads with confidence? If you are buying, selling, or preparing a property for market, a clean path through permits and timelines can make all the difference. For local guidance that pairs neighborhood insight with practical next steps, connect with Green Group Realty.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to remove a palm at my The Roads home?
- If the palm is under 6 inches DBH and under 16 feet tall, a City removal permit is typically not required; larger palms generally do require a permit under City rules.
How do I measure DBH for City of Miami permits?
- Measure the trunk’s diameter 4.5 feet above natural grade; for multi-trunk trees, local rules may require combining trunks to determine DBH.
How long does a City standalone tree permit take in The Roads?
- Timing varies by complexity, but the City issues an intended decision followed by a 10-day appeal period before final approval.
Who handles trees in the swale or right of way in The Roads?
- The City of Miami maintains most ROW trees and requires permission for planting or alterations, with service requests available through City channels.
Can I trim mangroves behind my Miami property?
- Do not trim without confirming permits; most mangrove work needs a Miami-Dade Class I permit and may also require state authorization, with limits on trimming height.
What if a tree was already removed without a permit at my property?
- Expect to file an After-the-Fact application and pay higher fees, and you may also be required to mitigate or replace trees as part of enforcement.
