Miami Tree Planting & Canopy Credit Ordinances

Land Use and Zoning Florida 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Florida

Miami, Florida maintains local rules on tree planting, replacement and canopy management that affect development, landscaping and public rights-of-way. This guide summarizes where the official municipal rules are found, which city office enforces them, how canopy credits or mitigation may apply, and practical steps to apply, appeal or report violations. It is intended for homeowners, developers, landscapers and property managers working inside the City of Miami.

Overview of Rules

Tree planting, removal and mitigation in Miami are regulated by city ordinances and implementing rules that address species, spacing, required replacement, and canopy-credit or mitigation calculations. Specific thresholds, required permits and mitigation ratios are set in the municipal code and administrative rules; where figures are not published on an implementation page we note that they are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is performed by City of Miami code enforcement and the department responsible for urban forestry or planning. Penalties for unauthorized tree removal or failure to meet replacement obligations may include fines, restoration orders, mitigation requirements and court actions. Where the municipal code page does not list dollar amounts or escalation steps, those amounts are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code for details and exact figures.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences may be treated differently; ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: restoration orders, replanting requirements, mitigation credits or court injunctions are used as remedies.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City of Miami Code Enforcement and Planning/Urban Forestry divisions handle inspections and complaints; contact through official city complaint or permitting pages.
  • Appeals and review: appeals typically proceed to an administrative hearing or city board; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Always contact the official city office before removing or altering trees on private property adjacent to the public right-of-way.

Applications & Forms

The city issues permits or forms for tree removal, planting in the right-of-way, and for mitigation or canopy-credit applications. Where a named form number or fee schedule is not published on the municipal page, the exact form number or fee is not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Tree removal permit: name and fee not specified on the cited page; apply through the city permits portal or planning office.
  • Mitigation fees or credit values: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or planning department for current schedules.
  • Submission: permits and mitigation applications are submitted via the city permits portal or at the planning office counter.
Check permit requirements early in project planning to avoid stop-work orders or fines.

How canopy credits work

Canopy credits or mitigation schemes let developers meet tree preservation or replacement obligations by delivering equivalent canopy area through on-site planting, off-site planting, or payment into a mitigation fund. The precise credit calculation method and eligible tree species are set in municipal implementing rules; if the city page does not publish the formula we state it is not specified on the cited page.[1]

Common Violations

  • Removing trees without a required permit.
  • Failing to follow required protection measures during construction.
  • Not completing required replanting or mitigation after removal.

Action Steps

  • Before work: contact City of Miami Planning or Code Enforcement to confirm permit needs.
  • Apply: submit tree removal or planting permit via the city permits portal or planning office.
  • Pay: follow fee instructions on the permit confirmation; if fees are not listed, consult the planning office.
  • Appeal: if you receive an order or fine, file the appeal within the administrative time frame noted on the notice or consult the city for the deadline.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property in Miami?
Often yes; the requirement depends on tree size, location and local ordinance thresholds—confirm with City of Miami Planning or Code Enforcement.[1]
What is a canopy credit and how can I use it?
A canopy credit offsets required preservation by providing equivalent canopy through planting or mitigation; exact calculation details are set in municipal rules and may not be published on the cited page.[1]
Who enforces tree rules and how do I report a violation?
City of Miami Code Enforcement and Planning/Urban Forestry enforce tree rules; report via the city complaint or permitting pages.

How-To

  1. Contact City of Miami Planning or Code Enforcement to determine if a permit is required.
  2. Prepare permit application with site plan, tree survey and proposed mitigation or planting details.
  3. Submit application through the city permits portal and pay applicable fees.
  4. Complete any required inspections, plantings or mitigation and retain documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check city permit requirements before removing or altering trees.
  • Canopy credits may offer flexible mitigation but follow municipal calculation rules.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Miami Code of Ordinances - trees and vegetation provisions

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