General guidance — confirm current rules with the county
Miami-Dade Tree Permit Requirements
When you need a permit to trim or remove a tree in Miami-Dade County, and what an arborist report is for.
Tree pruning in Miami-Dade generally does not require a permit unless more than 25 percent of the live canopy is removed. Routine trimming and standards-based pruning usually fall below that threshold.
Tree removal is different. Miami-Dade County requires a permit to remove most trees, with limited exemptions for certain species and for prohibited invasive species such as Brazilian pepper. Municipalities such as Coral Gables and Pinecrest have their own additional rules.
What an arborist report provides
A tree permit application is often supported by a written arborist report describing the tree, its condition, and the justification for the requested work. Most tree companies in Miami cannot prepare this. Subtropical Arborists prepares tree permit applications and written arborist reports as a paid service, separate from free estimates.
Because rules change and vary by municipality, an on-site assessment is the reliable way to confirm what a specific tree and property require. This article is general guidance, not a substitute for the county’s current regulations.
This guidance is general. For a recommendation on your specific tree, request a free on-site estimate or call 786-942-0189.