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Documents and Information for Tree Work Permit
Tree Removal and Relocation
A Tree Work Permit is required for the removal or relocation of trees, except for trees determined to be exempt per City code. In order to remove or relocate trees, the removal must be justified, and either relocation or replacement of trees must take place. A certified arborist shall fill out and complete the Tree Relocation Form.
What Requires A Tree Permit?
- Trees over 3-inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and 12-foot in height
- Palms 6-inches in DBH and 16-foot in overall height
- Invasive trees over 12-inches in DBH - (no per tree fee)
What Does Not Require A Tree Permit?
- Naturally clustering palms (Arecas, fishtails, etc.)
- Invasive trees under 12-inches in DBH or Invasive Palms (see Miami-Dade County list linked below)
- Prior to removing any trees or palms, email urbanforestry@miamibeachfl.gov with your address and pictures of the tree to be removed, for an approval email. Document any removals, especially after a hurricane.
If claiming Florida statute 163.045, you must provide a TRAQ Report prepared by a TRAQ Certified Arborist. Please review this guide prepared by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Tree Removal Application Submittal Process
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Tree Removal Permit process is now paperless. An electronic application submittal is required when applying for a City Tree Work Permit. The electronic application submittal must be completed first and will also require the creation of a CSS (Citizen Self Service) account before the application can be formally processed. There is also a customer service number listed on the webpage that can be utilized to help with the sign-up process and to answer any additional questions that may arise. Once you create an account, log in and select the Permits tab and click Apply, then choose Urban Forestry for permit type and Tree Work Permit - Urban Forestry for work class.
The final inspection will be completed one year after the successful mitigation inspection.
The following documents will need to be uploaded through the CSS Portal for a complete application:
- Signed and notarized application by the property owner: Tree Permit Application
- A Tree Disposition Plan and a Landscape Plan
- Non-construction sites may provide a Survey or an Aerial view showing which trees you want to remove
- For any Specimen Trees (+12-inches in DBH), provide a written report from an ISA Certified Arborist and/or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist
- If trees are being relocated, a completed Tree Relocation Form must be filled out by the ISA-certified Arborist supervising the work.
Finalizing Tree Permits
- Tree work permits are valid for 1-year from the issuance date. The Urban Forestry division will automatically schedule the initial mitigation inspection 2 months before permit expiration but if work is completed earlier, send us an email with the latest Tree Disposition and Landscape Plan requesting an extension. *Please include within the header the permit number and/or address.
- One year after a successful initial mitigation inspection, our division will reinspect the new trees, and if passed, the permit will be officially finalized.
Extending Tree Permits
- Should work require more than one year for completion, an extension must be requested before expiration. An email must also be sent to urbanforestry@miamibeachfl.gov with the permit number and address in the header requesting the extension, along with the latest Tree Disposition and Landscape Plan, even if they are unchanged.
- Once all the documents are received and fees are paid, an extension inspection will be completed to verify the scope of work completed to date.
- Should additional trees be requested for removal and/or relocation, a new tree permit application shall be applied for with the steps outlined above.
Modifying Tree Permits
If at any time the approved Tree Disposition or Landscape Plan is to change for redesigns, city comments, owner requests, etc., the Urban Forestry division must be notified via email. A modification might need to be issued to the existing permit based on the extent of the changes.
After-The-Fact Permits
If trees have been removed without a tree permit, an after-the-fact permit will be required to be applied for and issued. The steps are the same as outlined above, but all applicable fees will be doubled.
Tree Protection From Construction
Certain steps are required to ensure that trees are not damaged during construction activities. These include the installation and maintenance of highly visible tree protection barriers. Please refer to the following brochure for additional information on protecting trees during construction and further details on tree protection guidelines:
Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction
City of Miami Beach Tree Preservation Trust Fund
- Payment may be made in certain instances to the Fund in combination with tree replacement requirements. This may be considered once all available planting areas have been maximized within the proposed construction; including but not limited to retaining or relocating existing trees, using suspended soil systems, and minimizing impermeable surfaces.
- The Fund is used to obtain trees, landscaping, irrigation systems, and any other items or materials necessary and proper for the preservation, maintenance, relocation or restoration of trees and the urban forest on any publicly owned land or publicly accessible parcels in Miami Beach. These funds may also be expended for the Adopt-a-Tree Program or similar programs approved by the City Commission.
Downloadable Tree Work Permit Documents
Click any of the links below to download information sheets and permit forms related to the Tree Work Permit.
