Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Fort Lauderdale
On a developed single-family lot in Fort Lauderdale, a permit is needed to remove a tree with a trunk 8 inches or more in diameter, or a palm with 8 feet or more of clear trunk. Several invasive species are exempt, and pruning needs no permit but must follow national standards.
- County
- Broward
- Tree rules
- Fort Lauderdale Landscape and Tree Preservation Ordinance; Development Services
- Key local rule
- Permit for trees 8 inches DBH and up, and palms with 8 feet or more of clear trunk
- Electric utility
- Florida Power & Light
- Main hazards
- Hurricanes, king tides, invasive trees, palms over pools and roofs
When do I need a tree permit in Fort Lauderdale?
On a developed one-family lot not being redeveloped, when the tree's trunk is 8 inches or more in diameter at breast height, or the palm has 8 feet or more of clear trunk. Development and redevelopment sites follow broader rules. Pruning does not need a permit but must follow accepted national pruning standards.
- Trees
- 8 inches DBH and up.
- Palms
- 8 feet of clear trunk and up.
- Invasives
- Several are exempt from permits and replacement.
Species exempt from permits
The city lists invasive or problem species that need no permit or replacement to remove.
- Brazilian pepper
- Also called Florida holly. A major invasive.
- Australian pine
- Casuarina, shallow-rooted and storm-prone.
- Melaleuca
- Invasive in wetlands.
- Poisonwood
- A native that causes skin reactions.
- Others on the city list
- Check the current ordinance for the full list.
Permits and penalties
Development Services administers the Landscape and Tree Preservation Ordinance and issues tree removal permits. For work done without a permit, the city charges four times the normal minimums when the current owner is found responsible, and twice the minimums when responsibility cannot be determined, along with replacement requirements.
Broward County also regulates trees in some situations. Florida Statute 163.045 lets residential owners remove a tree documented by an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect as an unacceptable risk.
Fort Lauderdale's canals and barrier island make storm surge and king tides a growing concern. Trees in low areas near the Intracoastal increasingly show salt stress, and palms that tolerate salt are favored for replanting there.
South Florida warning signs
Australian pines over houses
Topple in hurricanes; exempt from permits.
Coconut palms over walkways
Falling nuts and fronds.
Ficus roots in pool decks and pipes
Aggressive roots near structures.
Salt-stressed trees after king tides
Low neighborhoods near the Intracoastal.
Removing a regulated tree or palm
Measure
Diameter for trees; clear trunk height for palms.
Check exemptions
Invasive species on the city list.
Apply
To Development Services.
Replace if required
As the permit sets out.
Fort Lauderdale settings
| Area | Typical trees | Common work |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Park and Rio Vista | Live oaks, royal palms, ficus | Permitted removals and palm trimming |
| Las Olas Isles | Palms and coconut palms by canals | Palm removal over water and docks |
| Western neighborhoods | Oaks and mahogany | Storm pruning |
| Beachfront | Sea grape and palms | Salt and wind exposure |
Fort Lauderdale tree questions
Do I need a permit to trim my trees?
No, but pruning must follow accepted national standards. Topping and hatracking are not acceptable.
Do palms need permits in Fort Lauderdale?
Palms with 8 feet or more of clear trunk on a developed one-family lot need a removal permit.
Can I remove an Australian pine without a permit?
Yes. It is on the city's exempt list.
Who issues tree permits?
The city's Development Services Department.
What is clear trunk on a palm?
The height of the trunk from the ground to the base of the lowest green frond. Fort Lauderdale uses 8 feet of clear trunk as the permit line.
Do I have to replace a tree I remove?
Replacement may be required for regulated trees. The permit will state what is needed.
Reach a tree service in Fort Lauderdale
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Fort Lauderdale area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day