Broward County, FL
Tree removal in Broward County, Florida
Broward County's Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance requires a Tree Removal License to remove or relocate trees 3 inches or more in trunk diameter, except nuisance trees. Companies that trim trees in Broward must hold a county Tree Trimmer License and be overseen by a certified arborist. Many cities run their own programs, and Florida's 163.045 exemption still applies to documented dangerous trees.
Broward County at a glance
- County rule
- Broward County Code Chapter 27, Article XIV: Tree Preservation and Abuse
- License needed
- Removing or relocating trees 3 in. DBH and up (nuisance trees exempt)
- Tree trimmers
- Must hold a Broward Tree Trimmer License and be overseen by a certified arborist
- State exemption
- Fla. Stat. 163.045 for documented high-risk trees on single-family lots
- Season
- Hurricane season June 1–November 30
Reviewed and updated
Broward's Tree Removal License
The county's Tree Preservation Program enforces Chapter 27, Article XIV of the Broward County Code, the Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance. A Tree Removal License is required to remove or relocate any tree 3 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground, except nuisance species. Many municipalities in Broward administer their own tree programs; where they do, their permit generally replaces the county license, so check your city first.
On a single-family home lot, Florida Statute 163.045 still lets you remove a tree without a local permit if an ISA-certified arborist or Florida licensed landscape architect documents that it poses an unacceptable risk.
Hurricane cleanup: what you can and can't do
Safe for a homeowner
- Photograph the tree and anything it's leaning toward. It helps with quotes and insurance.
- Measure around the trunk at chest height (4.5 ft). Dividing by 3.14 gives the diameter many permit rules use.
- Clear cars, furniture and pets away from the tree before the crew arrives.
- Ask each company for its certificate of insurance, sent directly from the insurer.
Leave these to professionals
- Don't cut a tree yourself if it could hit anything on the way down, or if any part is within 10 feet of a power line.
- Don't climb with a chainsaw. Aerial cutting is one of the most dangerous jobs in tree work.
- Don't remove a protected tree without checking local rules. Fines and replanting requirements can be significant.
Only hire a licensed Broward tree trimmer
Broward requires every business or government agency that trims trees in the county to hold a Tree Trimmer License and to work under a certified arborist. That's a useful filter when hiring: ask for the license and the arborist's ISA number. Severe pruning that damages a tree can count as tree abuse under the ordinance, so a licensed company has a reason to prune properly.
Hurricane preparation in Broward
Broward's coastal cities face hurricane winds, storm surge and saltwater, while western suburbs like Weston and Coral Springs have newer subdivisions with young trees. Thin dense crowns before June, remove coconuts and brown fronds from palms near houses, and have trees with lean, decay or included-bark forks assessed. Don't top trees or strip palms; both make them more likely to fail.
After a storm, see Florida storm damage tree removal for the order of operations and debris pickup.
Nuisance trees and what's exempt
Nuisance and invasive species are exempt from the county license, so removing them is generally easier. Common examples in South Florida include Brazilian pepper and melaleuca. Native and desirable shade trees, like live oak, gumbo limbo and mahogany, are what the ordinance protects.
Removal near walls, pools and canals
- 1
Assessment and quote
The company looks at the tree, the drop zone, access for equipment, and nearby targets like the roof, wires and fences. The written quote should say what's included.
- 2
Permits and utilities
If your jurisdiction requires a permit, it's secured first. If the tree is near power lines, the utility may need to make the line safe before anyone climbs.
- 3
Removal
Limbs come off first, then the trunk in sections. Pieces are lowered on ropes (rigging) or lifted out with a crane. Ground crew keep everyone out of the drop zone.
- 4
Cleanup
Brush is chipped, wood is hauled or left as agreed, and the site is raked. The stump is cut low unless grinding is part of the job.
Services in Broward
By a Broward-licensed tree trimmer, before hurricane season.
For documentation under the state exemption.
After hurricanes and tropical storms.
After removal; call Sunshine 811 first.
Nearby city guidance
Fort Lauderdale runs its own tree program, and Miami-Dade to the south has different county rules.
Fort Lauderdale's rules, coastal wind and palms.
Miami-Dade's Chapter 24 rules next door.
Broward County tree questions
Do I need a license to remove a tree in Broward County?
Usually. A Broward County Tree Removal License is required to remove or relocate trees 3 inches or more in diameter, except nuisance species. Many cities run their own programs, so check your city first.
Does a tree trimming company need a license in Broward?
Yes. Businesses that trim trees in Broward must hold a county Tree Trimmer License and be overseen by a certified arborist. Ask to see both before hiring.
Can I remove a dangerous tree in Broward without a permit?
On a single-family home lot, yes, if an ISA-certified arborist or Florida licensed landscape architect documents that it poses an unacceptable risk, under Florida Statute 163.045.
Are invasive trees exempt in Broward County?
Nuisance trees are exempt from the county Tree Removal License. Confirm the species with the county or your city before cutting.
What counts as tree abuse in Broward?
Pruning or damage that seriously harms a tree, like topping or hatracking, can violate the Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance. Hire a licensed trimmer who prunes to standards.
When should I trim trees before hurricane season in Broward?
In the dry months before June 1. Once a storm is forecast, crews are booked and cut branches left at the curb become debris.
Who handles a tree on a power line in Broward?
FPL serves most of Broward. Stay away from the line, call 911 for sparks or fire, and report it to FPL.
Do I need to call 811 before stump grinding in Florida?
Yes. Contact Sunshine 811 before grinding so underground utilities are marked.
Who removes trees near me in Broward County?
Licensed Broward tree companies with a certified arborist. You can call us to reach an independent provider.
Sources for the local facts on this page
- Broward County: Tree Preservation Program (checked 2026-10-03)
- Broward County: Tree removal and tree trimmer licenses (checked 2026-10-03)
- Florida Statutes §163.045 (checked 2026-10-03)
Tree service in Broward County
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.