Tree Removal permit in Homestead, FL
Yes — you need a permit for tree removal work in Homestead.
You must get a tree removal permit before you remove or relocate a tree. You do not need one for a tree under 2 inches DBH or under 12 feet tall in the yard of a single-family home, or for a dead tree or a listed invasive species; otherwise you need one.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | From 2 |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 29-60 |
| Based on | Homestead Code of Ordinances, Ch. 29, Art. II |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Homestead building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
Removing or effectively destroying a tree without a permit is unlawful, and replacement planting can be required (Secs. 29-60, 29-64).
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead | — | Yes | From 2 |
| Doral | 25 mi | Yes | You need a tree removal permit before you cut down any tree. |
| Miami | 26 mi | Yes | You need a tree removal permit before you take down a tre… |
| Miami Beach | 30 mi | Yes | You need a tree work permit before you remove or relocate… |
| Miami Gardens | 36 mi | Yes | You need a tree preservation and protection permit to rem… |
| Davie | 43 mi | Yes | A tree removal or relocation permit is required, with som… |
Other work in Homestead
Questions people ask
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Homestead can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.