Understanding Land Clearing Costs Per Acre in Broward County
This comprehensive guide provides accurate 2025 pricing information for land clearing per acre in Broward County. Whether you need basic vegetation removal in Fort Lauderdale or complete clearing with stump removal and debris hauling in Hollywood, understanding these costs helps you budget effectively.
Land clearing costs in Broward County are influenced by several factors including vegetation type, tree density, protected species requirements (especially mangroves in coastal areas), Natural Resources Protection Code permit requirements, and regional variations between urban areas like Downtown Fort Lauderdale and coastal areas like Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach.
Average Land Clearing Costs Per Acre in Fort Lauderdale
Land clearing costs in Broward County typically range from $1,700 to $15,000+ per acre depending on vegetation density and clearing requirements. Coastal areas like Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach often have higher costs due to mangrove protection and environmental compliance.
Here's a breakdown of average costs by clearing type:
Basic Vegetation Clearing Costs in Fort Lauderdale
Basic clearing removes small vegetation, brush, and undergrowth without major tree removal. Costs average $1,700 to $3,800 per acre in Broward County.
This includes:
- Removal of small trees and brush
- Clearing of undergrowth
- Basic debris removal
- No stump removal
Basic clearing is suitable for agricultural land preparation or properties with minimal tree coverage. Natural Resources Protection Code permits may still be required depending on project scope.
Complete Land Clearing Costs in Fort Lauderdale
Complete clearing removes all vegetation including trees, stumps, and roots. Costs average $3,200 to $8,500 per acre for typical properties in Broward County.
Complete clearing includes:
- Vegetation and tree clearing
- Stump removal and grubbing
- Debris hauling and site cleanup
- Rough grading after clearing
For properties with dense tree coverage (50+ trees per acre), costs can reach $11,000 to $15,000+ per acre. Coastal properties in Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach with mangrove protection requirements face the highest costs.
Selective Tree Clearing Costs in Fort Lauderdale
Selective clearing removes specific trees while preserving others. Costs average $2,300 to $5,500 per acre depending on tree density and removal requirements in Broward County.
Selective clearing is often required for:
- Protected tree preservation (Broward County has strict tree protection ordinances)
- Landscaping requirements
- Natural Resources Protection Code environmental compliance
- Property development with tree retention (common in Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach)
Selective clearing requires more careful planning and execution, adding to costs compared to complete clearing. Natural Resources Protection Code permits are typically required for selective clearing.
Factors Affecting Land Clearing Costs in Broward County
Several factors significantly impact land clearing costs in Broward County:
Vegetation Density and Tree Coverage in Fort Lauderdale
Tree and vegetation density is the biggest cost factor:
- Light coverage (10-20 trees/acre): $1,700 to $3,200 per acre
- Moderate coverage (20-40 trees/acre): $3,200 to $6,500 per acre
- Heavy coverage (40-60 trees/acre): $6,500 to $11,000 per acre
- Very heavy coverage (60+ trees/acre): $11,000 to $15,000+ per acre
Large trees (24+ inch diameter) cost significantly more to remove than smaller trees. Native trees and protected species in Broward County require additional permits and handling.
Tree Types and Removal Difficulty in Fort Lauderdale
Different tree types have different removal costs in Broward County:
- Pine trees: Easiest to remove, lowest cost
- Hardwood trees: Moderate difficulty, moderate cost
- Palm trees: Require specialized techniques, higher cost (common in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach)
- Protected species (mangroves, native trees): Require Natural Resources Protection Code permits and special handling, highest cost - especially in coastal areas like Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach
Coastal areas like Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach have strict mangrove protection requirements, significantly increasing costs. Natural Resources Protection Code permits are required for mangrove removal.
Stump Removal and Grubbing Costs in Fort Lauderdale
- Stump grinding: $110 to $320 per stump
- Complete grubbing: $550 to $2,300 per acre
- Root removal: $1,100 to $3,200 per acre for complete root systems
Stump removal is essential for construction sites to prevent settling and foundation problems. High water tables in Broward County may require additional dewatering during grubbing operations.
Debris Hauling and Disposal Costs in Fort Lauderdale
- Local disposal: $550 to $1,100 per load
- Remote disposal: $1,100 to $2,300+ per load
- Special waste: $1,800 to $3,200+ per load for contaminated materials or protected species
Properties with heavy vegetation may require 5-10+ loads, significantly adding to total costs. Urban areas like Downtown Fort Lauderdale may have limited access, adding to disposal costs.
Broward County Specific Factors
Several Broward County specific factors affect land clearing costs:
Natural Resources Protection Code Permit Requirements
Coastal properties in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach, and Pompano Beach face additional mangrove protection requirements that significantly increase costs. Natural Resources Protection Code also requires environmental assessments for many clearing projects.
Mangrove Protection Requirements
Broward County has strict mangrove protection requirements, especially in coastal areas like Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach. Mangrove removal requires:
- Natural Resources Protection Code permits ($1,000 to $5,000+ per permit)
- Environmental assessments ($2,000 to $10,000+)
- Specialized removal techniques
- Replacement or mitigation requirements
Mangrove protection requirements can add $2,800 to $14,000+ per acre to clearing costs in coastal areas.
Tree Protection Ordinances
Broward County has strict tree protection ordinances requiring:
- Tree surveys before removal
- Justification for tree removal
- Replacement plans for removed trees (replacement ratios)
- Protected species assessments
Tree protection compliance adds $500 to $2,800+ per acre to clearing costs. Native trees have additional protection requirements.
Regional Cost Variations in Broward County
Land clearing costs vary across Broward County:
Coastal Areas (Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach)
Coastal areas typically have the highest clearing costs due to:
- Mangrove protection requirements
- Environmental compliance (Natural Resources Protection Code)
- Limited access for equipment
- Protected species requirements
Coastal clearing costs average $4,800 to $17,000+ per acre, with mangrove removal projects costing $7,500 to $19,000+ per acre.
Urban Areas (Downtown Fort Lauderdale)
Urban areas face additional challenges:
- Limited access for equipment
- Traffic and scheduling restrictions
- Higher disposal costs
- Tree protection ordinances
Urban clearing costs average $3,800 to $11,000 per acre for typical properties.
Suburban Areas (Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach)
Suburban areas typically have moderate clearing costs:
- Better access for equipment
- Moderate environmental requirements
- Standard disposal options
Suburban clearing costs average $2,800 to $7,500 per acre for typical properties.
Additional Land Clearing Services and Costs in Fort Lauderdale
Additional services may be required depending on your project in Broward County:
- Tree removal permits (Natural Resources Protection Code): $100 to $500 per permit, $1,000 to $11,000+ for complex projects
- Protected species surveys: $1,800 to $10,000+ (required for many projects)
- Environmental assessments (Natural Resources Protection Code): $2,000 to $11,000+
- Rough grading after clearing: $1,100 to $3,200 per acre
- Site access preparation: $2,300 to $11,000+
- Demolition coordination: $5,500 to $28,000+ if structures need removal
Getting an Accurate Land Clearing Quote in Fort Lauderdale
To get the most accurate quote for land clearing in Broward County, provide contractors with:
- Property size in acres
- Property address (to determine Natural Resources Protection Code requirements and coastal/urban/suburban classification)
- Type and density of vegetation
- Tree count and sizes
- Stump removal requirements
- Debris disposal location
- Access conditions
- Protected species concerns (especially mangroves in coastal areas)
- Natural Resources Protection Code permit status
- Timeline and scheduling needs
Conclusion
Land clearing costs in Broward County vary significantly based on vegetation density, tree types, regional factors, Natural Resources Protection Code requirements, and additional services required. Understanding these costs helps you budget effectively for your clearing project in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, or throughout the county.
Proper land clearing is essential for successful construction and development projects in Broward County. Working with experienced contractors who understand local regulations, Natural Resources Protection Code requirements, and environmental compliance ensures your clearing project proceeds smoothly and complies with all regulations.
For accurate pricing on your specific land clearing project in Broward County, contact South Florida Site Work. We coordinate licensed contractors across Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and throughout Broward County to deliver quality clearing services at competitive prices.