Vegetation and Tree Clearing in Miami, FL
Professional vegetation and tree clearing services across Miami-Dade County, from Coconut Grove to Pinecrest, Coral Gables to Key Biscayne. We coordinate licensed contractors to perform selective or complete clearing while navigating Miami-Dade County DERM Chapter 24-49 tree removal permits, Natural Forest Community (NFC) permits, and protected species compliance.
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Who This Service Is For
Vegetation and tree clearing services in Miami-Dade County are essential for developers, custom home builders, general contractors, and property owners who need to prepare raw land or overgrown properties for construction across Miami neighborhoods including Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Doral, Aventura, and throughout Miami-Dade County.
Whether you're developing a new subdivision in Doral, building a custom home on a wooded lot in Coral Gables, or preparing a commercial site in Aventura, vegetation and tree clearing prepares your site for development. We coordinate contractors with the right equipment and expertise to clear your site efficiently and safely, navigating Miami-Dade County DERM tree removal permits, Natural Forest Community (NFC) permits, and protected species compliance.
Typical Project Sizes in Miami-Dade County
Vegetation and tree clearing in Miami-Dade County typically ranges from $20,000 to $60,000 for residential lots, and $60,000 to $250,000+ for large commercial sites, subdivisions, or heavily wooded properties depending on vegetation density, tree sizes, clearing scope, and permit requirements. Miami-Dade County permit fees typically range from $100-$350 for residential permits to $250-$500+ for commercial permits, with additional fees for specimen trees and Natural Forest Community permits.
What Vegetation and Tree Clearing Includes
DERM Permit Coordination
Coordination of Miami-Dade County DERM Chapter 24-49 tree removal permits, including application submission, site assessment documentation, and permit compliance. DERM permits are required for removing trees with a trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) of 3 inches or more, or trees with an overall height of 12 feet or more.
Natural Forest Community (NFC) Permits
Coordination of Natural Forest Community (NFC) permits for clearing within County-designated Natural Forest Communities. NFC permits require additional environmental review and may require mitigation or tree replacement plans.
Specimen Tree Assessment
Assessment and documentation of specimen trees (trees with a DBH of 18 inches or greater) which require special permits and may require mitigation or replacement. Specimen trees include protected species such as Live Oak, Mahogany, and Bald Cypress.
Selective Clearing
Selective removal of vegetation and trees while preserving desirable trees when possible. Selective clearing maintains site aesthetics and may reduce costs while preparing areas for construction, with careful attention to Miami-Dade County tree protection ordinances.
Complete Clearing
Complete removal of all vegetation and trees for full site development. Complete clearing prepares entire sites for construction and ensures no vegetation interferes with development, with full DERM permit compliance.
Mangrove and Wetland Coordination
Coordination with DERM Coastal Resources Section (305-372-6575) for mangrove work and Wetland Resources Section (305-372-6585) for wetland clearing. Mangrove and wetland clearing requires special permits and environmental review.
Protected Species Compliance
Compliance with Miami-Dade County protected species regulations, including Live Oak, Mahogany, and Bald Cypress. Protected species clearing requires special permits and may require environmental surveys and mitigation.
Tree Removal
Professional removal of trees using appropriate equipment and techniques, with full DERM permit compliance. Tree removal includes felling, cutting, and preparation for stump removal, with attention to safety and site protection.
Debris Management
Proper management of cleared vegetation and debris according to Miami-Dade County regulations. Some materials may be recycled or mulched, while others require disposal at approved facilities.
Miami-Dade County Tree Clearing Regulations
Vegetation and tree clearing in Miami-Dade County requires strict compliance with DERM Chapter 24-49 regulations and environmental protection requirements:
- DERM Chapter 24-49 Tree Removal Permits: Miami-Dade County requires tree removal or relocation permits for any tree with a trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) of 3 inches or more, or trees with an overall height of 12 feet or more. Permits are processed through the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental Resource Management (DERM), with processing times of approximately 21 days from application acceptance to permit issuance. Permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance.
- Tree Definitions: Miami-Dade County defines trees based on specific measurements: a tree is a woody or fibrous perennial plant with a trunk having a minimum DBH of 3 inches or with an overall height of 12 or more feet. A non-specimen tree has a trunk DBH less than 18 inches when measured 4.5 feet from the ground. A specimen tree has an individual trunk with a DBH of 18 inches or greater when measured 4.5 feet from the ground at natural grade.
- Natural Forest Community (NFC) Permits: Clearing within County-designated Natural Forest Communities requires additional DERM authorization and environmental review. NFC permits may require mitigation or tree replacement plans to offset environmental impacts.
- Protected Species: Miami-Dade County protects specific tree species including Live Oak, Mahogany, and Bald Cypress. Protected species clearing requires special permits and may require environmental surveys and mitigation to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations protecting endangered species.
- Mangrove Regulations: For questions or work involving mangroves, contact the DERM Coastal Resources Section at 305-372-6575. Mangrove clearing requires special permits and environmental review, with strict regulations protecting coastal ecosystems.
- Wetland Protection: Properties with wetlands require special permits from DERM Wetland Resources Section (305-372-6585) and may have restrictions on clearing activities. SFWMD and county environmental departments regulate wetland impacts and may require mitigation.
- Tree Trimming vs. Removal: Tree trimming only requires a permit if 25% or more of the tree is to be cut down, distinguishing it from removal permits which have more stringent requirements. Careful planning can help minimize permit requirements.
- Permit Fees (2025): Standard permit fees typically range from $100-$350 for basic residential permits, $250-$500+ for commercial property permits, with additional fees per tree for multiple tree removal. After-the-fact permits can cost up to 5x the standard fee, making proactive permit coordination essential.
- Application Process: Submit a completed Tree Removal/Relocation Permit Application Form along with an initial fee via the online application submission portal. If additional information is required, official correspondence will identify deficiencies. Applications that remain incomplete for 120 days are automatically denied and require a new application.
- Selective Preservation: Selective clearing can preserve desirable trees when possible, maintaining site aesthetics and reducing costs. Tree preservation requires careful planning and coordination with construction activities, with attention to Miami-Dade County tree protection ordinances.
- Debris Management: Proper management of cleared vegetation and debris must comply with Miami-Dade County regulations. Some materials may be recycled or mulched, while others require disposal at approved facilities.
- Erosion Control: After clearing, sites are vulnerable to erosion. Temporary erosion control measures may be required until permanent drainage and stabilization systems are installed, with compliance with Miami-Dade County erosion control requirements.
The Vegetation and Tree Clearing Process in Miami-Dade County
Our coordinated approach ensures your vegetation and tree clearing project in Miami-Dade County is completed efficiently and in compliance with all DERM regulations:
- Site Assessment: We assess your site to identify vegetation, trees, and clearing requirements. Assessment includes reviewing site conditions, identifying trees to be removed or preserved, determining tree classifications (specimen vs. non-specimen), and identifying environmental concerns including Natural Forest Communities, wetlands, and protected species.
- DERM Permit Coordination: We help identify required DERM Chapter 24-49 tree removal permits, Natural Forest Community (NFC) permits, mangrove permits, and wetland permits, and coordinate with DERM and regulatory agencies. Permits ensure compliance with Miami-Dade County regulations, with processing times of approximately 21 days from application acceptance to permit issuance.
- Protected Species Assessment: We assess sites for protected species including Live Oak, Mahogany, and Bald Cypress, and coordinate required environmental surveys and permits. Protected species clearing requires special permits and may require mitigation.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (excavators, bulldozers, mulchers, tree removal equipment) and experience for your specific clearing needs, with knowledge of Miami-Dade County regulations.
- Clearing Execution: Contractors perform vegetation clearing, tree removal, and site preparation according to project specifications and DERM permit conditions. Clearing prepares sites for subsequent construction activities, with full compliance with Miami-Dade County tree protection ordinances.
- Tree Preservation: When selective clearing is specified, contractors carefully preserve desirable trees and protect them during clearing activities. Tree preservation maintains site aesthetics and reduces costs, with attention to Miami-Dade County tree protection ordinances.
- Debris Management: All cleared vegetation and debris are managed according to Miami-Dade County regulations. Debris may be recycled, mulched, or disposed of at approved facilities, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- Site Preparation: After clearing, contractors prepare sites for subsequent construction activities including access road preparation and coordination with grading operations, with temporary erosion control measures as required.
Miami-Dade County Service Areas
We coordinate vegetation and tree clearing services across Miami-Dade County, including:
Miami Neighborhoods
- Coconut Grove
- Pinecrest
- Palmetto Bay
- Coral Gables
- Key Biscayne
- Doral
- Aventura
- Brickell
- South Beach
- Mid-Beach
- North Beach
- Bal Harbour
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Miami Beach
- Homestead
- Cutler Bay
- Kendall
- Westchester
- Hialeah
- Miami Gardens
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need DERM permits for tree clearing in Miami-Dade County?
Yes, Miami-Dade County DERM Chapter 24-49 requires tree removal or relocation permits for any tree with a trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) of 3 inches or more, or trees with an overall height of 12 feet or more. Permits are processed through DERM with processing times of approximately 21 days from application acceptance to permit issuance. Clearing within Natural Forest Communities, involving mangroves, wetlands, or protected species requires additional permits. We help identify and coordinate all required DERM permits.
What are specimen trees in Miami-Dade County?
Specimen trees in Miami-Dade County are trees with an individual trunk with a DBH of 18 inches or greater when measured 4.5 feet from the ground at natural grade. Specimen trees require special permits and may require mitigation or replacement. Protected species including Live Oak, Mahogany, and Bald Cypress are often specimen trees and require additional environmental review.
How much does vegetation and tree clearing cost in Miami-Dade County?
Vegetation and tree clearing costs in Miami-Dade County vary significantly based on vegetation density, tree sizes, site access, and permit requirements. Typical costs range from $2,000 to $10,000 per acre for light clearing to $10,000 to $30,000+ per acre for heavy clearing with large trees. Residential lots typically range from $20,000 to $60,000, while large commercial sites can range from $60,000 to $250,000+ depending on scope. Miami-Dade County permit fees typically range from $100-$350 for residential permits to $250-$500+ for commercial permits, with additional fees for specimen trees and Natural Forest Community permits.
Can trees be preserved during clearing in Miami-Dade County?
Yes, selective clearing can preserve desirable trees when possible, maintaining site aesthetics and reducing costs. We coordinate with contractors to identify trees worth preserving and plan clearing activities to protect them, with attention to Miami-Dade County tree protection ordinances. However, some trees may need to be removed due to construction requirements, disease, or safety concerns. Tree preservation requires careful planning and coordination with DERM permit requirements.
What are Natural Forest Community (NFC) permits?
Natural Forest Community (NFC) permits are required for clearing within County-designated Natural Forest Communities. NFC permits require additional DERM authorization and environmental review, and may require mitigation or tree replacement plans to offset environmental impacts. NFC permits are processed through DERM along with standard tree removal permits.
How long does DERM permit processing take?
DERM tree removal permit processing time is approximately 21 days from application acceptance to permit issuance. Permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance. If additional information is required, official correspondence will identify deficiencies. Applications that remain incomplete for 120 days are automatically denied and require a new application. We coordinate permit applications to ensure timely processing and compliance.
What happens to cleared vegetation and trees in Miami-Dade County?
Cleared vegetation and trees in Miami-Dade County are managed according to local regulations. Some materials may be recycled or mulched for reuse, while others require disposal at approved facilities. We coordinate debris management to ensure compliance with Miami-Dade County regulations and minimize costs.
How long does vegetation and tree clearing take in Miami-Dade County?
Vegetation and tree clearing timelines in Miami-Dade County vary based on site size, vegetation density, clearing scope, and permit processing times. Typical residential lots take 1-3 days after permit approval, while large commercial sites or subdivisions may take 1-2 weeks depending on scope. DERM permit processing adds approximately 21 days to project timelines. Weather conditions and permit processing can affect timelines. We coordinate with contractors and DERM to complete projects efficiently.