Tree service in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Do you need a tree permit in Fort Lauderdale?

Often, yes. Fort Lauderdale's tree rules are in Section 47-21 of its Unified Land Development Regulations, which requires a tree permit before removing or relocating many trees and some palms on private property (Fort Lauderdale ULDR § 47-21). Size thresholds and palm rules are set out there, and the city's Landscaping Division reviews tree removal applications and replacement requirements (City of Fort Lauderdale: landscaping).

Because the thresholds are specific, confirm with the Landscaping Division (or through LauderBuild) before a crew removes anything sizable, unless you're relying on the state exemption for a dangerous tree at a single-family home.

Florida's dangerous-tree exemption (F.S. 163.045)

State law overrides city and county tree rules in one situation. Under Florida Statutes § 163.045, a local government may not require a notice, application, permit, fee, mitigation, or replanting to prune, trim, or remove a tree on residential property if the owner has documentation that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.

The details matter. The documentation has to be an onsite assessment done under the ISA's Tree Risk Assessment best management practices (second edition, 2017), signed by an ISA Certified Arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect. "Unacceptable risk" means removal is the only practical way to bring the risk below moderate. "Residential property" means a single-family detached home actively used as one; duplexes, townhomes, condos, commercial lots, and vacant lots don't qualify. The exemption doesn't apply to mangrove protection rules.

• Get the signed assessment before any cutting, not after.
• Keep a copy. Several cities ask owners to send it in so a removal isn't mistaken for a violation.
• HOA rules are private covenants and aren't covered by the statute.

Trees and problems common in Fort Lauderdale

• Live oak
• Gumbo limbo
• Mahogany
• Royal palm
• Coconut palm
• Sabal palm
• Black olive
• Sea grape

• UF/IFAS studies of South Florida hurricanes found melaleuca, Australian pine, black olive, and queen palm among the poorer survivors, and gumbo limbo, sea grape, live oak, and sabal palm among the better ones (UF/IFAS FR175).
• Coconut and royal palms over pools and docks need regular frond and nut removal.
• Fatal palm diseases such as Ganoderma butt rot and lethal bronzing call for removal, not trimming (UF/IFAS PP100, PP163).

Hurricane prep and storm cleanup

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 (National Hurricane Center). Wilma (2005) brought widespread tree damage to Broward. Crown cleaning and thinning before summer help, while topping and large pruning cuts make trees weaker (UF/IFAS FR173).

Report trees on lines to FPL. Before storm cleanup, photograph damage for insurance, and check city debris pickup instructions.

Hiring a tree service in Fort Lauderdale

Broward County's tree trimmer license ended under state law: after July 1, 2025 a county license is no longer required, but cities can still require training such as ISA certification or the UF/IFAS tree trimmer certification, and tree abuse can still be cited (UF/IFAS Extension Broward). Ask what training the crew lead has, and who pulls the city permit.

Checks that apply anywhere in Florida

• Certificate of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation, sent by the insurer or agent, naming you as certificate holder.
• ISA credential: confirm any claimed Certified Arborist number with the ISA verification tool.
• A written estimate that says who pulls any permit, whether stump grinding and haul-away are included, and how the lawn and driveway will be protected.
• Florida has no state tree-trimmer license, and since July 1, 2025 local governments can no longer require one (UF/IFAS Extension). Training such as ISA certification is the better signal.
• Be wary of large cash deposits or door-to-door offers after a storm. Report suspected storm price gouging to the Florida Attorney General.