General FAQs
How can I get involved?
- The City of Miami Beach hosts events throughout the year, such as Earth Day, Family & Community Service Day, dune restorations, coastal cleanups, and hazardous waste drop-offs. Visit our Upcoming Events page to see future volunteer opportunities and other environmentally-related activities. We are constantly updating our Upcoming Events page, so we recommend checking the page frequently. If you would like to sign up for our volunteer mailing list please email Sustainability@miamibeachfl.gov.
What is the Sustainability Committee?
The role of the Sustainability Committee is to identify and promote policies and practices within the City to help achieve a sustainable environment. This Committee is chaired by residents and meets last Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall (1700 Convention Center Drive, 4th Floor). The meetings are open to the public. Visit our Sustainability Committee page to learn more.
Do you offer internship opportunities?
Internships are subject to availability for College/University students seeking a degree in an Environmental or Science related field. Florida International University students are encouraged to contact the FIU career services department for paid internship opportunities. Internship responsibilities and duties include researching various environmental topics such as green building, dune enhancement, beach health, turtle nesting, seawalls, and stormwater issues. This includes assisting the Environment and Sustainability Department. Interns will have the opportunity to choose an area of interest related to the general work plan of the Department. Please send a cover letter and resume to Sustainability@miamibeachfl.gov.
Where can I learn more about recycling?
What is the City doing about climate change and sea level rise?
Are there sea turtles in Miami Beach?
Yes, there are sea turtles that nest on Miami Beach from April 1 through October 31! To find out more about sea turtles and how artificial lights may be harmful to them, visit our Sea Turtles page.
What do I do if I come across an injured animal?
If you have come across an animal that is believed to be either injured or in danger, please contact our friends at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at 1.888.404.FWCC or the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station.
Where can I read the laws passed by the City regarding the environment?
Where is Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene) banned in the city?
On September 2, 2015, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No.2015-3962 prohibiting the sale and use of expanded polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) within the City. This is an amendment to the current ordinance that has banned Styrofoam from parks, beaches, city-owned facilities, sidewalk cafes, special event permits, city marinas, docks, piers and boat ramps. Styrofoam has been found to be a harmful pollutant because it is not easily recycled and also consists of non-biodegradable qualities that break up easily in the environment. The close proximity of our public spaces to our beaches and waterways makes polystyrene a troublesome pollutant. The City of Miami Beach encourages residents and businesses to use reusable containers which are less impactful than Styrofoam and help reduce waste headed for the County’s landfills. Learn more about city-wide regulations.
Permitting FAQs
How long does it take for an Urban Forestry tree work permit issuance?
Urban Forestry must provide initial comments within 10 business days of application submission. Total time between application submission and permit issuance depends on when all required submitted information is provided and its contents meet permit application standards. Subsequent follow-ups and/or corrections may be required by the applicant.
Do all trees and palms require permits for removal?
Generally yes. An approved tree work permit is required for the relocation or removal of any trees or palm within the boundaries of the City of Miami Beach, with few exceptions.
The list of exceptions is found in the City of Miami Beach’s Tree Ordinance 2016-4055, Sec. 46-58. https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/environmental-sustainability/urban-forestry/tree-work-permit-information/
What are the most common required documents with a tree work permit application submission
The tree work permit applicant will most likely need to provide a tree survey, tree disposition, an arborist report recording the reasons for removal, and landscape plans if tree canopy mitigation is required.
Who must complete the Arborist Report?
The arborist report must be completed by a current, certified ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) or ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists) arborist.
What is a Tree Disposition?
A tree disposition is an inventory of all existing trees/palms shown in the tree survey and/or landscape plans.
The tree disposition shall contain the following basic information of the tree or palm: its common name, its scientific name, its height, its width, its trunk diameter at breast height in inches, a level 1 health assessment from a certified arborist, and whether the property plans to remove, relocate, or retain the individual tree or palm. The individual tree or palm shall be numbered and have its location within the property accurately depicted in the submitted tree survey or in a separate tree disposition plan sheet.
What is required if trees are to remain during construction?
Tree protection is required for all trees and palms to “remain” during construction.
City approved tree protection plan details must be included in either tree disposition or elsewhere in the complete landscape plan set.
Tree protection shall be drawn into the tree survey or tree disposition at plan scale to the extent required by City Code.
How can I apply for a permit?
The City of Miami Beach Urban Forestry Division has moved to a paperless application process.
Is a Tree Protection Letter required by code?
Tree protection is required by City Code in code section 46-62.
The Urban Forestry Division requires a Tree Protection Letter signed by the property owner for all non-tree construction work where construction related activities could impact trees, palms, and their root systemsFailure by a construction crew to protect trees and palms may be cause for a tree abuse violation and/or having declaration a previous healthy tree as now declared effectively destroyed.
What are the specifications for the approved tree protection detail?
The City of Miami Beach approved tree protection must be constructed to specifications outlined within the City’s code. This includes a 2x4 frame with x2 lateral cross member frame protecting the critical root zone or a chain-link fence frame construction.
Why can't I upload the requested documents to the portal?
Your plans/permit are currently in a Building Department review cycle. You will need to wait for all the divisions to review before you can submit the requested documents.
Urban Forestry tree work permits are always open and documents can be submitted at any time.
How much are the permit fees?
Can you review my permit before (set date)?
Permit submittals are reviewed in the order they were submitted to be equitable to all applicants; however, the Urban Forestry and Environmental Divisions try to complete the reviews as expeditiously as possible.
Do I have to raise my seawall even if I am just doing a minor repair on the seawall?
Yes, provided the existing seawall requires substantial repairs (i.e. any improvement and/or repairs to the existing seawall with a cost of $300 or more per linear foot).
Why do I need to submit an itemized cost of construction for my seawall repair?
To determine whether the seawall work meets complies with the elevation requirements in the Seawall Ordinance 2021-4393.
What are the "notes" in Environmental comments requesting the Sediment and Erosion affidavit and notes to be included with plans?
The "notes" are included in the affidavit form following the signature page. These notes can either be submitted as part of the affidavit form or added to the plans (usually civil sheets).
Why do I need to submit the Construction Site Sediment and Erosion Control Affidavit if I'm just doing a minor repair/job?
The Construction Site Sediment and Erosion Control Affidavit is required for all land-disturbing activity per the Water Quality Ordinance No. 2021-4435.
