City of Miami tree protection bonds.
From $100.

When construction or development goes ahead on a City of Miami site, the City of Miami requires a tree protection bond equal to the value of the specimen trees that stay or are relocated. It guarantees those trees are protected during the project. Pricing is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

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Required by the City of Miami when construction or development goes ahead, unless the property has a homestead exemption under F.S. 196.075

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2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — your exact price is calculated in the on-page calculator

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A soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, no impact on your score

A-ratedA.M. Best carriersSoft pullnever a hard inquiry2% + $100 minset by the bond amount

Trusted by industry leaders

How it works

Three steps to a filed bond.

Here's the whole process once you know the value of the specimen trees the bond must cover:

NOW · ONLINE

Apply online

Enter the bond amount (the value of the specimen trees that stay or are relocated), the property address, and the process number. The only extra step is a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

USUALLY SAME DAY

Reviewed & approved

Most permit bonds this size clear quickly; if underwriting needs anything, an underwriter reaches out. The soft pull never affects your score.

WHEN YOU PAY

E-sign & file with the City

Pay online and receive the executed bond and power of attorney by email, ready to file with the City of Miami permit office. Wet-ink original mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the bond actually guarantees

A City of Miami tree-protection bond is a municipal performance guarantee. Whenever construction or development goes ahead, the City requires a bond equal to the value of the specimen trees that stay on the site or are relocated: trees 18 inches or more in diameter at breast height, other than palms, non-native ficus and non-native fruit trees grown in commercial groves. Properties with a homestead exemption under F.S. 196.075 are excluded.

It's a three-party arrangement: you (the principal), the surety carrier, and the City of Miami (the obligee, the party the bond protects). The bond guarantees the trees are protected and not harmed by the project. If they are harmed, the City can recover the loss against the bond.

It is not insurance for you — if the surety pays the City, you repay the surety. The bond stays in effect until one year after the final certificate of occupancy is issued, so keep it in force until then.

City of Miami Code of Ordinances Sec. 17-4(c)(5) (Ch. 17, Art. I, Tree Protection)Anytime construction or development is to be undertaken, the City of Miami requires a tree protection bond equal to the value of the specimen trees that remain or are relocated, except for properties with a homestead exemption under F.S. 196.075. The bond remains in effect for one year after the final certificate of occupancy is issued. Sec. 17-2 defines it as a guarantee that specific trees are protected and not harmed, with the loss reimbursed if they are, and gives tree permits to the City's department of planning and zoning.

You need this bond if you're

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Building or developing in the City of Miami on a site with specimen trees that stay or are relocated

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A property owner or authorized agent applying for a tree permit for that work

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A contractor or developer responsible for protecting the trees during construction

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Replacing a bond that ends before one year after the final certificate of occupancy

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual issuing fields. Enter the bond amount, the value of the specimen trees the bond covers; pricing starts from $100 and your exact price is confirmed at application.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much does the City of Miami tree protection bond cost?Pricing is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. Your exact price is calculated in the on-page calculator, before you apply.

What bond amount do I enter?The value of the specimen trees that stay on the site or are relocated: Sec. 17-4(c)(5) sets the bond equal to that value, and that figure is the penal sum. If you are unsure of it, send us your tree disposition plan and we will confirm before you pay.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your credit score. Your price is set by the bond amount, not by the check.

Who is protected by the bond?The City of Miami is the obligee. The bond guarantees the specimen trees are protected during construction; if they are harmed, the City can claim against the bond for the loss.

How fast can I file it?Most permit bonds this size issue the same or next business day. Your executed bond and power of attorney arrive by email, ready to file with the City.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

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Other Florida bonds.

Clear the tree bond off your Miami permit.

From $100, soft pull only, free until issued.

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