The Broward County Board of County Commissioners has adopted an ordinance under Article 15 of the Broward County Natural Resource Protection Code, titled "Regulation of Tree Trimmers" for regulating the tree trimming industry. This action was taken as a result of concerns about the quality of tree trimming practiced in Broward County, and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
All businesses or governmental agencies that advertise, offer or perform tree trimming in Broward County are required to obtain a Tree Trimmer License. Licenses are valid for a maximum of two years.
What is the purpose of this ordinance?
Through continuing education, this ordinance intends to reduce the frequency of poor pruning practices such as over lifting, rounding, flush cuts, stub cuts, hat racking and other forms of pruning-related tree abuse. These poor pruning practices damage trees, reduce their aesthetic value and can make them more prone to storm-related failure, creating hazardous situations. Tree abuse is prohibited under Chapter 27 Article 14 of the Broward County Natural Resource Protection Code.
What types of licenses are issued?
Two classes of licenses are issued, depending upon the level of professional training an organization‘s staff has achieved:
Class A Tree Trimmer License:
Requires a sole proprietor or a qualified individual for a business organization or a governmental agency to possess an International Society of Arboriculture Arborist Certification or be a Registered Consulting Arborist with the American Society of Consulting Arborists. Also required is an affidavit stating that the required number of employees have either successfully completed a substitute training course or the training course offered by Broward County Extension Education.
Class B Tree Trimmer License:
Requires a sole proprietor, a business organization, or a governmental agency to demonstrate that they have the required number of employees who have successfully completed the training course offered by Broward County Extension Education and have passed an examination.
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Applying for a New License
Complete all paperwork and submit with the required fees to our office for approval. Only fully completed applications will be processed and must include the following:
Class A License: a copy of your current certification card from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or American Society of Consulting Arborists plus a notarized affidavit as described under the Class A Tree Trimmer License section.
Class B License: certificate of successful completion of the 4-hour training program provided by Broward County Extension Education (requires a passing grade of at least 70% correct). One trained person per job site is required.
The County Training Program:
Training is provided by Broward County Extension Education. Classes are approximately 4 hours long and are conducted in English, Spanish and Creole at various sites around the county. Tree Trimmer I class is followed by a multiple choice exam. Classes will teach proper pruning practices according to American National Standards Institute A300 guidelines.
For a complete schedule of class meeting dates and locations or to register for a class, contact Broward County Extension Education at 954-357-6381. Registration and payment of the training fee is required at least 10 working days prior to the scheduled class date!!
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Renewing your License
License renewal requires you to complete the necessary paperwork and provide the required documentation (as previously described) and pay all fees. For the Class B Tree Trimmer license, you must provide proof that you have participated in the Tree Trimmer II program since your previous license was granted. To obtain a renewal form, please contact the Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division at 954-765-4400 ext. 9872.
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Enforcement
Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division enforces the Tree Trimmer Licensing Ordinance seven days a week. Enforcement officers look for unlicensed tree trimmers and for tree trimmer crews working without a qualified person physically present on the job site. Any organization or individual operating without the required Class “A” or Class “B” license is subject to a notice of violation, a citation or a “stop work” order.
Violators who receive a citation will have their case heard by a hearing officer. The hearing officer can impose fines up to $15,000 dollars per day, depending on the severity of the infraction.
To report unlicensed Tree Trimmers please contact the Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division at 954-765-4400, Option 2.
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