Broward County Tree Trimmer Licensing Ordinance

Recently, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance regulating the tree trimming industry. This action was taken as a result of concerns about the quality of tree trimming practiced in the County, and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

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. Tree abuse is prohibited under Chapter 27 of the Broward County Code. These practices damage trees, reduce their aesthetic value and can make them more prone to storm-related failure, creating hazardous situations.

Who does the ordinance affect?

All businesses or governmental agencies that perform tree trimming in Broward County are required to obtain a Tree Trimmer License.

When does the ordinance take effect?

There will be a two-step phase-in period to allow for training to occur in an orderly manner. The timetable during this interim period is as follows: by Sept. 1, 2001, one person from each business or governmental agency must be trained and licensed. By Sept. 1, 2002, full compliance (one trained person per job site) is required.

What type of license will be issued?

Two classes of licenses will be 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 the training course offered by the Broward County Extension Education Division or have completed a substitute training course.
• 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 the Broward County Extension Education Division or have completed a substitute training course and have passed the examination offered by the Broward County Extension Education Division.

How long is the license valid?

In general, licenses are valid for a maximum of two years. However, during the first year (interim period) businesses and municipalities with large numbers of staff needing training may opt for an "interim" license. An interim license allows an organization to operate while additional staff are being trained. All interim licenses expire on August 31, 2002. After Sept. 1, 2002, all licenses will be valid for a maximum of two years and will expire on August 31 of the year following the year of issuance.

What do I need to do to obtain a license?

Contact Broward County Department of Planning and Environmental Protection, Biological Resources Division, (954-519-1456) and obtain an application packet for the Tree Trimmer License. Complete all paperwork and submit with required fees to same office for approval. Only fully completed applications will be processed and must include the following:

• Proof of adequate workers' compensation insurance as required by law;
• Affidavit of training regarding required OSHA safety regulations;
• Certification of liability insurance;
• Proof of basic training in proper pruning practices as described below:

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 of this brochure.

Class B License: certificate of successful completion of the 4-hour training program provided by the Broward County Extension Education Division (requires a passing grade of at least 70% correct).

Click for Schedule of Classes .pdf

What does license renewal involve?

License renewal requires you to complete the necessary paperwork and provide the required documentation (as previously described), pay all fees, and provide proof that you have participated in at least one continuing education program since your previous license was granted. If a license is not renewed on time, a late fee will be charged.

THE COUNTY TRAINING PROGRAM:

Training will be provided by the Broward County Extension Education Division beginning in April, 2001. Classes will be approximately 4 hours long and will be conducted in English and Spanish at various sites around the county. Each class will be 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, contact the Broward County Extension Education Division at

(954) 370-3725. Registration and payment of the training fee is required at least 10 working days prior to the scheduled class date!!

ENFORCEMENT: Broward County will enforce the Tree Trimmer Licensing Ordinance seven days a week. Enforcement officers will 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 (fifteen thousand dollars) depending on the severity of the infraction.