Best Management Practices
Trimming Mangroves
Loss of mangroves reduces shery productivity, increases land erosion
and decreases nearshore water quality. To protect the environment and
prevent these harmful eects, the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation
Act regulates trimming and alteration of mangroves.
Do I need a permit to trim mangroves on my property?
Florida laws allow property owners to trim mangroves to improve waterfront view
or for access to navigable waterways. Trimming is limited to Riparian Mangrove
Fringes (RMF).
What is a Riparian Mangrove Fringe?
Riparian Mangrove Fringe are areas where mangroves extend less than 50 feet deep.
A permit is not required if homeowners follow trimming guidelines. The RMF
designation does not apply to areas within certain conservation easements, certain
mitigation areas or within certain types of public areas.
Allowable Trimming
24 ft. - Requires DEP permit
Restrictions on Trimming
16 ft.
Requires Professional Trimmer
10 ft.
Trimming Allowed
6 ft.
No Trimming Allowed
TRIMMING GUIDELINES
»
Homeowners may trim mangroves
when the mangrove height
exceeds 6 feet but is not taller
than 10 feet. Mangroves cannot
be trimmed below 6 feet.
» Mangroves over 10 feet tall
require a professional mangrove
trimmer.
» If trimming trees over 16 feet tall,
trim in stages with no more than
25 percent removed annually.
» Trimming mangroves over
24 feet tall requires DEP
authorization.
» Homeowners can trim mangroves
that were legally trimmed
previously. Trimming must
maintain the previous height and
conguration.
» When the property shoreline is
greater than 150 feet in length,
65 percent of the mangrove trees
can be trimmed.
All other mangrove trimming
or alteration activities
require a permit.
Activities to Avoid
• defoliation (removing all or
most of the leaves)
• trimming mangrove roots
• trimming mangroves below
6 feet
• removing mangroves
continue d
Will I need a professional mangrove trimmer?
Yes, you will need a professional mangrove trimmer:
• If mangroves are taller than 10 feet;
• If trimming under a general permit; or
•     
Mangrove Fringe.
What are the penalties for illegal mangrove trimming?
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subsequent violations, property owners and the person performing illegal
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• Up to $100 for each mangrove illegally trimmed; and
• Up to $250 for each mangrove illegally altered.
MORE INFORMATION
Check with local environmental ofcials before trimming mangroves
to nd out if you need a permit. A mangrove trimming guide with
examples, diagrams and images is available online at:
dep.state..us
Search: Mangrove Homeowner Guide
Read the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act at:
dep.state..us
Search: Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act
FAST FACTS
Benets of Mangroves:
• Stabilize the coastline
• Protect water quality
• Reduce coastal ooding
• Provide habitat for sh
• Protect wildlife species
• Protect young sh
from predators
• Serve as nesting area
• Contribute $7.6 billion
annually to the economy
and create 109,000 jobs
in Florida
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
dep.state..us/water/wetlands/mangroves
850-245-8428
02/16