Miami Beach, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in Miami Beach, FL, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- Max Size
- 800-1,200 sq ft (varies by district)
- Min Lot Size
- 7,500 sq ft
- Setback
- 5 ft from main structure, 7.5 ft from lot lines
- Appearance
- Must look like single-family home
- Building Dept.
- (305) 673-7610
Summary
Miami Beach restricts ADUs under its Land Development Regulations. ADUs are permitted only in certain single-family residential zoning districts, must maintain the external appearance of a single-family home, and are subject to strict size and design requirements consistent with Miami-Dade County ADU standards.
Miami-Dade County has approved an ordinance , allowing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or guesthouse in a single-family zoned district either as a newly detached or attached dwelling unit, including the conversion of a portion of an existing single-family dwelling. The County Code provides the following definitions: An ADU is an attached or detached accessory building, or portion thereof, that is used as an ancillary residential unit and is located on the same lot as the principal single-family dwelling. It has a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, and it is intended for use by a separate family of occupants. Charging a fee to use an ADU separately from the principal dwelling shall not constitute an unlawful duplex or multiple-family use. Accessory unit: This is an accessory dwelling unit or guesthouse, or both collectively. A guesthouse is an attached or detached accessory building, or portion thereof, that is used as an ancillary residential unit, is located on the same lot as the principal single-family dwelling and is intended for use by only the occupants of the principal structure and their family; it is not rented for a fee. The County Code imposes certain restrictions and conditions on the allowance for an ADU or guesthouse to ensure neighborhood compatibility, design compatibility, and management of parking needs. For more information on accessory units, please see section 33-22 of the County Code.
Full Breakdown
The City of Miami Beach permits accessory dwelling units in select single-family zoning districts under its Land Development Regulations. ADUs must comply with Miami-Dade County Section 33-22 requirements, which limit one ADU per lot on properties with a minimum 7,500 square foot lot in RU districts inside the Urban Development Boundary. ADUs must be between 400-800 square feet in RU-1 districts and cannot exceed 50% of the primary dwelling size, with an absolute maximum of 1,200 square feet. The entire property must maintain the external appearance of a single-family home. ADUs may contain a full kitchen facility. Detached ADUs must be separated from the main structure by at least 5 feet and set back at least 7.5 feet from interior side and rear lot lines. ADUs require a building permit from the Building Department at (305) 673-7610 and must meet HVHZ wind load standards. Owner occupancy of either the primary residence or the ADU is typically required.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted ADUs may result in code violation notices from Code Compliance at (305) 673-7555, mandatory removal orders, and fines escalating through the Code Enforcement Board. Converting structures without permits also creates liability for unpermitted work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Miami Beach property?
How large can an ADU be in Miami Beach?
Can I rent out an ADU in Miami Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami Beach
How Miami Beach compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami Beach to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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ADU Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle adu rules.