Miami Gardens, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in Miami Gardens, FL, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- State Mandate
- 1 ADU per SF lot (SB 184, eff. 7/1/2025)
- New Build Lot Size
- 7,500 sq ft minimum
- Garage Conversion
- 5,000 sq ft minimum
- Separate Sale
- Prohibited: attached to principal
- Extra Parking
- Cannot be required (state law)
Summary
Florida Senate Bill 184 (effective July 1, 2025) mandates all local governments permit at least one ADU per single-family residential lot. Miami Gardens follows Miami-Dade County ADU standards which require a minimum lot size of 7,500 sq ft for new construction or 5,000 sq ft for garage conversions. ADUs must comply with accessory structure setbacks.
CS/CS/CS/SB 184: Housing - Housing; Authorizing a landlord to accept reusable tenant screening reports and require a specified statement; requiring, rather than authorizing, local governments to adopt, by a specified date, an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in certain areas; authorizing a local government to provide a density bonus incentive to landowners who make certain real property donations to assist in the provision of affordable housing for military families; requiring the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to evaluate the efficacy of using mezzanine finance and the potential of tiny homes for specified purposes, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2025. Last Action: 6/16/2025 Senate - Died in returning Messages. Citations - Statutes (3): 83.471 Page 2 (pdf); 163.31771 Accessory dwelling units. Page 5 (pdf); 420.615 Affordable housing land donation density bonus incentives. Page 7 (pdf).
Full Breakdown
Under Florida SB 184, effective July 1, 2025, all Florida municipalities must permit at least one ADU per single-family residential lot. Miami Gardens follows Miami-Dade County ADU regulations under the zoning code. New ADU construction requires a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet, while garage conversions require 5,000 square feet. ADUs must comply with the accessory structure setback requirements of the underlying zoning district. Building permits are required, and plans must comply with the Florida Building Code including Miami-Dade's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone provisions. ADUs may not be sold separately from the principal residence. Additional parking requirements beyond state standards are prohibited under the new state law. Homestead property tax exemptions are protected when an ADU is added.
Violations & Fines
Building an ADU without permits is a serious code violation. Non-compliant structures may be required to be removed. Stop-work orders and fines apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Miami Gardens?
Can I convert my garage to an ADU?
Can I sell my ADU separately?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami Gardens
How Miami Gardens compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami Gardens 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.