Garage conversion rules in Miami-Dade County, FL — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Miami-Dade County allows garage conversions to ADUs on lots as small as 5,000 sq ft with minimum 220 sq ft habitable area. Building permits required. All conversions must meet HVHZ hurricane building code including impact-resistant openings.
Miami-Dade County permits garage conversions into livable ADU space on residential properties. Garage conversions have reduced requirements compared to new detached ADUs: minimum 5,000 square foot lot size versus 7,500 for new detached ADUs, and minimum 220 square foot habitable area. Conversions must comply with Florida Building Code residential standards including HVHZ hurricane requirements for all exterior openings. Impact-resistant windows and doors or approved shutters are mandatory. A building permit is required. Either the main house or the converted ADU must be owner-occupied. Maximum one additional parking space required. The conversion must not exceed the square footage limitations outlined for detached ADUs. Licensed contractors are required for all construction work in Miami-Dade County.
Unpermitted conversions result in stop-work orders. Non-compliant work must be brought up to code or reversed. HVHZ violations require retrofitting with impact-resistant materials.
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See how Miami-Dade County's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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