What Miami Gardens Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

Miami Gardens is a mid-sized city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, with about 112000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 27 ordinances across 13 categories that affect daily life in Miami Gardens.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental Permits: Miami Gardens short-term rentals must obtain a Miami-Dade County Certificate of Use, a city Landlord Permit, a DBPR vacation rental license under FS 509.241, and remit 13% combined tax (6% Miami-Dade Tourist Development Tax + 7% Florida sales). FS 509.032(7)(b) preempts new city STR-specific bans..

Also covered: Night Caps (permissive), Occupancy Limits (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Tree removal in Miami Gardens requires a permit from the city's planning department. Miami-Dade County protects all native trees over 3 inches in diameter.

Also covered: Composting (permissive), Rainwater Harvesting (permissive), Native Plants (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Animal Ordinances

Pet Limits: Animal hoarding in Miami Gardens is addressed through the city's animal control ordinances and Miami-Dade County Animal Services. Exceeding permitted animal numbers or maintaining unsanitary conditions constitutes a code violation..

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Open burning in Miami Gardens requires a burn permit from Miami-Dade County except for cooking fires. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulates outdoor burning statewide.

Also covered: Smoke Detectors (moderate), Fireworks (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Rental Property Rules

Just Cause Eviction: Miami Gardens does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Evictions follow Florida Statutes Chapter 83 (Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).

Also covered: Rent Control (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Home Business

Cottage Food Operations: Florida's Cottage Food Law (F.S. 500.80) allows home-based food sales of certain non-potentially-hazardous foods up to $250,000 annually without a food establishment license.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing & Safety Requirements: Pool fencing in Miami Gardens must comply with Florida Statutes Chapter 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act) and Section 34-446 of the city code. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Also covered: Pool Permits (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Florida SB 184 (effective July 2025) requires all municipalities to permit ADUs including tiny homes on permanent foundations in single-family residential zones. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Miami Gardens sets a juvenile curfew in its own code, adopting Miami-Dade County's scheme. Minors under 17 must be off public places from 11 p.m.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Miami Gardens participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces the 50% rule for structures in flood zones. Development in FEMA-designated flood zones must meet elevation requirements.

Also covered: Stormwater Management (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Home cultivation of cannabis is prohibited in Miami Gardens and throughout Florida. Only licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) may cultivate cannabis for medical purposes under the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

No-Knock Registry: Miami Gardens regulates door-to-door solicitation under its Code of Ordinances. Solicitors must respect posted 'No Soliciting' signs.

Also covered: Solicitor Permits (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Miami Gardens for details.

Solar Energy

HOA Restrictions: Florida's Solar Rights Act (F.S. 163.04) prohibits HOAs from banning solar panel installation.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Miami Gardens, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.