How Miami Gardens Handles Rental Property Rules: A Practical Guide

Miami Gardens maintains 108 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Miami Gardens falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

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). Landlords may terminate tenancies with proper notice periods. Evictions must be processed through the courts.

Key details: Just-Cause Ordinance: None — state law applies. Non-Payment Notice: 3 days to pay or vacate. Month-to-Month Termination: 15 days written notice. Court Process: Required for all evictions. Governing Law: FL Statutes Ch. 83.

Illegal self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs) violate Florida law. Landlords must follow the court eviction process. Tenants may recover damages for illegal eviction.

The rules around just cause eviction in Miami Gardens lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Rent Control

Miami Gardens does not have rent control. Florida Statute 166.043(2) flatly prohibits municipalities from enacting rent control — the 2023 Live Local Act removed the old emergency exception. Landlords may set and increase rent without municipal limitations.

Key details: Rent Control: None — prohibited by state law. State Preemption: FL Statute 166.043. Notice for >5% Increase: 60 days written notice. Notice for ≤5% Increase: 30 days written notice. Governing Law: FL Statutes Ch. 83 (Landlord-Tenant).

No rent control violations exist in Miami Gardens as there is no rent control ordinance. Landlord-tenant disputes are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 83.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Miami Gardens gives residents more flexibility on rent control.

Rental Registration

All landlords renting residential properties in Miami Gardens must obtain a landlord permit from the Building & Zoning Department. The permit costs $158 and is renewable every two years. The city inspects properties for code compliance before issuing the permit. This applies to both long-term and short-term rentals.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — landlord permit. Cost: $158. Renewal: Every 2 years. Inspection: Required before issuance. Applies To: All residential rentals.

Operating a rental property without a landlord permit is a code violation. The city may issue citations and fines through the Code Enforcement process.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Miami Gardens gives residents more room on rental property rules. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Miami Gardens's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.