North Miami's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In North Miami, Florida, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rental Registration

North Miami requires rental property owners to obtain a Business Tax Receipt and register rental units with the city. Rental properties are subject to code compliance inspections. Florida preempts local rent control under Statute 166.043, but the city regulates registration, maintenance standards, and occupancy limits.

Key details: BTR Required: All rental property operators. BTR Renewal: Annually by September 30. Rent Control: Preempted by FL Statute 166.043. Inspections: Code compliance required. Code Enforcement: (305) 895-9825.

Operating a rental property without a valid Business Tax Receipt is a code violation subject to fines and penalties. Properties failing code compliance inspections face corrective action notices with deadlines to remedy violations. Repeat violations may result in fines up to $250 per day and potential liens on the property. Overcrowding violations based on occupancy limits carry additional penalties.

Just Cause Eviction

North Miami does not have a local just-cause eviction ordinance. Eviction procedures follow Florida Statute 83 Part II (Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act), which allows landlords to terminate tenancies for cause or without cause by providing proper notice. Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated with 15 days' notice without stating a reason.

Key details: Just-Cause Required: No local ordinance. Month-to-Month Notice: 15 days before rental period. Nonpayment Notice: 3-day notice to pay or vacate. Self-Help Eviction: Illegal under FL Statute 83.67. Retaliation Protection: FL Statute 83.64 applies.

This entry describes tenant protections rather than property violations. Landlords who engage in self-help evictions face liability for actual and consequential damages plus attorney's fees under Florida Statute 83.67. Retaliatory evictions may be raised as an affirmative defense by tenants.

North Miami is more permissive than most cities when it comes to just cause eviction. That said, there are still limits.

Rent Control

North Miami has no rent control and cannot adopt it. Florida Statute 125.0103(2), rewritten by the 2023 Live Local Act, flatly bars every local government from imposing controls on rents — no emergency exception remains.

Key details: Rent Control: Prohibited by FL Statute 125.0103(2). State Preemption: Applies to all FL municipalities. Exceptions: None — deleted by 2023 Live Local Act. Rent Increases: 15-day notice for month-to-month.

Not applicable — rent control does not exist in North Miami. Any city attempt to impose rent control would be void under Florida Statute 125.0103(2).

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, North Miami 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.

This guide is based on North Miami's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.