Miami-Dade County, FL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Default max height
- 35 feet
- Default max stories
- 2 stories
- Accessory bldg (RU/EU-M)
- 1 story unless matches 2-story principal
- Exceeding limit
- requires public hearing approval
- Scope
- unincorporated UMSA only
Summary
Unincorporated Miami-Dade caps building height at 35 feet and two stories unless a public hearing approves more.
Except where a greater height may be approved as a result of a public hearing, the maximum height of a building shall be 35 feet, two stories, except as specified in each district and as specified elsewhere in the code. No accessory building in RU or EU-M Districts shall exceed one story in height, unless the principal residence on the lot is two stories in height and said structure complies with the principal structure setbacks.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA), Code Section 33-52 sets a default maximum building height of 35 feet, two stories, across all zoning districts, unless a specific district's own standards or another Code section allow more, or a public hearing approves a greater height. Accessory buildings in RU or EU-M districts are capped at one story unless the principal residence is two stories and the accessory structure meets the principal structure's setbacks. This baseline is layered under district-specific limits found elsewhere in Chapter 33 and does not apply inside the County's 34 incorporated municipalities, each of which sets its own height rules.
Violations & Fines
Building without an approved permit or public hearing for height above 35 feet/two stories is a zoning violation, enforceable through Miami-Dade's code enforcement process (Chapter 8CC) with civil penalties and required corrective permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this 35-foot cap apply in the City of Miami?
Can a home in unincorporated Miami-Dade be built taller than 35 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida building setbacks & zoning overview
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