Accessory Structures in Miami, FL (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Miami, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Miami allows one ancillary dwelling unit on single-family lots under Miami 21 Section 3.18, capped at two stories (one in T3-R) and no taller than the main house, plus mandatory city registration.
Miami ADU Zoning and Registration Rules
Some RestrictionsMiami 21 Zoning Code § 3.18 (Allowable Locations; Height)
An ADU, as defined in Article 1, titled 'Definitions', may be permitted in those Transect Zones pursuant to Article 4, Table 3, titled 'Building Function: Uses', on Lots containing a Single-Family Residence. ... Ancillary Buildings shall be limited to two (2) Stories, with the exception of those located in T3-R, which shall be limited to one (1) Story. Ancillary Buildings shall be no taller tha...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Miami requires an ancillary dwelling unit and the main house to stay under the same owner, and the ADU can only be rented while that owner holds a current homestead exemption on the property.
Miami ADU Must Share Owner's Homestead
Some RestrictionsMiami 21 Zoning Code § 3.18 (Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU) Standards)
Ownership and Use As an ADU is a Residential Use, an ADU must be used as predominately permanent housing. The Single-Family Residence and the ADU shall be under the same ownership. An ADU may only be rented if the property has current proof of Homestead status. ADUs are subject to registration and annual renewal requirements of the City Code. When all of the following spaces are provided a...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Renting a Miami ancillary dwelling unit requires a building permit, certificate of occupancy, and an annual ADU registration certificate, and the unit must remain predominately permanent housing: transient or temporary rentals are grounds for revocation.
Miami ADU Rental Registration and Permanent-Housing Rule
Significant RestrictionsMiami Code of Ordinances § 2-214(a)(1), (c)
(a)Registration process for rented ADUs.(1)Registration requirements. In order to rent an ADU, the property owner or their authorized agent shall obtain:a.An approved building permit, including a notarized "ADU owner disclosure statement"; andb.An approved "certificate of occupancy (CO)"; andc.An approved "ADU registration certificate".(c)Predominately permanent housing. In accordance with the ...
Shed & Carport Rules
Miami classifies a carport as an Ancillary Building, so it must sit within the setback line for ancillary structures in your Transect Zone and needs a building permit before you build it.
Miami Carport Rules: Setback by Transect Zone
Some RestrictionsMiami 21 Zoning Code § 1.2, Definitions of Terms ("Carport")
Carport: A portion of a Principal residential Building or a Building accessory to a residential Use designed to be used for shelter of motor vehicles, unenclosed at the vehicular entry side and for an area at least equal to twenty percent (20%) of the area of the outer surface of walls, which might otherwise be constructed along its entire remaining perimeter. Where enclosure exceeds this amoun...
Looking for Miami-Dade County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Miami city rules.
Accessory Structures in Miami-Dade County →