Dispensary Zoning: Miami vs North Miami
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Miami, FL and North Miami, FL?
Miami has fewer restrictions than North Miami.
Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami regulates medical marijuana dispensary locations through Miami 21 zoning code. Licensed MMTCs must comply with distance requirements from schools, churches, and residential areas. Miami-Dade County also has zoning requirements under County Code §33-149.5.
View full Miami rules →North Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Medical Marijuana Treatment Center dispensaries in North Miami must comply with both Florida OMMU regulations and local zoning requirements. Florida Statute 381.986 limits dispensary locations to areas that comply with local zoning and requires a 500-foot buffer from schools. North Miami's zoning code may impose additional location restrictions in its commercial and mixed-use districts.
View full North Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami | North Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning | Commercial/industrial districts per Miami 21 | - |
| Distance Requirements | 500+ feet from schools, churches | - |
| County Code | Miami-Dade §33-149.5 | - |
| Licensing | State MMTC license required | - |
| Security | Surveillance cameras and alarms required | Video surveillance and alarm required |
| State License | - | OMMU MMTC license required |
| School Buffer | - | 500 feet from schools required |
| Local Zoning | - | Must comply with Chapter 24 |
| Local Ban | - | City cannot ban dispensaries |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Miami FAQ
Where can medical marijuana dispensaries operate in Miami?
Dispensaries must be in commercial or industrial zoning districts and maintain distance buffers (typically 500+ feet) from schools, churches, and daycare centers. Both city and county zoning rules apply.
Can anyone open a dispensary in Miami?
No. Only state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) may operate dispensaries. The number of licenses is limited by the state, and local zoning compliance is also required.
North Miami FAQ
Can North Miami ban medical marijuana dispensaries?
No. Under Florida's medical marijuana preemption framework, municipalities cannot ban MMTC dispensaries but may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions through local zoning regulations, including location requirements and hours of operation.
What zoning districts allow dispensaries in North Miami?
Dispensaries must be located in zoning districts that permit retail or commercial uses under North Miami's Code Chapter 24. Contact Community Development at (305) 895-9825 to confirm which districts currently allow dispensary uses.
How close can a dispensary be to a school in North Miami?
Florida Statute 381.986 requires a minimum 500-foot buffer between any MMTC dispensary and the nearest property line of a public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school. North Miami may impose additional setbacks.
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