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Tiny homes are effectively prohibited as standalone dwelling units in Coral Gables residential districts. The city's strict zoning code, minimum lot and building size requirements, and Board of Architects aesthetic review standards create significant barriers to tiny home construction. Accessory dwelling units are regulated separately under the ADU provisions of the zoning code.
Coral Gables requires building permits and Board of Architects approval for all sheds and storage structures. Sheds must be architecturally compatible with the principal residence, meet HVHZ wind load standards, and comply with zoning setback requirements enforced by Development Services.
Coral Gables requires pool barriers under Zoning Code Section 5-108 and Florida Statutes 515.29. Unless entirely screened, pools must have a four-foot protective wall or fence. All barriers require Board of Architects approval and must comply with Section 5-400 wall and fence standards.
All fence and wall construction in Coral Gables requires a building permit and Board of Architects approval before work begins. The Board reviews design, materials, height, and compatibility with the city's Mediterranean architectural character. Applications go through Development Services with required plans and specifications.
Coral Gables limits front yard fences and walls to 4 feet maximum from established grade. The Board of Architects may grant up to 12 additional inches to account for topography. Wing walls extending from buildings may exceed 4 feet with Board approval. All fence and wall projects require Board of Architects design review.
Coral Gables strictly regulates fence and wall materials to preserve its Mediterranean architectural character. Permitted masonry materials include coral rock, stuccoed concrete block, and specific brick types. Wire fences allow aluminum, galvanized steel, or vinyl-coated chain link in approved colors. Wood picket fences are restricted to specific neighborhoods.
Coral Gables regulates retaining walls under the Zoning Code wall and fence provisions (Section 5-400) and building code requirements. Retaining walls require building permits, Board of Architects approval for visible portions, and engineering certification for walls exceeding four feet in height.
Florida has no shared fence cost statute. FL §823.11 prohibits spite fences. Each property owner responsible for their own fence.
Coral Gables requires all residential swimming pools to have approved safety barriers meeting both Florida Building Code Section 424.2.17 and Zoning Code Section 5-108. Barriers must be at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Pools cannot be filled until barriers are permitted, installed, inspected, and approved.
Coral Gables enforces strict pool safety under Florida Statutes 515.27-515.35 and Zoning Code Section 5-108. All residential pools require at least one approved safety feature and a protective barrier. The Board of Architects reviews pool enclosures visible from streets, and all construction must meet HVHZ wind load standards.
Coral Gables requires building permits for all swimming pool construction with Board of Architects approval for exterior work. Pools cannot be filled with water until an approved safety barrier is permitted, erected, inspected, and approved per Zoning Code Section 5-108 and the Florida Building Code. Pool location must comply with setback requirements.
Above-ground pools in Coral Gables require a building permit and Board of Architects approval for any visible installation. All pools deeper than 24 inches must have a safety barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates per Florida Building Code Chapter 45 and Florida Statute 515. The pool cannot be filled until the barrier passes inspection.
Hot tubs and spas in Coral Gables must comply with Florida Building Code barrier requirements. A lockable ASTM F1346-compliant safety cover may serve as an alternative to a full barrier enclosure. Electrical installation requires a separate permit with GFCI protection. Drainage must not discharge into the stormwater system.
Coral Gables enforces strict noise standards under Chapter 34, Article VI of the City Code. Music, radio programming, and sound-producing devices that exceed 60 dB or 10 dB over ambient noise are prohibited. The City Beautiful maintains rigorous quality-of-life standards through active Code Enforcement patrols and complaint-driven enforcement.
Barking dogs in Coral Gables fall under Miami-Dade County Ordinance 21-28(c), which prohibits animal noise audible at 100 feet from the source. Police officers who hear barking upon responding can immediately issue a $100 fine. Coral Gables also enforces its own Chapter 10 animal nuisance provisions through Code Enforcement.
Coral Gables regulates leaf blowers and landscaping equipment noise under Chapter 34, Article VI. Equipment must comply with the 60 dB or 10 dB over ambient noise standard. Landscaping equipment operation follows the same construction hour restrictions, with weekday use permitted 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and limited Saturday hours.
Coral Gables residents near Miami International Airport experience aircraft noise managed by Miami-Dade Aviation Department's Noise Abatement Office. The city's noise ordinance (Chapter 34, Article VI) addresses general noise nuisances, while aircraft operations are federally regulated by the FAA with local coordination through the county.
Coral Gables imposes strict construction hour limits with no Sunday or holiday work permitted. Weekday construction runs 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. Saturday exterior construction in residential areas or within 100 feet of residential zones is prohibited entirely, with interior work limited to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Coral Gables regulates industrial and commercial noise under Chapter 34, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances. The city restricts loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that affects residents, with music and amplified sound limited to 60 dB or 10 dB over ambient noise levels at property boundaries.
Coral Gables regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. FL §877.03 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
Outdoor burning in Coral Gables is heavily restricted under both Florida DEP regulations and local ordinances. Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited within urban areas of Miami-Dade County. Recreational fire pits and grills are permitted with safety precautions but must not create a nuisance or fire hazard.
Fireworks in Coral Gables are governed by Florida Statute Chapter 791, which permits consumer fireworks on designated holidays including July 4th, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Local ordinances predating the 2020 state law may impose additional restrictions. Professional displays require permits from the Coral Gables Fire Department.
Coral Gables has no designated wildfire zones due to its fully urbanized environment and tropical landscape. The city's fire prevention focus is on structural fire safety, hurricane preparedness, and the Florida Fire Prevention Code rather than wildland-urban interface fire mitigation.
Coral Gables requires property owners to maintain vegetation to prevent fire hazards and hurricane damage. The city's dense tropical canopy and location in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone make brush management critical. Property owners must keep trees trimmed, remove dead vegetation, and maintain clear access for emergency vehicles.
Coral Gables enforces Florida Building Code, Residential Section R314 (smoke alarms) and the Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1 / NFPA 72). New construction and any permitted alteration, repair, or addition must install UL 217-listed alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story, hardwired with battery backup and interconnected. F.S. 553.883 requires battery-only replacement alarms in existing 1-2 family homes to use sealed 10-year batteries.
Fire pits in Coral Gables must comply with Miami-Dade County recreational fire rules (max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height). Permanent fire features require building permits and Board of Architects review. HVHZ construction standards apply to all permanent outdoor fire features.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue enforces NFPA 58 and the Florida Fire Prevention Code on propane tank storage, capping the amount of liquefied petroleum gas residents may keep on a single-family lot and regulating tank placement near buildings.
Short-term rentals are largely prohibited in Coral Gables residential districts, making dedicated STR parking rules moot for most properties. Where permitted in commercial zones, parking must comply with the Zoning Code off-street parking requirements. The City enforces residential parking restrictions through its Residential Permit Parking Program.
Coral Gables prohibits short-term rentals in all residential districts, making occupancy limits effectively zero for residential STR operations. Rentals under six months are banned in single-family residential districts under a pre-2011 ordinance grandfathered from Florida's preemption statute.
Short-term rentals in Coral Gables single-family residential districts are prohibited under the Zoning Code. Where permitted in commercial and mixed-use zones, operators must collect Florida sales tax (6%), Miami-Dade tourist development tax (6%), and Miami-Dade convention tax (2%), totaling approximately 14% in taxes on rental income.
Coral Gables prohibits short-term rentals in residential districts, so residential STR insurance requirements are moot. For legally operating STRs in commercial zones, Florida law requires public lodging establishment licensure which carries mandatory insurance and liability requirements.
Coral Gables prohibits short-term rentals (less than 6 months) in all single-family residential districts under Zoning Code Section 4-101 and Article 8. Overnight accommodations are only permitted in Mixed-Use, Commercial-Limited, Commercial, and Industrial districts. The pre-2011 zoning prohibition is grandfathered under F.S. 509.032(7)(b). Operators in permitted districts still need a DBPR vacation rental license, Miami-Dade Certificate of Use, City Business Tax Receipt, and a Florida Department of Revenue tourist tax account.
Coral Gables does not impose a per-year night cap because short-term rentals (any term under 6 months) are entirely prohibited in Single-Family Residential districts under Zoning Code Section 4-101. The pre-2011 outright prohibition is grandfathered from the F.S. 509.032(7)(b) preemption that blocks new local duration/frequency limits. In permitted Mixed-Use and Commercial districts, overnight accommodations may operate year-round with no rental-night cap, subject to DBPR licensing.
Coral Gables effectively prohibits short-term rentals in Single-Family Residential Districts (SFRD). The city's SFRD ordinance predates June 1, 2011, exempting it from Florida's STR preemption law. STRs are only permitted in Mixed-Use, Industrial, and Commercial zones with full licensing.
Coral Gables STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Cities can regulate STR noise even though they cannot ban rentals. Complaints can trigger registration review.
Miami-Dade does not impose a countywide primary-residence requirement on short-term rentals, but Florida statute §509.032 and Ord. 14-77 limit the county's ability to ban non-owner-occupied rentals where zoning otherwise permits transient use.
Miami-Dade Ordinance 14-77 does not require host presence during short-term rental stays in unincorporated areas, but absentee whole-home rentals in single-family residential zones are sharply restricted by zoning compatibility rules.
Under Miami-Dade Chapter 8CC, repeat short-term-rental violations trigger escalating civil fines and potential revocation of the property's STR registration, with each subsequent offense carrying multiplied penalties up to several thousand dollars per occurrence.
Florida HB 1011 (2024) and Miami-Dade Ordinance 14-77 require Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar platforms to verify host registration numbers, collect and remit taxes where contracted, and remove listings the county identifies as unlicensed or revoked.
Coral Gables enforces strict property maintenance standards as part of its City Beautiful identity. Overgrown grass and unmaintained lawns are among the most common code enforcement violations. Property owners must maintain lawns at a reasonable height and keep all landscaped areas free of dead vegetation and debris.
Coral Gables requires all properties to remain free of weeds, overgrown vegetation, and unkempt landscaping as part of its City Beautiful standards. Code Enforcement actively patrols for property maintenance violations and responds to complaints seven days a week. Unmaintained properties face escalating fines and city abatement at the owner's expense.
Coral Gables has one of South Florida's strictest tree protection ordinances under Chapter 82. Permits are required for removal, relocation, or major pruning (branches over 10 inches diameter) of protected trees. Specimen trees 18 inches DBH or larger require arborist reports and mitigation plans. Trees 24 inches DBH or larger require double mitigation.
Coral Gables permits residential composting consistent with Florida's support for organic waste reduction. Compost bins must be maintained to avoid nuisance conditions including odor, vermin attraction, and visual blight, and should comply with the city's property maintenance standards.
Coral Gables has strong tree canopy protection under Chapter 82 (Vegetation) requiring permits for removal of any protected tree. Specimen trees at 18 inches DBH or larger require arborist reports, and trees at 24 inches DBH require double mitigation. The city tree trust fund charges $1,500 per 500 sq ft of canopy deficit.
Coral Gables restricts artificial turf installation through its landscaping standards and Board of Architects review. Synthetic turf is generally discouraged in front yards and limited to no more than 20% of total non-hardscape land area, reflecting the city's strong emphasis on natural landscape character.
Coral Gables encourages native plant use through its landscaping standards and Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles. The city requires minimum native plant percentages for new development projects and strongly protects existing native tree canopy including banyans, oaks, and royal palms under Chapter 82.
Coral Gables permits rainwater harvesting on residential properties consistent with Florida Statutes Section 373.185 which encourages water conservation through Florida-Friendly landscaping. Rain barrels and cisterns are allowed but must comply with aesthetic standards and Board of Architects visibility requirements.
Coral Gables follows water management district restrictions. Watering days and times designated. FL §373.185 protects Florida-Friendly Landscaping rights.
Coral Gables manages street parking through posted time limits, metered zones in commercial areas, and the Residential Permit Parking Program. On-street parking is regulated under Chapter 74 of the City Code. The Parking Department oversees city-owned lots, garages, and metered spaces throughout the downtown and commercial corridors.
Coral Gables enforces abandoned vehicle removal under Chapter 74 of the Code of Ordinances and Florida Statutes Chapter 715. Vehicles left on public streets or private property without authorization are subject to tagging, towing, and impoundment through the city's wrecker service program.
Coral Gables amended its Zoning Code to require 2% of off-street parking spaces be dedicated to EV charging stations for developments with 20 or more parking spaces. Residential multi-family and mixed-use projects with 20 or more units must also provide EV charging infrastructure.
Coral Gables regulates overnight street parking through Chapter 74 of the Code of Ordinances and the Parking and Mobility Services Department. Residential permit parking zones restrict overnight parking to permitted residents, and some areas have time-limited parking restrictions enforced around the clock.
Coral Gables prohibits overnight parking of trucks and commercial vehicles in residential areas except in enclosed garages. Vehicles displaying advertising signs, trailers, and recreational vehicles are banned from residential street and driveway parking under Zoning Code Sections 4-411 and 8-11/8-12.
Coral Gables enforces strict driveway standards as part of its Mediterranean architectural character. All vehicular use areas must have proper driveway connections to streets or alleys. Vehicles may only park on approved paved surfaces, and parking on grass, unpaved areas, or swales is prohibited throughout the city.
Coral Gables Zoning Code Section 4-411 prohibits parking recreational vehicles, trailers, and commercial vehicles in residential districts. The City Beautiful's strict aesthetic standards make RV and boat storage in residential areas particularly restricted.
Beekeeping in Coral Gables is governed by Florida Statute Section 586 and Miami-Dade County regulations. State law preempts local governments from banning beekeeping on residential property but allows reasonable best management practice requirements. Beekeepers must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and follow state-mandated hive management standards.
Coral Gables prohibits keeping wild animals within city limits under Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances. Exemptions apply only to zoos, pet shops, medical institutions, and licensed facilities. Florida FWC regulations also govern possession of captive wildlife statewide.
Coral Gables regulates animal accumulation under Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances and nuisance provisions. While no specific hoarding ordinance exists, excessive numbers of animals creating sanitation, noise, or health hazards are addressed through code enforcement and Miami-Dade Animal Services coordination.
Coral Gables explicitly prohibits feeding pigeons and wildlife under Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances. It is unlawful to feed, keep, maintain, water, or otherwise contribute to pigeons within the city. Additional restrictions apply to feeding wildlife that creates nuisance conditions.
Coral Gables follows the countywide pit bull ban repeal (October 2023). FL section 767.14 preempts breed-specific legislation. Behavior-based dangerous dog standards apply. Active animal control enforcement.
Coral Gables requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Rabies vaccination required statewide under FL §828.30. License per city.
Coral Gables restricts chickens and livestock in residential areas. The City Beautiful aesthetic standards discourage visible farm animals. Limited backyard hens may be permitted with conditions. Roosters prohibited.
Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 requires that all dogs and cats adopted from Animal Services be sterilized before release, and unsterilized pets must carry an annual unaltered-animal license through the Animal Services Department.
Miami-Dade County requires dogs and cats to be microchipped as part of pet licensing under Chapter 5, and Animal Services uses chips to return strays to owners and reduce shelter intake countywide.
Miami-Dade County Chapter 5 restricts retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats sourced from commercial breeders, steering buyers toward shelters, rescues, and humane sources to curb puppy-mill supply chains.
Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 caps the number of dogs and cats that may be kept at a residence in unincorporated areas, with stricter limits for multifamily dwellings and a hobby-kennel permit option for owners exceeding the threshold.
Miami-Dade County licenses owned cats under Chapter 5 and operates a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return community-cat program for outdoor colonies, balancing humane management with public-health rabies vaccination requirements.
Miami-Dade County protects native and migratory birds through the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Florida nongame rules, with extra county safeguards for nesting wading birds, burrowing owls, and shoreline rookeries.
Miami-Dade County does not run a coyote trapping program; under Florida wildlife rules, residents are encouraged to haze coyotes, secure pets and trash, and report aggressive animals to Animal Services and FWC.
Coral Gables restricts customer traffic to home-based businesses in residential districts. Home occupations must remain incidental to the primary residential use with no visible indication of business activity. Regular customer visits, deliveries, or employee traffic that disrupts the residential character may trigger Code Enforcement action.
Coral Gables regulates home-based businesses through its Zoning Code, requiring a Certificate of Use from Development Services. Home occupations in residential districts must be incidental to the primary residential use with no external evidence of business activity. A local Business Tax Receipt from both the City and Miami-Dade County is required.
Coral Gables cottage food operations are governed by Florida Statutes Section 500.80, which exempts small-scale home food producers from state licensing if annual gross sales do not exceed $250,000. Local zoning compliance is required, and operations must not create traffic, noise, or nuisance impacts.
Family day care homes are a permitted use in Coral Gables single-family residential districts under Zoning Code Section 4-101, but operators must obtain a city Business Tax Receipt, comply with Florida DCF licensing requirements, and meet all applicable fire safety and zoning standards. Large family child care homes serving 6-12 children require additional county and state approvals.
Coral Gables has among the strictest signage regulations in South Florida under Zoning Code Section 11-109. Business signs in residential districts are effectively prohibited. Temporary noncommercial signs are limited to one per property, maximum 22 by 28 inches, and must be set back 5 feet from property lines and the public right-of-way.
All construction sites in Coral Gables must implement erosion and sediment control measures as required by the city's Public Works permit process and the Florida NPDES Construction Generic Permit. Silt fencing, sediment basins, and berms must be installed before ground disturbance begins. The Florida DEP Stormwater Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspector certification program governs inspection standards.
Coral Gables operates a stormwater drainage system managed by the Public Works Utilities Division that connects to the Miami-Dade County system. The city holds an NPDES stormwater permit requiring strict discharge controls. Construction sites must implement erosion and sediment controls, and all development must manage stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and water quality degradation.
Coastal development in Coral Gables is regulated through FEMA flood zone requirements, the Florida Building Code High-Velocity Hurricane Zone provisions, and Miami-Dade County coastal construction setback lines. Properties near Biscayne Bay, the Coral Gables Waterway, and canals face additional elevation and construction requirements.
Coral Gables has significant flood zone areas mapped by FEMA, particularly near Biscayne Bay, the Coral Gables Waterway, and the city's canal system. New construction and substantial improvements in flood zones must be elevated to the base flood elevation. The city participates in the NFIP and Community Rating System, and Flood Elevation Certificates are required for all regulated construction.
Grading and drainage modifications in Coral Gables require a Public Works permit. All site grading must maintain positive drainage away from structures and not redirect stormwater onto neighboring properties. The city's high water table and near-sea-level elevation require careful drainage design to prevent flooding and groundwater impacts.
Miami-Dade appointed the first US Chief Heat Officer in 2021 and adopted an Extreme Heat Action Plan addressing outdoor workers, cooling centers, tree canopy, and cool surfaces across the county.
Miami-Dade GreenPrint sustainability plan and Administrative Order 3-37 direct departments to favor environmentally preferable products, recycled content, and energy-efficient equipment in county purchases.
Miami-Dade adopted a 2022 Climate Action Strategy and Sea Level Rise Strategy, requiring departments to integrate climate adaptation into capital planning and building decisions countywide.
Miami-Dade limits unnecessary engine idling at Port Miami, Miami International Airport, and county fleet yards under air quality and operating policies, though no countywide idling ordinance applies to private vehicles.
Roof replacements in unincorporated Miami-Dade follow Florida Building Code reflectance requirements for low-slope commercial roofs, supporting heat-island goals while complying with HVHZ wind standards.
Coral Gables heavily restricts where food trucks may operate to protect the historic character of the community and established restaurants. The downtown Miracle Mile corridor and most residential areas are restricted. Food trucks are generally limited to approved special event locations and private property with owner authorization.
Food trucks in Coral Gables face heavy regulation. While Florida law (effective 2020) prevents cities from requiring a local business license beyond the state license, Coral Gables regulates food truck locations, hours, and aesthetics through its zoning code. The Board of Architects aesthetic standards apply. Operations in the public right-of-way are restricted.
Commercial drone operations in Coral Gables require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification and LAANC authorization for the controlled airspace near Miami International Airport. The city requires permits for commercial aerial filming. The Board of Architects may review aerial operations near historic structures.
Florida preempts most local drone regulation under the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, but Coral Gables restricts drone use on city property including parks. Much of Coral Gables falls within controlled airspace near Miami International Airport, requiring FAA LAANC authorization before flying. Recreational operators must follow all FAA rules.
Coral Gables regulates door-to-door soliciting and peddling through its Code of Ordinances. Solicitors must obtain a permit from the city before conducting door-to-door sales or charitable solicitation. Permits require identification, background check, and payment of applicable fees. Soliciting hours are restricted.
Coral Gables honors no-solicitation signs posted at residences. Solicitors who ignore posted signs face code violations and potential criminal trespass charges. The city maintains a no-solicitation registry. Religious and political canvassing receives First Amendment protection but must respect time and manner restrictions.
Coral Gables provides backyard garbage collection twice weekly and curbside trash (yard debris/household items) once weekly for single-family homes. Garbage must be in sealed bags not exceeding 50 pounds in city-approved 30-gallon cans. Maximum two cans per residence. Multi-family properties use Waste Management dumpster service.
Coral Gables enforces strict container placement rules. Garbage cans must be stored on the side of the home, out of sight from the street. Cans cannot be placed in the swale, driveway, or front yard. Yard debris goes in the swale/trash pit; household items only after 6:00 PM the night before collection.
Coral Gables provides single-stream backyard recycling pickup once weekly. The city achieves an 8% contamination rate versus the 35-40% national average. Accepted materials include plastic bottles, paper, glass, cardboard, and aluminum/steel cans. Items must be clean, dry, empty, and loose — no plastic bags.
Coral Gables charges $50 per bulk item for pickup of furniture and large household items. Items must be placed out after 6:00 PM the night before collection. Appliances require advance scheduling. Up to 1 cubic yard of standard trash is free; excess costs $15 per cubic yard. Construction debris is not accepted.
Rental property owners in Coral Gables must obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to operate rental units. All rental properties are subject to city code compliance inspections. Short-term rentals are restricted in residential zoning districts under the city's zoning code.
Florida preempts local rent control under Statute 166.043. Coral Gables cannot impose rent caps or limit rent increases. Landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies. No local rent stabilization ordinance exists.
Coral Gables does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. All evictions follow the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (FL Statute Chapter 83). Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice without stating a reason. Fixed-term leases end at expiration.
Miami-Dade landlords must follow Florida Statute §83.49, which requires written notice of how the deposit is held, return within 15 days if no claim is made, and a 30-day claim notice if deductions apply. The county adds no extra rules.
Miami-Dade does not require landlord-funded relocation assistance for ordinary lease terminations, but tenants displaced by code condemnation, demolition, or government acquisition may receive Uniform Relocation Act benefits or county housing assistance through Public Housing and Community Development.
Florida permits no-fault evictions at the end of a lease term or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies. Miami-Dade has not enacted just-cause eviction protections, and Florida §125.0103 limits county authority to constrain landlord termination rights.
Miami-Dade Chapter 11A bars landlords from refusing to rent based on the tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Security, veterans benefits, and other government assistance. Enforcement runs through the Commission on Human Rights.
Florida §83.67 prohibits landlord retaliation, lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of tenant property. Miami-Dade has no separate tenant-anti-harassment ordinance, but the county human rights ordinance Ch. 11A protects against discriminatory housing harassment.
Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development administers approximately 19,000 Housing Choice Vouchers. Chapter 11A protects voucher holders from landlord discrimination, and PHCD pays the housing assistance payment directly to landlords each month.
Miami-Dade enforced state and federal COVID-19 eviction moratoria from March 2020 through August 2021. The CDC moratorium was struck down by the Supreme Court, and Florida ended its emergency protections. No local moratorium currently exists in the county.
Coral Gables limits lot coverage to preserve green space and neighborhood character. The main structure cannot exceed 35% of the lot area. Total coverage including accessory structures cannot exceed 45%. A sliding scale applies for larger lots: 48% for the first 5,000 sq ft, 35% for the next 5,000, and 30% for the remainder.
Coral Gables enforces strict building height limits to preserve its historic character. Single-family homes are generally limited to two stories or 33 feet. The Mediterranean architectural style is strongly encouraged. Multi-family and commercial heights vary by zoning district. All projects require Board of Architects design review.
Coral Gables enforces setback requirements through its Zoning Code, which varies by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically require front setbacks of 25 feet (or matching the established building line), side setbacks of 7.5 feet minimum (aggregate 15 feet), and rear setbacks of 15-20 feet. All construction requires Board of Architects approval.
Coral Gables requires a tree removal permit before removing any tree on public or private property that meets size thresholds. Chapter 82, Article II of the Code of Ordinances governs tree protection. A tree survey is required with permit applications. The city tree preservation agency must approve all removals, relocations, and replacements within 10 working days.
Coral Gables has a strong heritage tree program protecting significant trees including the city's iconic banyan trees. Heritage and specimen trees receive the highest level of protection under Chapter 82 of the Code of Ordinances. Removal of heritage trees is rarely approved and requires extensive mitigation including replacement plantings and Tree Trust Fund contributions.
Coral Gables requires tree replacement for all permitted removals under Chapter 82. Applicants must submit a site plan showing proposed replacement locations. If the site cannot accommodate required replacement trees, the applicant must contribute to the city Tree Trust Fund. Replacement ratios increase for larger and more significant trees.
Miami-Dade Code Chapter 24 §24-49 protects mangroves, native specimen trees, and heritage trees countywide, requiring DERM permits for trimming or removal, with strict penalties for unauthorized cutting.
Coral Gables limits garage sales to no more than two per property per calendar year. Only one garage sale is permitted within any 30-day period. Each sale may run for a maximum of two consecutive days. These limits are strictly enforced through the permit system.
Coral Gables garage sales are restricted to reasonable daytime hours as specified on the permit. Sales typically must operate between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. All items must be cleared from outdoor display by the end of the permitted time. Setup before permitted hours and teardown after hours must be brief.
Coral Gables requires a permit for all garage sales. The Garage Sale Permit Application must be obtained from the city before conducting any residential sale. Code Enforcement Officers may enter the property during the sale to verify compliance. The city's strict residential character standards apply to all garage sale operations.
Florida Statute 163.04 prohibits HOAs and deed restrictions from outright banning solar panels, but Coral Gables' Board of Architects may impose aesthetic requirements on installations. HOAs may establish reasonable rules regarding placement and appearance but cannot prevent solar installations entirely. The Board of Architects functions as the city's architectural review authority.
Solar panel installations in Coral Gables require both Board of Architects approval and building/electrical permits. Panels on flat roofs must be screened by parapets from public view. Panels on pitched roofs require Board approval and must minimize visual contrast. Battery storage must be screened from street view with walls or landscaping.
Political signs in Coral Gables are limited to a maximum of three per property or tenant space, must not exceed 22 by 28 inches, and cannot be placed on vacant lots, utility poles, trees, swales, sidewalks, or public right-of-way. The city's sign code in Zoning Code Section 11-109 regulates all signage with First Amendment considerations.
Holiday displays in Coral Gables are subject to the city's aesthetic standards enforced through Code Enforcement. While seasonal decorations are generally permitted, they must be temporary, well-maintained, and removed within a reasonable time after the holiday. Excessive or unsightly displays may trigger Code Enforcement action in this aesthetically regulated community.
Coral Gables allows only one garage sale sign on the premises during a permitted garage sale. The sign must be smaller than 40 inches and cannot be placed more than 5 feet from the property line. Off-site signs, signs on utility poles, and signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited. A $31 garage sale permit is required.
Coral Gables enforces strict property maintenance standards requiring trash bins and containers to be stored out of public view except during collection hours. Properties must be kept free of accumulated trash, debris, and discarded items. The city's Code Enforcement Division actively monitors compliance with property appearance standards.
Garage sales in Coral Gables require a $31 permit ($30 fee plus $1 filing fee). Each household is limited to two garage sales per calendar year, no closer than 30 days apart. Sales are restricted to two consecutive days between 9 AM and 5 PM. Only personal household items may be sold, and one on-premises sign under 40 inches is allowed.
Vacant lots in Coral Gables must be maintained free of overgrown vegetation, weeds, trash, debris, and standing water. The city enforces strict maintenance standards on vacant properties and may abate nuisance conditions at the owner's expense. Vacant lots are subject to the same aesthetic standards as developed properties under the city's Code Enforcement program.
Coral Gables aggressively enforces property maintenance standards to prevent blight. Properties must be kept free of weeds, overgrown vegetation, trash, junk, debris, and discarded items. The city's abandoned property registration ordinance under Section 34-165 requires mortgagees to register and maintain foreclosed or defaulted properties. Code Enforcement can issue citations and refer violations to the Code Enforcement Board.
Coral Gables addresses light trespass through its zoning code provisions and nuisance ordinance. Outdoor lighting must not create glare or excessive illumination that spills onto neighboring properties. The Board of Architects reviews exterior lighting designs, and Code Enforcement investigates complaints about nuisance lighting. Florida common law also provides remedies for light pollution as a nuisance.
While Coral Gables does not have a dedicated dark sky ordinance, outdoor lighting is regulated through the zoning code, Board of Architects review, and Florida's sea turtle lighting protection requirements. Exterior lighting on new construction and renovations requires Board of Architects approval. Lighting must be compatible with the building's architecture and not create glare or light pollution affecting neighboring properties.
Cannabis dispensaries are heavily restricted in Coral Gables through strict local zoning regulations. Miami-Dade County Ordinance 16-67 establishes the zoning framework for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, but Coral Gables' zoning code further limits where dispensaries may operate. State preemption under Senate Bill 8-A limits some local zoning authority over licensed MMTCs.
Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Florida. Florida law does not permit patients or caregivers to grow marijuana at home, even with a valid medical marijuana card. All medical cannabis must be purchased from a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC). Coral Gables enforces state law and may impose additional local penalties.
Florida preempts most local cannabis regulation under FL §381.986. Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers must locate at least 500 feet from public or private elementary, middle, or secondary schools. Miami-Dade applies pharmacy zoning to dispensaries since the state bars stricter local rules.
Florida MMTCs may deliver medical marijuana directly to qualified patients and caregivers anywhere in the state under FL §381.986 and OMMU rules. Miami-Dade cannot prohibit deliveries. Patients must hold a valid Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID; deliveries are tracked end-to-end by the state.
Florida bans home cultivation of cannabis for any purpose. Even registered medical marijuana patients cannot grow plants at home under FL §381.986. Cultivation is a felony under FL §893.13 with sentence enhancements for proximity to schools. Miami-Dade cannot legalize home grows.
Miami-Dade treats Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers as pharmacies under FL §381.986 pharmacy parity. Retail dispensing is allowed in commercial and business zones where pharmacies operate. Cultivation and processing are allowed in industrial and agricultural districts subject to standard zoning.
Coral Gables parks are generally open from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances governs community recreation facilities. Some parks with athletic lighting may have extended hours for permitted activities. Unauthorized presence after hours is a trespass violation.
Coral Gables enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Miami-Dade County’s Building Department enforces Florida Statutes Chapter 399 and ASME A17.1 elevator standards, requiring annual inspections, certified mechanics, and posted certificates in all multifamily, commercial, and public buildings.
Miami-Dade County enforces the Florida Fire Prevention Code and Florida Building Code through the Building Department and MDFR, requiring sprinklers in most new commercial buildings, high-rises, and many multifamily projects countywide.
Miami-Dade County requires construction scaffolds and sidewalk sheds to be permitted under Chapter 8A and the Florida Building Code, with engineered design, hurricane wind ratings, and OSHA worker-safety compliance for all multistory projects.
Miami-Dade landlords and sellers of pre-1978 housing must follow federal Title X lead-paint disclosure rules, and the Florida Department of Health Miami-Dade office responds to elevated child blood-lead cases with home assessments.
Miami-Dade landlords and homeowners must keep buildings free of termites, rodents, and roaches under Chapter 8A property-maintenance rules, and the Florida Department of Health Miami-Dade office investigates serious pest-related health hazards.
Miami-Dade County encourages green construction through its Resilient305 strategy and offers expedited permitting and incentives for projects meeting LEED, Florida Green Building Coalition, or county sea-level-rise standards alongside the post-Andrew building code.
Miami-Dade childcare centers must satisfy Florida Building Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and DCF licensing standards, with extra county zoning and inspection oversight to protect children in classroom and outdoor-play environments.
Florida HB 1365 (2024) prohibits sleeping or camping on public property statewide effective October 1, 2024. Miami-Dade enforces the ban, with citations and arrests possible after available shelter beds are offered through Camillus House and the Homeless Trust outreach team.
Miami-Dade conducts encampment sanitation through the Homeless Trust and MDPD homeless outreach. Sweeps offer shelter at Camillus House, Chapman Partnership, or Lotus House, then remove abandoned property after a 24-hour notice and store personal items for retrieval.
Miami-Dade's Continuum of Care provides bridge and transitional housing through Camillus House, Chapman Partnership, Lotus House, and Salvation Army. The Homeless Trust funds approximately 9,000 emergency, transitional, and rapid-rehousing beds annually using its food and beverage tax revenue.
Florida licenses food establishments through DBPR (most restaurants) and FDACS (groceries). FDOH-Miami-Dade handles institutional kitchens, schools, and complaints. Florida does not issue letter grades, but inspection reports are public and posted online by establishment.
Miami-Dade Code Chapter 8B addresses property maintenance and nuisances, including rodent harborage. Owners must keep premises free of conditions attracting rats. Mosquito Control District also handles vector inspections. Violations are enforced by Code Compliance with civil fines under Chapter 8CC.
Florida lacks a specific bed bug statute, but landlords must maintain habitable rental units under FL §83.51. Miami-Dade Code Compliance enforces minimum housing standards under Chapter 17. Tenants can demand treatment in writing and withhold rent only after statutory notice procedures.
Florida law treats household sharps as solid waste but encourages safe containment. Miami-Dade Solid Waste accepts sharps in rigid puncture-resistant containers at home-chemistry collection events. The IDEA Exchange in Miami operates Florida's first syringe services program under FL §381.0038.
Florida requires every DBPR-licensed restaurant to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) and all employees trained in food handler basics within 60 days of hire. Certification follows ANSI-CFP accredited courses such as ServSafe and is valid five years.
Florida Statute §877.112 raised the legal sales age for tobacco and nicotine products to 21 in 2021, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 law. Miami-Dade enforces ID verification at retail. Sales to anyone under 21, including military personnel, are prohibited; the prior military exemption no longer applies.
Florida §877.111, enacted in 2022, expressly preempts local governments from banning or restricting the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products. Miami-Dade cannot prohibit menthol cigarettes, flavored vape pods, or flavored cigars. Federal FDA flavor rules continue to apply to cartridge-based e-cigarettes.
Florida requires retailers to hold a Tobacco Products Permit issued by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. Miami-Dade Code Chapter 17B regulates cigarette and vape vending machines, prohibiting placement where minors have unsupervised access. Local zoning controls smoke-shop and vape-shop locations.
Florida §500.90 preempts local bans on polystyrene foam containers in private commerce. Miami-Dade cannot ban Styrofoam at private restaurants. The county does prohibit polystyrene at county facilities, parks, and beaches under Resolution R-578-15, which courts have upheld as proprietary action.
Florida Statute §403.7033 preempts all local regulation of disposable plastic bags. Miami-Dade and its cities cannot ban or tax single-use plastic bags. Miami Beach passed a bag ban in 2018 that was struck down. Retailers may voluntarily adopt reusable-bag programs.
Florida HB 771 (2019) imposed a moratorium on local plastic straw bans, later effectively continued. Miami-Dade restricts plastic straws only at county-owned beaches, parks, and facilities under proprietary authority. Private restaurants countywide may freely provide plastic straws.
Miami-Dade enforces a year-round two-day-per-week irrigation schedule under Code Chapter 32 and South Florida Water Management District rules, restricting lawn watering to designated days and hours.
WASD offers conservation rebates for replacing high-water-use turf with Florida-friendly landscaping, micro-irrigation, and rain sensors in unincorporated Miami-Dade and participating cities.
WASD operates a reclaimed water program serving select irrigation customers and is investing in advanced treatment to recharge the Biscayne Aquifer, reducing reliance on potable water.
Miami-Dade WASD customers can request a one-time leak adjustment on their water bill after repairing a documented leak, with proof of repair and a six-month consumption history.
The Miami-Dade Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) sets long-range land use, infrastructure, and growth policy for unincorporated areas, guiding zoning decisions and amendments under Chapter 33.
Miami-Dade Code Chapter 33C designates Rapid Transit Zones along Metrorail and SMART Plan corridors, allowing higher density mixed-use development near stations under county-controlled standards.
Miami-Dade Code Chapter 33 §33-193.7 offers density bonuses to developers in unincorporated areas who provide workforce housing units affordable to households earning 65 to 140 percent of area median income.
Miami-Dade Complete Streets Design Guidelines and Resolution R-1009-14 require bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on county roadway projects, integrating with the SMART Plan and regional Bike305 network.
Shared electric scooter and bike programs in Miami-Dade operate under municipal pilot agreements; the county follows Florida Statute 316.2128 for personal scooters and prohibits sidewalk riding in business districts.
Tobacco and vape retailers in unincorporated Miami-Dade must hold a state Tobacco Products Permit and a county Local Business Tax Receipt. Florida preempts most flavor and product bans, but local zoning and age-verification still apply.
Secondhand dealers in Miami-Dade must register with the Sheriff under Florida Statute 538, hold a county Local Business Tax Receipt, and report all transactions daily to the LeadsOnline electronic database used by MDPD detectives.
Pawnbrokers operating in Miami-Dade need a state Florida Pawnbroking Act license under FL Statute 539.001, a county Local Business Tax Receipt, and must report every pledge to MDPD via LeadsOnline within 24 hours of the transaction.
Tow truck operators working in unincorporated Miami-Dade must obtain a Wrecker Operator Permit from the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources under Chapter 30A, and rates are capped on the county's published tow rate schedule.
Massage businesses in Miami-Dade need a state license from the Florida Board of Massage Therapy under FL Chapter 480, a county Local Business Tax Receipt, and must comply with anti-trafficking rules including posted hotline notices and ID checks.
Urinating or defecating in public view in unincorporated Miami-Dade is a misdemeanor under Chapter 21 disorderly-conduct provisions, with offenses on park property prosecuted under separate Park and Recreation rules in Chapter 26B.
Miami-Dade Chapter 21 bans aggressive solicitation, including blocking pedestrians, touching strangers, soliciting near ATMs, and approaching occupied vehicles in traffic. Passive panhandling remains protected speech under Florida and federal case law.
Miami-Dade bans smoking and vaping in all county parks and beaches under Chapter 26B, following Florida's 2022 Clean Indoor Air Act amendment that authorized local outdoor restrictions. Cigars are exempt at beaches per state law.
Loud parties in unincorporated Miami-Dade trigger Chapter 21 disorderly conduct enforcement and Chapter 8CC noise civil penalties. Hosts of repeat unruly gatherings face escalating fines and possible cost-recovery for officer response time.
Hotels and short-term rentals in Miami-Dade collect a combined 13 percent tax: 6 percent state sales tax, 4 percent Convention Development Tax, 3 percent Tourist Development Tax, and 2 percent Professional Sports Franchise Tax under Chapter 29.
Miami-Dade's Living Wage Ordinance (Chapter 2 §2-8.9, enacted 1999 as the first U.S. county living-wage law) requires direct county service contractors and airport and port concessionaires to pay above the state minimum, with rates indexed annually by the Inspector General.
Miami-Dade cannot set its own minimum wage above the Florida rate. The state Constitution Article X Section 24 fixes the floor at $14.84 in 2026, rising to $15 in September and indexed thereafter. Local minimum-wage ordinances are preempted.
Miami-Dade cannot mandate paid sick leave or predictable scheduling for private employers. House Bill 433 (2024) preempts all local employment benefits, hours, scheduling, and leave standards to the state, voiding any past or future county or city ordinances.
Florida Statute 509.032(7) and broader employment preemption framework prevent local governments from requiring private employers to follow predictive or fair-scheduling rules beyond state and federal law.
Miami-Dade is not a sanctuary jurisdiction. After being labeled a sanctuary 2013 to 2017, then-Mayor Carlos Gimenez ordered full ICE cooperation in January 2017. Florida Senate Bill 168 (2019) requires all Florida sheriffs to honor ICE detainer requests.
Florida Statute 448.095 requires every private employer with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm work authorization for new hires beginning July 1, 2023, with public agencies and contractors subject to broader requirements.
Miami-Dade County residents report code violations through the 311 Contact Center, online portal, or the Miami-Dade County mobile app. The Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) Department handles code enforcement for unincorporated areas. Municipalities handle their own incorporated areas.
Miami-Dade County code enforcement response times vary by violation type. Life-safety hazards receive priority response within 24 hours. Standard complaints are typically inspected within 7 to 14 business days. Property owners receive compliance deadlines of 10 to 30 days after notice.
The most common code violations in Miami-Dade County include unpermitted construction, overgrown lots and vegetation, illegal short-term rentals, commercial vehicles in residential areas, signage violations, and property maintenance deficiencies. Hurricane-damaged structures are an ongoing enforcement priority.
Miami-Dade County does not specifically ban bamboo but regulates invasive species under Chapter 18A (Landscape Code) and Chapter 18B (Right-of-Way Landscape). Running bamboo species can become invasive in South Florida's tropical climate. County prohibited plant lists focus on documented invasive species threatening native ecosystems.
Miami-Dade County maintains one of the strictest prohibited plant species programs in the U.S. It is illegal to sell, propagate, or plant certain invasive species under Chapter 18A. The list includes Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, carrotwood, and many others. Controlled species cannot be planted within 500 feet of native plant communities.
Miami-Dade County allows front yard gardens including vegetable gardens. Florida Statute §604.71 (2019) protects homeowners' right to grow vegetables on residential property, overriding HOA and local restrictions. The county's tropical climate supports year-round edible gardening.
Miami-Dade County follows Florida state law on security cameras. Homeowners may install cameras on their property without a permit. Florida Statute §810.145 prohibits video voyeurism. Cameras must not record areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Florida is a two-party (all-party) consent state under FL §934.03. Recording any conversation — in person or by phone — without the consent of all parties is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This is one of the strictest recording consent laws in the nation.
Miami-Dade County limits residential fences to 6 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards under the county zoning code. Chain-link fences require a Zoning Improvement Permit. All fences must meet the South Florida Building Code for hurricane wind resistance.
Miami-Dade County requires building permits for most sheds and accessory structures. Small utility sheds may qualify for exemption under specific conditions. All structures must meet the South Florida Building Code's 185 mph wind resistance standard.
Miami-Dade County requires permits for most fence installations. Chain-link fences need a Zoning Improvement Permit. The county introduced a streamlined stand-alone residential fence permit process in May 2024. All fences must meet the South Florida Building Code wind resistance standards.
Miami-Dade County requires building permits for most deck and covered patio construction. Wood decks 18 inches or less above ground are exempt. Open concrete patios, walkways, and pavers do not require a building permit. All elevated structures must meet 185 mph wind standards.
Miami-Dade County requires building permits for most renovation work. The South Florida Building Code's 185 mph wind standard applies to all structural modifications. Permit fees were revised effective October 1, 2025. Online permitting is available through the county portal.
Florida allows permitless concealed carry of firearms by law-abiding adults under FS 790.01 and continues to issue concealed weapon licenses through FS 790.06, with both regimes preempting local concealed-carry restrictions.
Florida Statute 790.33 expressly preempts the entire field of firearm and ammunition regulation to the state, voiding all local ordinances and imposing personal civil penalties on local officials who knowingly enact or enforce conflicting rules.
Florida Statute 790.053 generally bans the open carry of firearms by individuals, with limited exceptions for hunting, fishing, camping, target shooting, and lawful self-defense, and preempts any local variance.
Florida Statute 790.25(5) allows any law-abiding person 18 or older to possess a concealed firearm in a private vehicle for self-defense, provided the firearm is securely encased or not readily accessible for immediate use, regardless of any concealed-carry license.
Florida Statutes 823.14 and 163.3162 restrict local governments from adopting zoning rules that inhibit established farms on agriculturally classified land, preserving agricultural uses against incompatible local regulation.
Florida Statute 823.14, the Florida Right to Farm Act, protects established bona fide farm operations from nuisance suits and local ordinances that would inhibit standard agricultural practices conducted in good faith.