Miami-Dade County, FL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 33-11(g)
- Chain link/wire fences
- allowed in all districts
- Barbed wire/electric fences
- AU district only (limited exceptions)
- Screening material
- must stay properly maintained
- Scope
- unincorporated Miami-Dade (UMSA) only
Summary
In unincorporated Miami-Dade County, known as the UMSA, wire and chain link fences are allowed in every zoning district, but barbed wire and electrically charged fences are restricted to the AU agricultural district outside a public hearing.
Wire fences and chain link fences shall be allowed in all districts in accordance with the provisions of this section and except where otherwise prohibited by this chapter. ... Barbed wire fences and fences charged with electricity shall be permitted only in the AU Zoning District, except as may be approved after public hearing and except:(i)Barbed wire fences shall be permitted in the BU and IU Zones where such barbed wire is placed on an angle extension of not more than sixteen (16) inches on top of walls or fences at least six (6) feet in height.
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
Miami-Dade County Code Section 33-11(g) allows wire and chain link fencing in every zoning district within unincorporated Miami-Dade County, known as the UMSA, but confines barbed wire and electrically charged fences to the AU agricultural district unless approved at a public hearing. A limited exception lets BU and IU industrial-zoned properties add a short barbed-wire extension atop a six-foot wall or fence. Cloth, mesh, or fabric screening attached to a wire or chain link fence must be kept properly maintained; letting it deteriorate is itself a violation, separate from any building permit required for the fence.
Violations & Fines
Installing barbed wire or an electrically charged fence outside the AU district without a public hearing, or leaving screening material on a wire fence unmaintained, is a Section 33-11 violation subject to Chapter 8CC enforcement fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a chain link fence anywhere in unincorporated Miami-Dade?
Is barbed wire allowed on a residential fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida fence regulations overview
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