Before You Build in Miami, FL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Miami enforces Florida Building Code pool barrier requirements under Florida Statute 515 and Miami-Dade Code Section 33-12. All residential pools must have a minimum 48-inch non-climbable barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Miami requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height or those supporting a surcharge load. Walls must meet Florida Building Code structural requirements and comply with city zoning setback standards.

City of Miami follows Miami-Dade County Section 33-11 for fence heights: 4 feet in front setback areas, 8 feet in rear and side yards, and 2.5 feet in sight triangles. All fences must meet HVHZ wind load standards.

Fences in the City of Miami may be placed on property lines per Section 33-11. FL §823.11 prohibits spite fences. Florida has no shared-cost requirement for fencing between neighbors.

All fences and walls in the City of Miami require permits under Section 33-11. Materials must meet HVHZ wind load standards. Barbed wire prohibited except in agricultural zones.

Miami requires building permits for above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches or those with electrical and plumbing components. All above-ground pools must meet Florida Building Code barrier requirements including removable ladder provisions.

Miami regulates hot tubs and spas under the same framework as swimming pools per Florida Statute 515. Building permits, barrier requirements, and electrical safety standards apply to all permanently installed residential hot tubs and spas.

FL §515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act) applies in the City of Miami requiring barriers, anti-entrapment drains, and additional safety features. HVHZ hurricane standards apply to all pool structures and enclosures.

All swimming pools and spas in the City of Miami require building permits. FL §515 mandates safety barriers. HVHZ hurricane construction standards apply. No final inspection without safety barrier.

Pool barriers in the City of Miami must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates per FL §515 and Section 33-12. HVHZ wind-rated materials required. At least one additional safety feature mandatory.

Garage conversions to ADUs in the City of Miami require building permits and HVHZ compliance. Miami 21 governs ADU eligibility by transect zone. Impact-resistant openings mandatory. Licensed contractors required.

The City of Miami allows ADUs in T3-L transect zones under Miami 21 with maximum 450 sq ft. Owner occupancy required (homestead exemption). Proposed expansions to T3-R and T3-O zones. One ADU per property.

Miami regulates tiny homes as accessory dwelling units or primary structures depending on size and lot placement. Tiny homes on foundations must meet Florida Building Code HVHZ standards. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles with separate parking restrictions.

Miami requires building permits for carport construction. Carports must comply with Florida Building Code wind load requirements, zoning setbacks, and lot coverage limits. The high-velocity hurricane zone standards add additional structural requirements.

Utility sheds in the City of Miami follow Miami-Dade Section 33-20(k): one shed up to 400 sq ft per lot. Sheds under 100 sq ft have reduced setbacks. All sheds must meet HVHZ wind load and anchoring requirements.

City of Miami Chapter 19 Section 19-26 restricts outdoor burning. Open burning of rubbish or refuse is prohibited. Recreational fires under 3 feet are exempt. Florida Forest Service authorization required for larger burns.

City of Miami Chapter 19 fire protection code and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue regulations govern fire pits. Recreational fires not exceeding 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high do not require permits. Fires must be 50 feet from structures and constantly attended.

Miami requires permits for removing trees with a trunk diameter of 3 inches or more at breast height. Specimen trees with 18-inch or greater diameter receive heightened protection. Exemptions exist for single-family yard trees that are not specimen or heritage trees.

Tree trimming in the City of Miami does not require a permit if done per ANSI A-300 standards. Tree removal requires a city permit. The city has its own tree protection program managed by the Planning Department.

SFWMD year-round two-day-per-week irrigation limits apply in the City of Miami. Odd addresses water Wednesday and Saturday; even addresses Thursday and Sunday, before 10 AM or after 4 PM.