Pop. 223,109 · Miami-Dade County
Hialeah actively enforces prohibitions on inoperable and abandoned vehicles on residential property. Parking or storing inoperable motor vehicles is one of the most common code violations citywide. Code Compliance oversees eight sectors covering 80,000+ properties and regularly cites vehicles lacking current registration, flat tires, or visible disrepair.
Florida Statute Section 366.94 promotes EV infrastructure and limits local restrictions on home charging installations. Hialeah residents need an electrical permit to install a Level 2 (240V) home charger. HOAs cannot unreasonably prohibit EV charging equipment per FL Statute Section 718.113 for condos and Section 720.3075 for HOAs.
Hialeah follows Miami-Dade Code §33-124.1 for commercial-vehicle parking in residential zones: Cat. 1 (taxis/marked vans under 8 ft): max 2 per home; Cat. 2 (utility/landscape vehicles): max 1, screened by garage or 6-ft opaque fence; Cat. 3 (over 20 ft long or 8 ft tall): banned. Fines start at $500.
Florida law (FL Statute Section 509.032) requires STR operators to maintain adequate liability coverage. Hialeah STR hosts should carry at minimum $300,000 to $1,000,000 in liability insurance. Standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial rental activities and require a separate rider or policy.
Hialeah enforces occupancy limits for short-term rentals based on the Florida Building Code and local zoning regulations. Maximum occupancy is generally calculated by bedroom count and square footage. The city's dense residential character and code enforcement presence ensure compliance in neighborhoods.
Hialeah short-term rentals (rented more than 3 times per year for periods under 30 days) must obtain a Miami-Dade County Certificate of Use (CU), DBPR vacation rental license under FS 509.241, and remit 13% combined tourist + state sales tax. Florida FS 509.032(7)(b) preempts new city STR-specific bans.
Hialeah and Miami-Dade County do not impose annual night caps on short-term rentals. Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) preempts cities from regulating the duration or frequency of vacation rental stays unless the ordinance predates June 1, 2011, which Hialeah's current STR rules do not.
Hialeah STR properties must provide adequate off-street parking per zoning requirements. Vehicles must not block driveways or create neighborhood congestion.
STR guests in Hialeah must comply with Section 58-47 noise provisions. Sound beyond property boundaries is prohibited. The Certificate of Use holder is responsible for guest conduct.
Hialeah requires STR operators to obtain a Certificate of Use from Miami-Dade County. Properties must comply with Florida Building Code and fire safety. A state DBPR vacation rental license is required. FL §509.032 preempts local STR bans.
Hialeah STR operators owe approximately 12-13% total tax: 6% Miami-Dade Convention and Tourist Tax plus 6% FL state sales tax. Platforms like Airbnb auto-collect most taxes.
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.
Hialeah requires building permits for retaining walls per the Florida Building Code. Walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans. All retaining walls in the HVHZ must meet high-velocity hurricane zone wind load standards. The city's flat terrain means most retaining walls are for flood management or grade separation between properties.
Hialeah strictly enforces Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL Statute Section 515.29) and Florida Building Code pool barrier requirements. All residential pools must have a 48-inch minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches from the ground. HVHZ-rated materials required.
Hialeah fence heights follow Miami-Dade Section 33-11: 4 feet front, up to 6-8 feet rear/side, 2.5 feet sight triangle. Maximum 6 feet in residential. HVHZ wind load required.
All fences in Hialeah require permits per Section 33-11. Materials must meet HVHZ wind standards. Barbed wire prohibited in residential zones.
Fences in Hialeah may be on property lines per Section 33-11. FL §823.11 prohibits spite fences. No shared-cost requirement in Florida.
Hialeah allows chain link, concrete block, wood, and aluminum per Section 33-11. All must meet HVHZ wind standards. Concrete block most common in South Florida.
Hialeah follows Miami-Dade County's tree protection framework under County Code Section 24-49, which mandates protection of tree and forest resources. Removal of protected native species such as live oak, mahogany, and gumbo limbo requires a tree removal permit from the city. Dead, hazardous, or invasive trees may qualify for exemptions.
Hialeah does not prohibit artificial turf installation on residential property. FL Statute Section 373.185 supports water-efficient landscaping alternatives. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict synthetic grass. Installation may require a site plan review for drainage compliance given Hialeah's flat terrain and stormwater management requirements.
Florida law (FL Statute Section 373.228) encourages rainwater harvesting statewide. Hialeah residents may collect rainwater from rooftops using rain barrels and cisterns without a permit for non-potable uses such as irrigation. South Florida Water Management District promotes rainwater collection as part of water conservation efforts.
Florida law (FL Statute Section 373.185) protects homeowners' right to install Florida-Friendly landscaping and prohibits HOAs and local governments from requiring traditional turf lawns. Hialeah residents can replace grass with native South Florida plants, xeriscaping, and drought-tolerant species. The South Florida Water Management District offers rebates for water-efficient landscaping.
Hialeah requires properties free of overgrown weeds and vegetation. Code enforcement handles complaints. Invasive species should be managed.
Hialeah requires maintained lawns. Overgrown vegetation is a code violation. The city's code enforcement handles complaints through 311. Non-compliance results in city maintenance at owner cost.
Tree trimming in Hialeah does not require a permit if done per ANSI A-300 standards. Tree removal permits required for significant trees. Topping and destructive pruning prohibited.
SFWMD two-day-per-week irrigation applies in Hialeah. Odd addresses: Wed/Sat. Even: Thu/Sun. Before 10 AM or after 4 PM. Year-round.
Backyard composting is permitted in Miami-Dade County. Florida's SB 1382 encourages recycling and waste reduction. Composting must be managed to prevent odor, pest attraction, and mosquito breeding in South Florida's tropical climate.
Exotic pet ownership in Hialeah is governed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) classification system. Class I animals (large predators) are prohibited as pets. Class II animals require substantial permits and enclosures. Class III animals (smaller exotics) require a free FWC permit. Local nuisance ordinances also apply.
Hialeah prohibits feeding wildlife that creates public nuisances, particularly feral cats, iguanas, and waterfowl. The city's warm climate and canal systems attract significant wildlife. Miami-Dade County Animal Services enforces wildlife feeding restrictions. Trash must be secured to prevent attracting raccoons, opossums, and rodents.
Beekeeping in Hialeah requires FDACS registration. Flyway barrier of 6 feet needed if hives within 15 feet of property line. FDACS preempts local bans except HOAs.
Hialeah allows up to four chickens per residential property with a permit. Roosters prohibited. Coops must be in rear yard, 15 feet from neighbors and 5 feet from property lines.
No breed restrictions in Hialeah. The former Miami-Dade pit bull ban was repealed statewide Oct 1, 2023. FL §767.14 preempts all breed-specific legislation.
Dogs in Hialeah must be leashed off private property under Miami-Dade Section 5-20. Unsterilized: $150 fine. Sterilized: $50. Off-leash in designated parks only.
Miami-Dade County addresses animal hoarding through Chapter 5 of the County Code, which limits the number of dogs and cats per household and establishes animal care standards. Hoarding situations involving neglect or cruelty are investigated by Miami-Dade Animal Services.
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.
Hot tubs and spas in Hialeah require electrical permits for 240V installations and must comply with Florida Building Code setback requirements. Hard covers are recommended for child safety in lieu of full barrier enclosures. GFCI protection is mandatory for all spa electrical circuits. HVHZ-rated installations required.
Above-ground pools in Hialeah require permits if deeper than 24 inches or if they include electrical components, plumbing, or a surrounding deck. Pools with wall heights under 48 inches must still comply with Florida's pool barrier requirements. All pool installations in the HVHZ must meet hurricane wind load standards.
Pool barriers in Hialeah must be 48 inches minimum with self-closing, self-latching gates per FL §515 and Section 33-12. HVHZ wind-rated. One additional safety feature required.
All pools and spas in Hialeah require building permits. FL §515 mandates barriers. HVHZ hurricane standards apply. No final inspection without safety barrier.
FL §515 applies in Hialeah: barriers, VGB drains, additional safety feature. HVHZ hurricane standards for all pool structures. Florida has highest pool density nationally.
Hialeah is not located in a designated wildfire hazard zone. The city's dense urban development, flat terrain, and lack of wildland-urban interface eliminate significant wildfire risk. Florida's wildfire management is coordinated by the Florida Forest Service, but Hialeah's primary fire concerns are structural rather than wildfire-related.
Hialeah enforces the Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and NFPA 72 for smoke alarms. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on each story including basements. Florida Statute 553.883 mandates 10-year sealed-battery alarms when battery-powered units are installed or replaced.
Consumer fireworks in Hialeah may only be used on July 4th, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day per FL HB 1059. Aerial fireworks sale prohibited. Sparklers legal year-round.
Fire pit rules in Hialeah follow Miami-Dade Fire Rescue regulations. Recreational fires under 3 feet diameter and 2 feet high do not need permits. Must be 50 feet from structures and constantly attended.
Hialeah requires property maintenance to reduce fire hazards. FL Forest Service manages burn authorizations. Drought-related burn bans apply countywide.
Open burning of rubbish and refuse is prohibited in Hialeah. Recreational fires under 3 feet exempt. Bonfires need permits. FL Forest Service authorization required for larger burns.
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.
Hialeah requires building permits for carport construction. All carports must meet HVHZ hurricane wind load requirements and comply with zoning setbacks. Carports count toward lot coverage calculations. Front-yard carports may be restricted in certain residential districts. Metal and fabric canopy structures are subject to the same permit requirements.
Tiny homes on permanent foundations in Hialeah must meet all Florida Building Code and HVHZ requirements, including minimum living standards. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings. Hialeah's zoning code establishes minimum dwelling unit sizes that may exceed typical tiny home dimensions.
Hialeah follows Miami-Dade Section 33-20(k): one shed up to 400 sq ft per lot. Under 100 sq ft: reduced setbacks. HVHZ anchoring required.
Hialeah ADU regulations follow Miami-Dade County standards. ADUs permitted in qualifying zones inside the Urban Development Boundary. HVHZ building code applies. Owner occupancy required.
Garage conversions to ADUs in Hialeah follow Miami-Dade standards. Min 5,000 sq ft lot, 220 sq ft habitable. Building permits and HVHZ compliance required. Licensed contractors mandatory.
Home daycare operations in Hialeah must comply with Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing requirements and local zoning. Family child care homes serving 1-6 children require DCF registration. Large family child care homes (7-12 children) require a DCF license. Zoning approval may be needed depending on residential district.
Hialeah allows home occupations with a Certificate of Use per Chapter 98 zoning. Business must maintain residential character. No external signage. Limited customer traffic.
Home businesses in Hialeah must maintain minimal customer traffic compatible with residential character. Individual instruction OK. No on-site employees beyond residents.
Home businesses in Hialeah are prohibited from displaying external signage. The dwelling must maintain residential appearance.
FL §500.80 allows cottage food operations in Hialeah up to $250,000/year without a food license. Kitchen area only. Direct-to-consumer sales. Shelf-stable products.
Frequent barking, howling, or squawking by a pet dog, cat, or bird audible at 100 feet from the property is a noise violation in Hialeah. Miami-Dade Animal Services handles animal control enforcement.
Hialeah Code Section 58-47 prohibits any sound creating a noise disturbance beyond property boundaries in residential or mixed-use areas. Sound audible at 100 feet constitutes a violation. FL §877.03 provides statewide baseline.
Power lawn equipment in Hialeah may not operate between 10 PM and 7 AM per the construction and equipment noise provisions. No specific gas blower ban. Equipment must have functioning mufflers.
Hialeah prohibits construction tools and equipment used in construction, drilling, or repair between 10 PM and 7 AM, which is presumed a nuisance. Standard construction hours are 7 AM to 10 PM.
Hialeah Section 58-47 restricts amplified sound audible beyond property boundaries in residential areas. Food trucks specifically prohibited from using loud music or amplification devices.
Miami-Dade County regulates industrial and commercial noise under Chapter 21 of the County Code. Noise from industrial operations must not exceed established sound levels at residential property boundaries, with specific decibel standards for daytime and nighttime.
Miami-Dade County has significant aircraft noise from Miami International Airport (MIA) and multiple general aviation airports. The county established airport noise zones under Chapter 25A of the County Code with building sound insulation requirements and residential use restrictions near airports.
Properties in Hialeah's FEMA-designated flood zones must meet base flood elevation (BFE) requirements. New construction and substantial improvements in Special Flood Hazard Areas must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the BFE. Hialeah participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Elevation certificates are required for properties in flood zones.
Hialeah is in the HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) covering all of Miami-Dade County. All window and door openings must have approved hurricane protection — either impact-resistant windows/doors or approved storm shutters. Products must pass the large missile impact test (9-lb 2x4 lumber at 50 fps). Building permits are required for installation.
Hialeah's HVHZ designation requires all roofing to meet the most rigorous wind resistance standards in the country. Roofing materials must have a Florida Product Approval and Miami-Dade NOA. Roof-to-wall connections must withstand 170-200+ mph design wind speeds. Re-roofing permits are required for all roof replacements.
After hurricanes, Hialeah residents must place storm debris at the curb on the public right-of-way for city collection. Debris must be separated by type (vegetation, construction, appliances). Debris must not block roadways or drainage structures. The city coordinates debris removal with FEMA and Miami-Dade County emergency management.
Hialeah zoning code Chapter 98 establishes setback requirements by district. Single-family zones typically require 25 feet front, 15 feet rear, and 7.5 feet side setbacks following Miami-Dade standards.
Hialeah regulates building height through its Zoning Code (Chapter 98), with limits varying by zoning district. Height limits maintain neighborhood character and ensure compatibility. The city's proximity to Opa-Locka Executive Airport also affects height restrictions in some areas due to FAA airspace requirements.
Hialeah regulates lot coverage through its Zoning Code (Chapter 98), limiting the percentage of a lot that can be covered by structures and impervious surfaces. Lot coverage limits help manage stormwater runoff and maintain open space in this densely developed city.
Hialeah has FEMA flood zones due to low elevation and proximity to canal systems. Miami-Dade Chapter 11C flood regulations apply. Properties in SFHAs require flood insurance with federal mortgages.
Hialeah regulates stormwater management through its Land Development Code and Miami-Dade County environmental standards. The city operates within the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) framework and must comply with MS4 NPDES permit requirements. Stormwater management is critical in this low-lying area prone to flooding.
Hialeah requires erosion and sediment control for construction projects as part of its building permit and NPDES compliance requirements. The flat topography of South Florida reduces erosion risk compared to hilly areas, but construction site runoff must still be managed to protect waterways and the storm sewer system.
Hialeah regulates grading and drainage through its Land Development Code and building permit requirements. The city's flat terrain and high water table create unique drainage challenges. Projects must demonstrate adequate drainage that does not adversely impact neighboring properties or the city's stormwater system.
Hialeah is within the HVHZ with the strictest building code in the US. All new construction requires impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofing, and enhanced structural connections.
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.
Hialeah provides bulk trash collection on designated days through its Sanitation Department. Large items, furniture, appliances, and yard waste that do not fit in standard containers are collected on a separate schedule from regular garbage.
Hialeah has specific requirements for trash container placement on collection days and storage between collections. Proper placement is essential for efficient collection and maintaining the city's appearance, and is among the most commonly enforced code violations.
Hialeah provides curbside single-stream recycling collection once per week through the Sanitation Department. Florida has a statewide recycling goal but does not mandate individual household recycling. The city encourages recycling participation to meet county and state waste diversion targets.
Hialeah provides twice-weekly garbage, once-weekly recycling, and once-weekly yard waste collection. Carts at curb by 6 AM on collection day, removed by midnight. Bulk items scheduled through 311.
Food trucks in Hialeah require a city business tax receipt and a Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants mobile food dispensing vehicle license. Miami-Dade County health department inspections are also required. Hialeah has established rules for food truck operations as part of its vibrant food culture.
Hialeah regulates where food trucks may operate, with designations for approved vending locations. Food trucks must comply with zoning, parking, and distance requirements. The city has embraced food truck culture as part of its diverse culinary scene.
Recreational drone use in Hialeah is governed by FAA regulations. The city is near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and within the busy South Florida airspace system. Recreational operators must comply with FAA rules including TRUST certification and may need LAANC authorization for flights near airports.
Commercial drone operations in Hialeah require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The proximity to multiple South Florida airports creates complex airspace that requires careful flight planning and LAANC authorization. Florida's drone law applies additional restrictions on commercial operations.
Hialeah regulates door-to-door solicitation through its business licensing requirements and Chapter 58 (Offenses). Commercial solicitors must obtain a permit before conducting door-to-door sales. Religious and political canvassers are exempt under First Amendment protections.
Hialeah respects residents' right to refuse solicitors through posted no-soliciting signs. Solicitors who ignore posted signs may face trespassing charges under Florida law. The city's solicitor permit requirements include provisions requiring solicitors to honor homeowner preferences.
Hialeah city parks have designated closure hours enforced by the Parks and Recreation Department and Hialeah Police. Parks are generally closed from dusk to dawn unless otherwise posted or permitted for special events.
Hialeah enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 18 as part of its public safety ordinances. The curfew restricts minors from being in public places during late-night hours on school nights and weekends. Miami-Dade County also has a countywide curfew ordinance that may apply.
Hialeah does not require a formal permit for residential garage sales. Homeowners may hold garage sales on their property subject to frequency and signage restrictions. The city's code compliance division monitors for commercial-scale operations that exceed garage sale parameters.
Hialeah's garage sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours. While no specific ordinance sets exact hours, general noise ordinance standards and community courtesy apply. Sales are typically held during daylight hours.
Hialeah limits garage sale frequency to prevent residential properties from becoming de facto retail operations. Excessive sales may be classified as an unlicensed commercial activity requiring proper business licensing and zoning compliance.
Hialeah permits garage sales on residential property with restrictions on frequency and duration. The city's code enforcement actively monitors garage sale activity to prevent properties from operating as de facto retail establishments.
Hialeah requires owners of vacant lots to maintain properties to community standards. Unmaintained vacant lots in Hialeah's dense urban environment create nuisance conditions, attract illegal dumping, and harbor pests. The city actively targets vacant lot violations through its Code Compliance division.
Hialeah has specific rules for trash bin storage and placement enforced through its Code Compliance division. The city provides waste collection services through its Sanitation Department. Bins must be placed for collection and returned to storage promptly.
Snow and ice removal are not applicable in Hialeah. Located in South Florida with a tropical climate, Hialeah does not experience snow or icy conditions. The city has no snow removal ordinance. Property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks clear of vegetation and debris year-round.
Hialeah prohibits accumulation of junk, litter, trash, and abandoned property on lots. Code enforcement handles complaints through 311. Non-compliant properties may be cleaned at owner's expense.
Medical marijuana dispensaries (MMTCs) in Florida operate under strict state licensing and local zoning requirements. Hialeah regulates dispensary locations through its zoning code, imposing distance requirements from schools, daycare centers, churches, and other sensitive uses. The number of state licenses is limited by Florida law.
Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Hialeah and throughout Florida. Medical marijuana only from licensed dispensaries under FL §381.986. Recreational cannabis illegal statewide.
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.
Hialeah does not have a formal dark sky ordinance. As a dense urban city in the Miami metropolitan area, light pollution is a persistent condition. The Land Development Code includes general outdoor lighting standards for new development but does not impose dark sky-specific requirements.
Hialeah addresses light trespass through its development standards and nuisance provisions. New commercial and multifamily development must design outdoor lighting to minimize spillover onto adjacent residential properties. Existing light trespass complaints are handled through code enforcement.
Hialeah does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Evictions are governed by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Ch. 83, Part II). The 2023 Live Local Act (HB 1417, codified at Fla. Stat. Sec. 166.0444) preempted local tenant-protection ordinances exceeding state law. Landlords must give a 3-day written notice for non-payment (Sec. 83.56) and 30 days' notice to terminate month-to-month tenancies (Sec. 83.57). Self-help evictions are prohibited under Sec. 83.67.
Hialeah does not require a general rental property registration or licensing program for long-term residential rentals. Florida law (F.S. §509.032) preempts local vacation rental regulation to the state level, but long-term rental registration is not required at either the state or city level in Hialeah.
Hialeah has no rent control ordinance. Florida preempts all local rent control under Fla. Stat. Sec. 125.0103, and the 2023 Live Local Act (SB 102) eliminated the housing-emergency exception. HB 1417 (Fla. Stat. Sec. 166.0444) further preempted local tenant-protection ordinances, invalidating most provisions of the Miami-Dade County Tenant's Bill of Rights that exceeded state law. Hialeah cannot adopt rent stabilization or local caps on rent increases.
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.
Hialeah regulates signs under Chapter 74 of the Code of Ordinances. Political signs are protected under the First Amendment and subject to content-neutral regulations on size, placement, and removal timing. Florida law (F.S. §106.1435) also provides protections for political campaign signs.
Garage sale signs in Hialeah are regulated as temporary signs under Chapter 74 of the Code of Ordinances. Signs advertising garage sales must comply with size, placement, and duration restrictions. Signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way.
Holiday displays and seasonal decorations on private property in Hialeah are generally unregulated and do not require permits. The city's sign code focuses on commercial signage and does not restrict typical residential holiday decorations.
Hialeah and Miami-Dade County protect heritage and specimen trees through enhanced protections beyond standard tree removal regulations. Large, mature trees of significant size or species receive additional consideration in the permitting process.
Hialeah requires tree replacement when permitted tree removal occurs. Replacement ratios, species selection, and minimum caliper sizes are specified in the Land Development Code and Miami-Dade County tree regulations. The tropical climate allows for rapid tree growth and a wide selection of replacement species.
Hialeah requires tree removal permits for significant trees. Tree trimming following ANSI A-300 does not require a permit. Destructive pruning methods are prohibited.
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.
Florida Statute §163.04 provides strong protections for homeowners seeking to install solar energy systems, prohibiting HOAs and other governing bodies from preventing installations. Hialeah residents in HOA-governed communities are protected by this state law, which limits the types of restrictions an HOA may impose.
Solar panels in Hialeah require building permits. All must meet HVHZ wind load. FL §163.04 protects right to install. FPL net metering available. HOAs cannot ban.
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.