Miami-Dade County, FL Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- RU district limit
- 10-ft setback, 6-ft height, 50 sq ft max
- AU/EU/GU limit
- 10-ft setback, 6 ft rising to 12-ft cap
- Permit needed
- Zoning Improvement Permit if permanently affixed
- Placement rule
- Must be in front of the building line
- Scope
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade (UMSA) only
Summary
In unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA), decorative yard elements on residential lots in the AU, EU, GU, and RU zoning districts must sit in front of the principal structure's building line, keep a 10-foot setback from front and side lines, and stay within height and area caps that scale with lot type. A Zoning Improvement Permit is required before anything permanently affixed to the ground goes in.
(k)Decorative Elements. Decorative elements shall be permitted on lots developed with a residential structure in the AU, EU, GU, and RU Districts, provided that the decorative element is in front of the building line of the principal structure and complies with the following:(1)For lots in the RU Districts, decorative elements shall be setback at least ten (10) feet from the front and side property lines and shall not exceed six (6) feet in height and fifty (50) square feet in area.(2)For lots in the AU, EU, and GU Districts, decorative elements shall be setback at least ten (10) feet from the front and side property lines. The maximum height of decorative elements shall be six (6) feet at a setback of ten (10) feet, except that the maximum height may increase an additional 0.6 feet per additional foot of setback to a maximum height not to exceed twelve (12) feet.(3)A Zoning Improvement Permit shall be obtained prior to construction of a decorative element that is permanently affixed to the ground. Additional or alternative permits may be required when decorative elements include electrical or plumbing connections.
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 § 33-20(k) governs decorative elements, meaning statues, fountains, sculptures and similar yard features, on residential lots in the AU, EU, GU, and RU Districts of unincorporated Miami-Dade. The piece must be placed in front of the principal structure's building line. In RU (single-family and duplex residential) districts, the setback is at least 10 feet from the front and side property lines, and the item cannot exceed 6 feet in height or 50 square feet in area. 6 feet for every additional foot of setback, up to a hard ceiling of 12 feet.
1 before construction begins, and the Director may require additional or alternative permits if the decoration includes electrical or plumbing connections, such as a wired fountain or lighted display. This rule sits inside Chapter 33, which by its own terms divides only 'the unincorporated area of the County' into zoning districts, so it binds UMSA properties, not the 34 incorporated cities like Miami, Hialeah or Coral Gables, each of which regulates yard decorations under its own municipal code.
Violations & Fines
Placing a decorative element that exceeds the height, area, or setback limits, or building a permanently affixed piece without first obtaining a Zoning Improvement Permit, is a zoning code violation enforceable under Chapter 8CC's civil citation and hearing process, which can carry escalating daily fines until the item is removed, relocated, or permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a lawn statue in unincorporated Miami-Dade?
How big can a decorative element be on an RU-zoned lot?
Can decorative elements be closer to the property line in AU or EU districts?
Does this rule apply if I live in the City of Miami?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida holiday decorations overview
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