Miami-Dade County, FL Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade only (UMSA)
- Size cap
- 25% of living area or 500 sq ft
- Permit
- Annual Certificate of Use required
- Signage
- No home-occupation signs allowed
- Noise limit
- Not audible beyond 100 feet
Summary
In unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA), home occupations are allowed as an accessory residential use, capped at 25% of the dwelling's living area or 500 square feet, with no onsite sales, signage, or employees beyond household occupants.
A home occupation shall be permitted as an ancillary use to all lawful residential uses subject to the following limitations: 1. Size. No more than 25 percent of the living area of the dwelling unit and garages, not to exceed 500 square feet, may be devoted to a home occupation. 2. Appearance. All onsite structures shall maintain a residential appearance and all occupational materials and activities shall occur indoors. There shall be no display, manufacturing, distribution, or repair of any type of materials, merchandise, or other products on the premises.
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 § 33-25.1 lets a resident run a home occupation as an accessory use in any dwelling in unincorporated Miami-Dade (UMSA), capped at 25% of living area or 500 square feet. All work and storage must stay indoors and out of sight: no display, manufacturing, distribution, or repair visible from outside. No signs, no onsite sales, and employees are limited to household occupants (except a disabled owner's personal care attendant). Noise can't carry past 100 feet, and no more than two work vehicles may park at the property. An annually renewable Certificate of Use is required, with inspections at issuance and renewal.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a Certificate of Use or violating these limits is a Chapter 33 offense: up to $500 and 60 days in jail under § 33-39, plus civil penalties to $5,000 per day under § 33-39.1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a home business anywhere in Miami-Dade County?
How much of my house can I use for a home occupation?
Can I hang a sign advertising my home business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
How Miami-Dade County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.