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 Statute Section 373.228 explicitly encourages rainwater harvesting and prohibits local governments from enacting regulations that restrict it for non-potable purposes. Hialeah residents can install rain barrels and cisterns to collect rooftop runoff for landscape irrigation, car washing, and other non-potable uses without city permits. Large cistern systems exceeding 100 gallons may require structural support considerations under the Florida Building Code, and elevated tanks may need engineering review. The South Florida Water Management District actively promotes rainwater harvesting as a water conservation tool. Collected rainwater should not be used for drinking without treatment. HOA restrictions on rain barrels are preempted by Florida Statute Section 373.228, which prohibits deed restrictions that bar the use of rainwater harvesting systems.
No penalties apply for rainwater collection. HOAs that attempt to prohibit rain barrels violate FL Statute Section 373.228. Improperly secured large tanks could trigger building code enforcement through the Building Department at (305) 556-8380.
Hialeah, FL
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 ...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah driveways follow county standards: 20 feet minimum for two-way, 14 feet for one-way. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or rights-of-way.
Hialeah, FL
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, FL
Hialeah requires building permits for retaining walls per the Florida Building Code. Walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans. All retaining wall...
Hialeah, FL
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 o...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah enforces the Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and NFPA 72 for smoke alarms. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleepin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Hialeah's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.