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Animal hoarding in Miami Gardens is addressed through the city's animal control ordinances and Miami-Dade County Animal Services. Exceeding permitted animal numbers or maintaining unsanitary conditions constitutes a code violation.
Miami Gardens may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning. FL right-to-farm law protects ag uses.
Miami Gardens follows the countywide pit bull ban repeal (October 2023). FL section 767.14 preempts breed-specific legislation statewide. Behavior-based dangerous dog standards now apply uniformly.
Backyard composting is permitted in Miami Gardens. Composting must be managed to avoid nuisance conditions including odor, pest attraction, and mosquito breeding — a significant concern in South Florida's tropical climate.
Miami Gardens enforces grass height limits as part of its code enforcement program. The city requires property owners to maintain grass and vegetation at reasonable heights, with enforcement triggered when conditions create blighting effects. Properties with overgrown vegetation are subject to code enforcement action and potential city abatement at the owner's expense.
Miami Gardens follows water management district restrictions. Watering days and times designated. FL §373.185 protects Florida-Friendly Landscaping rights.
Miami Gardens may protect certain tree species. Hurricane season pruning important for safety. Mangroves protected statewide under FL §403.9321-.9333.
Tree removal in Miami Gardens requires a permit. Miami-Dade County's tree preservation ordinance protects all native trees over 3 inches in diameter and requires one-to-one canopy replacement for permitted removals. Improper pruning techniques like hat-racking and topping are prohibited. Fines up to $5,000 per illegally removed tree apply under county rules.
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Florida and not restricted by the City of Miami Gardens. Florida Statute 373.62 expressly authorizes the use of rain barrels and other rainwater harvesting systems. No permit is required for residential rain barrels. The South Florida Water Management District encourages water conservation measures.
Miami Gardens requires property owners to control weeds and maintain vegetation under Chapter 16 (Nuisances) and the Code Enforcement program. Overgrown weeds and vegetation that create blighting conditions are a code violation. The city conducts active patrols and may abate properties at the owner's expense.
Miami Gardens does not prohibit artificial turf installation. There is no specific city ordinance addressing synthetic grass. Florida law (F.S. 163.3205) prohibits local governments from banning drought-tolerant landscaping and Florida-friendly alternatives. HOA restrictions on artificial turf may be limited by state law.
Florida Statute 163.3205 protects homeowners' right to use Florida-friendly landscaping, including native plants, and prohibits local governments and HOAs from requiring specific grass types or banning drought-tolerant alternatives. Miami-Dade County's landscaping ordinance (Chapter 18A) sets minimum standards that encourage native and adaptive plant species.
Florida has no shared fence cost statute. FL §823.11 prohibits spite fences. Each property owner responsible for their own fence.
Miami Gardens regulates fence heights under §34-446 of the Code of Ordinances. Front yard fences are limited to 3.5 feet, side and rear yard fences to 6 feet, and sight triangle areas to 2.5 feet.
A building permit is required for fence installation in Miami Gardens. Applications must include a site plan, survey, and the pre-approved Miami-Dade County fence detail. Chain link fences are permitted only behind the front building line. Maximum height is generally 6 feet, with reduced height requirements near driveways and intersections for visibility.
All swimming pools in Miami Gardens must be enclosed by a safety barrier at least 4 feet (48 inches) high per Florida Building Code and Florida Statutes Chapter 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act). No pool may be filled with water until the barrier passes final inspection. Self-closing, self-latching gates are required.
Retaining walls in Miami Gardens require building permits. Walls over 4 feet in height require engineering plans signed and sealed by a licensed Florida Professional Engineer. Retaining walls must meet the Florida Building Code structural requirements and comply with setback standards in the underlying zoning district.
Miami Gardens regulates fence materials under §34-446. Chain link fences are prohibited in front and side street yards. Barbed wire and electrified fences are prohibited in residential districts. All materials must meet HVHZ wind-load standards.
Miami Gardens short-term rentals must obtain a Miami-Dade County Certificate of Use, a city Landlord Permit, a DBPR vacation rental license under FS 509.241, and remit 13% combined tax (6% Miami-Dade Tourist Development Tax + 7% Florida sales). FS 509.032(7)(b) preempts new city STR-specific bans.
Miami Gardens and Miami-Dade County impose no 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. Miami Gardens incorporated in 2003 with no qualifying ordinance.
Miami Gardens STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Cities can regulate STR noise even though they cannot ban rentals. Complaints can trigger registration review.
Miami Gardens requires vacation rental registration under Ordinance Sections 6-171 through 6-173. Operators must obtain a city landlord permit, state DBPR license, and comply with local safety and occupancy requirements.
Miami Gardens does not impose city-specific insurance requirements for short-term rentals beyond state-level requirements. Hosts must comply with Florida DBPR licensing under Chapter 509, which includes general liability standards. A landlord permit is required from the Building & Zoning Department at a cost of $158, renewable every two years.
Miami Gardens enforces occupancy limits for short-term rentals at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional people. This applies to all residential rental properties within the city. The limit is enforced through the landlord permit process and code enforcement.
Short-term rental hosts in Miami Gardens must collect and remit approximately 13% in combined taxes: 6% Florida state sales tax, 1% Miami-Dade County discretionary surtax, and 6% Broward/Miami-Dade tourist development tax. Hosts must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and obtain a landlord permit ($158).
Short-term rental properties in Miami Gardens must comply with the city's residential parking requirements under Chapter 34 (Zoning). Guests must park on paved surfaces only. No vehicles may be parked on grass, swales, or the public right-of-way overnight. The city enforces strict anti-blight parking standards.
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.
Miami Gardens enforces 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.
Miami Gardens requires property owners to maintain their lots free of overgrown vegetation and debris under the city's nuisance and property maintenance codes. While the city is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone, brush clearance is enforced as part of anti-blight and nuisance abatement programs.
Recreational fire pits in Miami Gardens are allowed without permits if the fuel area is under 3 feet in diameter. Fire pits must be properly contained, attended at all times, and located away from structures.
Miami Gardens is not located within a designated wildfire hazard zone. The city's urban environment and South Florida climate make wildfire risk minimal. Standard fire prevention codes under the Florida Fire Prevention Code and Miami-Dade County regulations apply to all structures.
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 791, consumer fireworks in Miami Gardens are legal only on July 4th, December 31st, and January 1st. Sparklers and novelty items are legal year-round. A fire department permit is required for professional fireworks displays. Sparklers may be purchased by persons 16 and older.
Open burning in Miami Gardens requires a burn permit from Miami-Dade County except for cooking fires. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulates outdoor burning statewide. Land clearing and agricultural burns require separate permits. Recreational fire pits are permitted with conditions.
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.
Amplified music in Miami Gardens is regulated under the nuisance provisions of Chapter 16 and Miami-Dade County noise standards. Playing amplified music, loudspeakers, and sound systems is prohibited between 11 PM and 7 AM if audible outside the building. Special events with amplified sound require permits from the city.
Miami Gardens does not have a specific ordinance restricting leaf blowers beyond general noise regulations. Leaf blower use is subject to the same quiet hours that apply to other noise sources: prohibited during 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends. There is no ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.
Industrial and commercial noise near residences in Miami Gardens is regulated under Miami-Dade County Code Section 21-28 and the city's Chapter 16 nuisance provisions. Noise from industrial and commercial operations must not exceed established thresholds when measured at the nearest residential property line, with stricter standards during nighttime hours.
Miami Gardens addresses noise through its nuisance ordinance under Chapter 16 of the Code of Ordinances and through Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 21 Article IV. Residential quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends. Noise from musical instruments, radios, and similar devices is prohibited between 11 PM and 7 AM if audible outside the building.
Construction activity in Miami Gardens is regulated under Miami-Dade County Code Section 21-28. Construction equipment and machinery near residences is prohibited between 6 PM and 8 AM on weekdays and at all times on Sundays and holidays. Saturday work follows the same weekday hours. A Temporary Noise Ordinance Waiver (NOW) is required for after-hours work.
Barking dog complaints in Miami Gardens are handled under the city's nuisance ordinance (Chapter 16) and Broward County Animal Care provisions. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors constitute a nuisance. Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 (Animals and Fowl) also applies, classifying continuous barking as a disturbance.
Miami Gardens is located near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and within the broader influence area of Miami International Airport. Aircraft noise is regulated at the federal level by the FAA and through Miami-Dade County Aviation Department programs. The city does not have a separate aircraft noise ordinance.
Home businesses in Miami Gardens must not generate customer traffic that changes the residential character of the neighborhood. The Zoning Code limits commercial activity in residential areas. Excessive vehicle traffic, customer visits, and deliveries may trigger code enforcement action and potential revocation of the Business Tax Receipt.
Florida's Cottage Food Law (F.S. 500.80) allows home-based food sales of certain non-potentially-hazardous foods up to $250,000 annually without a food establishment license. No local permits are required beyond the standard Business Tax Receipt. Products must be labeled with specific information and sold directly to consumers.
Home daycare operations in Miami Gardens require Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing under Florida Statutes Chapter 402. Family child care homes (up to 10 children including the provider's own) are a permitted use in residential zones. A Business Tax Receipt and DCF license are both required.
Home-based businesses in Miami Gardens require a Business Tax Receipt and must comply with the Zoning Code (Chapter 34). The principal address must be within city limits. The Planning and Zoning Division reviews Certificates of Use for compliance before a Business Tax Receipt is issued. Home businesses must not change the residential character of the property.
Home businesses in Miami Gardens are generally prohibited from displaying business signage visible from the street. The Zoning Code (Chapter 34) restricts signs in residential districts. Home businesses must maintain the residential character of the property, which typically means no commercial signage is permitted.
A building permit is required for all swimming pool and spa installations in Miami Gardens. Plans must comply with the Florida Building Code and be reviewed by the Development Services Department. Pool barrier installation is a separate permit requirement. Inspections are required at multiple stages of construction.
Above-ground pools in Miami Gardens require a building permit if they exceed 24 inches in depth. Pool barrier requirements apply to all above-ground pools regardless of size. Above-ground pools with walls 48 inches or higher may use the pool wall as part of the barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable.
Pool fencing in Miami Gardens must comply with Florida Statutes Chapter 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act) and Section 34-446 of the city code. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. The barrier must fully enclose the pool area. A separate barrier permit and inspection are required.
Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Chapter 515) requires at least two safety features for all residential pools. Pools must be maintained with clear water free from insects, algae, and unsanitary conditions. The Florida Building Code governs drain cover standards, and residential pool alarms are one of the required safety options.
Hot tubs and spas in Miami Gardens require building and electrical permits. Safety barrier requirements apply unless the spa has a locking safety cover that meets ASTM F1346 standards. Hot tubs must be located in compliance with zoning setback requirements and must have GFCI-protected electrical circuits.
Florida SB 184 (effective July 2025) requires all municipalities to permit ADUs including tiny homes on permanent foundations in single-family residential zones. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences. All tiny homes must comply with the Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade HVHZ requirements.
Florida Senate Bill 184 (effective July 1, 2025) mandates all local governments permit at least one ADU per single-family residential lot. Miami Gardens follows Miami-Dade County ADU standards which require a minimum lot size of 7,500 sq ft for new construction or 5,000 sq ft for garage conversions. ADUs must comply with accessory structure setbacks.
Garage conversions in Miami Gardens require building permits and must comply with the Florida Building Code. Under state ADU legislation (SB 184, effective July 2025), garage conversions for ADUs are permitted on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. Converted spaces must meet habitation standards including egress, ventilation, and structural requirements.
Carports in Miami Gardens are classified as accessory structures under Article X of the Zoning Code (Chapter 34). Building permits are required for carport construction. Carports must meet setback requirements and may not occupy more than 30% of the rear yard area. Miami-Dade HVHZ structural standards apply.
Sheds and storage buildings in Miami Gardens must comply with Article X (Accessory Uses and Structures) of the Zoning Code (Chapter 34). Accessory buildings may not occupy more than 30% of the rear yard area. Setback requirements apply, and utility sheds must not exceed the maximum permitted height in the underlying zoning district.
Miami Gardens prohibits open-air storage of RVs, boats, and trailers visible from public view. These vehicles must be stored behind the front building line and screened from view in residential areas.
Miami Gardens does not have a specific EV charging ordinance. Installation of home EV chargers requires an electrical permit from the Building Department. Florida law (F.S. 163.04) prohibits HOAs from banning EV charging stations and limits approval timeframes. No restrictions on running charging cables across sidewalks have been codified.
Miami Gardens prohibits the storage of derelict, accident-damaged, unlicensed, or inoperable vehicles on residential property. Vehicles on private property must be maintained in movable condition with current registration. The city's Code Enforcement Division actively patrols for violations as part of its anti-blight program.
Miami Gardens restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas under Section 34-389 of the Zoning Code. No prohibited commercial vehicle may be parked or stored in any residential district on either public or private property including yards, setback areas, rights-of-way, swales, or parkways. An overnight parking permit is available for up to two vehicles.
Miami Gardens requires all vehicles to be parked on paved, improved surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or pavers. Parking on grass, dirt, or unpaved areas is prohibited. Driveways must meet minimum width requirements under the zoning code, and vehicles may not extend into the public sidewalk or right-of-way.
Miami Gardens allows overnight street parking for up to 24 hours. Vehicles must display current registration and be in movable condition. An overnight parking permit is available for recreational and commercial vehicles in residential areas. Vehicles may not be parked on the swale or right-of-way overnight.
Miami Gardens limits street parking to 24 hours on public rights-of-way. Vehicles must be registered, operable, and not create obstructions. Parking within the swale or on unpaved portions of the right-of-way is prohibited. No overnight storage of large vehicles on residential streets without a permit.
Miami Gardens enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Miami Gardens city parks close at dusk unless otherwise posted. The Parks & Recreation Department sets specific hours for each park facility. After-hours use requires a special event permit. Park curfew is enforced by the Miami Gardens Police Department.
Miami Gardens provides residential waste collection services with scheduled pickup days. Trash must be placed at the curb on the designated collection day and bins removed promptly after collection. Bins must be stored out of public view between collection days. The city enforces waste management standards through Code Enforcement.
Miami Gardens provides curbside recycling collection as part of residential waste services. Recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass, and metal cans. Recycling bins must be stored out of public view between collection days. Florida's Solid Waste Management Act (Chapter 403) establishes statewide recycling goals.
Miami Gardens provides scheduled bulk waste pickup for large items that cannot fit in regular trash bins. Items must be placed at the curb during the scheduled pickup window. Construction debris, hazardous materials, and electronics require separate disposal arrangements. Accumulation of hard junk on the property is prohibited.
Trash and recycling bins in Miami Gardens must be stored out of public view between collection days and placed at the curb only on the designated collection day. Bins must not obstruct sidewalks, driveways, or the roadway. Prompt retrieval after collection is required.
Miami Gardens does not require a specific permit for garage or yard sales. Sales must comply with general code enforcement standards. Items must be displayed on private property only. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way. Sales must not create parking or traffic violations.
Miami Gardens does not impose specific time-of-day restrictions on garage sales beyond general noise ordinance hours. Sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours. Noise from sales activities must comply with quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM weekdays, 10 PM to 8 AM weekends).
Miami Gardens does not impose specific frequency limits on residential garage sales. However, frequent or continuous sales that take on the character of a commercial operation may trigger the need for a Business Tax Receipt and zoning compliance review.
Medical marijuana dispensaries (MMTCs) in Miami Gardens must comply with Miami-Dade County zoning requirements under Ordinance No. 16-67 (Article IXA of the Zoning Code). Dispensaries must be at least 1 mile from any other dispensary and at least 500 feet from schools. Only one MMTC currently operates in the city.
Home cultivation of cannabis is prohibited in Miami Gardens and throughout Florida. Only licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) may cultivate cannabis for medical purposes under the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida as of 2025.
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.
Miami Gardens does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Evictions follow Florida Statutes Chapter 83 (Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). Landlords may terminate tenancies with proper notice periods. Evictions must be processed through the courts.
Miami Gardens does not have rent control. Florida Statute 166.043 prohibits municipalities from enacting rent control ordinances except in a housing emergency declared by the governor. No housing emergency has been declared affecting Miami Gardens. Landlords may set and increase rent without municipal limitations.
All landlords renting residential properties in Miami Gardens must obtain a landlord permit from the Building & Zoning Department. The permit costs $158 and is renewable every two years. The city inspects properties for code compliance before issuing the permit. This applies to both long-term and short-term rentals.
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.
Miami Gardens operates a Stormwater Utility that manages the city's 20-square-mile drainage system. The Development Plan Review Inspections Section enforces the city's stormwater control regulations. New development must submit drainage plans meeting peak runoff control requirements. The city assists private property owners with structural flooding and severe erosion issues.
Miami Gardens enforces a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance for all construction activity. The Development Plan Review Inspections Section reviews erosion control plans. Contractors must submit erosion and sedimentation control plans before beginning site work. Silt fencing and other BMPs are required during construction.
Miami Gardens requires paving and drainage permits for changes to property grading. The Development Plan Review Engineering Section reviews drainage plans for compliance with floodplain and peak runoff control regulations. New paving, driveway expansion, and grading changes must include drainage plans showing how water flow will be managed.
Miami Gardens is an inland community not subject to coastal development restrictions. The city is not within the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) and does not have a coastline. Standard building codes and the city's floodplain management ordinance apply to all development.
Miami Gardens participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces the 50% rule for structures in flood zones. Development in FEMA-designated flood zones must meet elevation requirements. The city's floodplain management ordinance regulates construction in flood-prone areas. Flood zone maps are available through FEMA and Miami-Dade County.
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.
Solar panel installation in Miami Gardens requires a combined building and electrical permit. The city provides specific solar permit guidelines. Plans must be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect showing equipment location and attachment. Florida law limits permit fees and encourages expedited processing for solar applications.
Florida's Solar Rights Act (F.S. 163.04) prohibits HOAs from banning solar panel installation. HOAs may establish reasonable placement requirements but cannot increase installation costs by more than 10% or reduce system efficiency by more than 10%. The architectural review board may specify roof placement location but cannot deny installation outright.
Miami Gardens aggressively enforces anti-blight standards through its Code Enforcement Division. Properties must be maintained free of peeling paint, broken windows, mildewed surfaces, overgrown vegetation, junk accumulation, and other blighting conditions. Active patrols identify violations, and the city may abate nuisances at the owner's expense.
Miami Gardens requires trash and recycling bins to be stored out of public view when not placed at the curb for collection. Bins must be brought in promptly after collection. Excessive accumulation of garbage is prohibited under the nuisance ordinance. Regular garbage service is required to maintain sanitary conditions.
Garage and yard sales in Miami Gardens are permitted on private property subject to general code enforcement standards. Sales must not create traffic obstructions, noise disturbances, or parking violations. Items must not be displayed in the public right-of-way. Signs advertising sales may only be placed on private property.
Miami Gardens does not have snow or ice removal requirements as South Florida does not experience snow. Property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks free of obstructions, including overgrown vegetation. Hedges and limbs must be cut back from sidewalks to maintain clear pedestrian passage.
Miami Gardens enforces strict maintenance standards on vacant lots under Chapter 16 (Nuisances) and the Code Enforcement program. Vacant lots must be maintained free of overgrown vegetation, debris, junk, and other blighting conditions. The city actively patrols for violations and may abate properties at the owner's expense.
Political signs are permitted on private property in Miami Gardens subject to the Zoning Code sign regulations (Chapter 34). Florida law protects the right to display political signs and limits local government restrictions. Signs in the public right-of-way may be restricted. Size and placement limitations vary by zoning district.
Miami Gardens does not have specific restrictions on residential holiday displays. Holiday decorations including lights, inflatables, and yard displays are generally permitted on private property. The city's general nuisance provisions may apply if displays create safety hazards or block sight visibility. Florida law protects religious expression on private property.
Garage sale signs in Miami Gardens are regulated under the Zoning Code sign provisions. Signs may not be placed on utility poles, in medians, or in the public right-of-way. Temporary signs must be removed promptly after the sale. The city enforces sign placement through its Code Enforcement program.
Miami Gardens regulates door-to-door solicitation under its Code of Ordinances. Solicitors must respect posted 'No Soliciting' signs. Solicitation during certain hours may be restricted. The city's ordinance aims to protect residents from aggressive or unwanted solicitation while respecting First Amendment rights.
Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Miami Gardens may be required to obtain permits or business tax receipts. The city's Business Licensing Division administers permit requirements for itinerant vendors and solicitors. Solicitors must carry identification and proof of authorization while conducting business.
Heritage trees designated by Miami-Dade County or Broward County receive enhanced protections. These trees generally have trunk diameters of 24 inches or more and meet historical or ecological significance criteria. Removal of heritage trees is prohibited except under extreme circumstances and requires special permits with extensive mitigation.
Tree removal in Miami Gardens requires a permit from the city's planning department. Miami-Dade County protects all native trees over 3 inches in diameter. Permits must be obtained before any removal or relocation. One-to-one canopy replacement is required for approved removals. Improper pruning is also prohibited.
Miami-Dade County requires one-to-one canopy replacement for all permitted tree removals. Replacement trees must meet county specifications for species, size, and planting standards. Failure to complete required replacement planting results in additional fines and enforcement action.
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.
Miami Gardens does not have a specific dark sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated under the general nuisance provisions and the Florida Building Code. Excessive light that creates a nuisance for neighbors may be addressed through Code Enforcement. Sea turtle lighting protection under FWC rules does not apply as Miami Gardens is inland.
Light trespass in Miami Gardens is addressed through the nuisance provisions of Chapter 16. Exterior lighting that unreasonably disturbs neighboring properties may constitute a nuisance. Residents can file complaints with Code Enforcement. Commercial properties must comply with Zoning Code lighting standards.
Building setbacks in Miami Gardens are established in the development standards tables of the Zoning Code (Section 34-342). Setbacks vary by zoning district and include front, side, and rear yard requirements. Accessory structures have separate setback standards. The Development Services Department reviews all construction for setback compliance.
Miami Gardens limits lot coverage (the percentage of the lot covered by structures) based on the zoning district. Lot coverage limits are specified in the development standards tables (Section 34-342). Accessory structures, including carports and sheds, count toward the total lot coverage. Rear yard accessory buildings may not occupy more than 30% of the rear yard area.
Structure height limits in Miami Gardens are established in the Zoning Code (Section 34-342) and vary by zoning district. Residential zones typically limit structures to 35 feet or 2-3 stories. Accessory structures must not exceed the maximum permitted height in the underlying district. The Stadium District overlay has separate height provisions.
Recreational drone use in Miami Gardens is regulated by FAA rules. Recreational pilots must pass the TRUST test and register drones over 0.55 lbs. Drone flight is restricted near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. Florida Statute 934.50 prohibits drone surveillance of private property without consent.
Commercial drone operation in Miami Gardens requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. All commercial operations must comply with FAA regulations including airspace restrictions near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. Florida law prohibits drone surveillance without consent. No separate city permit is required for commercial drone operations.
Miami Gardens regulates food truck locations through the Zoning Code. Mobile food vendors are generally restricted from residential areas and must maintain specified distances from brick-and-mortar restaurants. The city may designate specific vending zones for food truck operations, particularly near commercial corridors and event venues.
Food trucks operating in Miami Gardens must obtain a Business Tax Receipt and comply with the city's zoning regulations for mobile food vending. Florida DBPR licensing is required for all food service operations. Health inspections through the Florida Department of Health apply to all mobile food vendors.
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.