Miami addresses light trespass through Miami 21 zoning code lighting standards and nuisance provisions. Commercial and industrial developments must prevent light spill onto adjacent residential properties. The turtle lighting ordinance also addresses light trespass toward beaches.
Miami 21 requires commercial developments to include lighting plans showing illumination levels at property boundaries. Fixtures in commercial areas must be shielded and directed to minimize light spill onto residential properties. Maximum illumination at residential property lines is typically limited to 0.5 foot-candles. Residential light trespass complaints are handled as nuisances. The turtle lighting ordinance provides additional protection for beachfront properties by requiring shielded, directed amber/red lighting.
Commercial light trespass violations may result in required fixture modifications and zoning enforcement fines. Residential nuisance complaints may lead to mediation or abatement orders. Turtle lighting violations carry separate penalties.
Miami, FL
The City of Miami is a flat, low-elevation coastal urban area and is not designated as a high wildfire hazard severity zone. Most wildland fire activity in M...
Miami, FL
Miami's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Political signs are protected as f...
Miami, FL
Miami has no specific City ordinance restricting residential inflatable holiday displays. Practical limits come from HOA and condo covenants, the Miami Code ...
Miami, FL
Miami has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Condo and HOA covenants frequently impose rules under FL §718 ...
Miami, FL
Outdoor kitchens in Miami require building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits from the City of Miami Building Department under the Florida Buildin...
Miami, FL
Miami does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit b...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle light trespass.
See how Miami's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.