Miami-Dade County, FL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade (UMSA) only
- Fine
- $250 first violation, Sec. 19-8(A)
- Exception
- Licensed junkyard only
- Public-property notice
- 5 days to remove or contest
- Enforcement
- Team Metro via Ch. 8CC hearing
Summary
In unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA), depositing, storing or maintaining a junk or abandoned vehicle on any lot is unlawful unless it sits inside a legally established junkyard, backed by a $250 civil fine and mandatory removal.
it shall be unlawful to deposit, store, or maintain, or to permit to be deposited, stored, or maintained, junk as defined in Sec. 19.3(J) of this Code, in or on any lot, parcel or tract of land or body of water in any zoning district, except within a legally established junkyard.
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
Chapter 19, the Responsible Property Owner and Merchant Act, applies only in the unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade: the 34 cities, including Miami and Miami Beach, enforce their own codes. Sec. 19-8(A) bars depositing, storing or maintaining junk, defined in Sec. 19-3(J) to include old and dilapidated motor vehicles, on any lot, parcel or body of water in any zoning district outside a licensed junkyard. Sec. 19-3 lists the abandonment tests: no current tag, missing or dismantled parts, unrepaired collision damage, or no movement for 72 hours, including tires raised on jacks or blocks. For a vehicle left on public property, Sec. 19-12 requires a posted 5-day notice before the county can cite, remove and destroy it at the owner's expense.
Violations & Fines
First violation of Sec. 19-8(A) carries a $250 civil fine under Chapter 8CC's penalty schedule; repeat violators get an accelerated hearing, and unabated nuisances can be removed by the county with the cost liened against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside the City of Miami or Miami Beach?
What makes a vehicle 'abandoned' under the code?
Can I keep a junk vehicle in my yard while I fix it up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida parking rules overview
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