Miami-Dade County, FL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code of Miami-Dade County ch. 17, art. II
- Scope
- Incorporated and unincorporated Miami-Dade County
- Applies to
- Buildings of four units or less
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 60 days jail
- Civil penalty
- Up to $5,000 per violation per day
Summary
Miami-Dade County law bars landlords from letting any dwelling unit without a working kitchen sink, lavatory, tub or shower, water closet, hot and cold water, and heat, enforced across the county and its 34 municipalities.
Every dwelling unit, except rooming houses and rooming units, shall contain not less than a kitchen sink, lavatory, tub or shower, and water closet, all in good working condition. Sink, lavatory, tub or shower shall be supplied with adequate hot and cold water.
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
The Miami-Dade County Minimum Housing Standards Ordinance (Code of Miami-Dade County ch. 17, art. II) sets a floor that applies in both incorporated and unincorporated Miami-Dade County for buildings of four units or less let for occupancy. Every dwelling unit must have a kitchen sink, lavatory, tub or shower, and water closet, all supplied with hot and cold water, plus a nonportable cooking facility with at least two burners, garbage disposal facilities, and adequate space heating. The County's Minimum Housing Enforcement Officer inspects on complaint and can issue notices of violation; municipalities enforce the same floor within their own limits.
Violations & Fines
Knowing or willful noncompliance is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail under section 17-15(b); the county may instead sue civilly for up to $5,000 per violation, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Miami city limits?
What must a rental unit have to be legally let?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida rental property rules overview
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