Miami-Dade County, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA) only
- Permit required
- Yes, from Public Works Department
- Enforcement
- Chapter 8CC code enforcement
- Exemptions
- Federal/state project agencies; existing trees, traffic buttons
- Citation
- Miami-Dade County Code § 2-103.16
Summary
In unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA), placing any article in the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, requires a Public Works Department permit, with violations enforced as civil code violations under Chapter 8CC.
Unless otherwise authorized by law, no person, corporation, partnership, association or other legal entity shall place any article in the public right-of-way without first having obtained a permit from the Public Works Department; provided, however, the United States, federal agencies and their contractors, the State of Florida and State agencies, in the execution of federal or State projects are exempted from the provisions of this section.
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
Miami-Dade County Code Section 2-103.16 bars anyone from placing an article, defined to include storage bins, trees and other personal property, but not newsracks or temporarily parked vehicles, in the public right-of-way within unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA) without a Public Works Department permit. The Department sets placement standards covering pedestrian and driving safety, hurricane-condition safety, and access to poles, hydrants and transit stops. Federal and state agencies executing government projects are exempt. Owners of trees and existing precast concrete traffic buttons already in place are grandfathered without a permit; owners of other pre-existing articles had 90 days to apply. The Director of Public Works has authority to order removal of any noncompliant article, with enforcement under Chapter 8CC.
Violations & Fines
Placing an unpermitted article in the county right-of-way is a civil code violation under Chapter 8CC, enforced by Public Works with removal of the article at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Miami or Miami Beach?
What counts as an obstructing article?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.