Westchester, FL

Above-ground pools in unincorporated Miami-Dade County must meet Florida Building Code safety barrier requirements. Pools holding more than 24 inches of water require safety barriers. Building permits may be required depending on size and permanent installation. Hurricane preparedness is important for above-ground pool structures.

Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Miami-Dade County require electrical permits for hardwired installations. Safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 are required when the spa is not in use. Spas that are part of a pool must meet the same barrier requirements as the pool.

Miami-Dade County requires building permits for all swimming pools and spas. No final inspection or approval is granted without an erected safety barrier per Section 33-12. All pool structures must meet HVHZ hurricane building code standards.

Miami-Dade County enforces FL §515 pool barrier requirements plus HVHZ wind-rated standards. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature is required by state law.

Florida Statute §515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act) applies in Miami-Dade County, requiring barriers, anti-entrapment drains, and at least one additional safety feature. Miami-Dade's HVHZ adds hurricane-resistant requirements for all pool structures.

Home daycare operations in unincorporated Miami-Dade County require Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing. Family day care homes serving up to 10 children are permitted in residential zones under Florida Statute 402.313. Zoning approval may be required for larger operations.

Miami-Dade County home occupations under Section 33-25.1 restrict customer traffic to maintain residential character. Individual instruction is allowed but general business use with vehicular equipment is excluded.

Miami-Dade County Section 33-25.1 allows home occupations in residential districts using no more than 25% of living area, not exceeding 500 square feet. An annual Certificate of Use and Occupational License are required.

Home occupations in unincorporated Miami-Dade County are prohibited from displaying external signage under Section 33-25.1. The business must not be externally visible from the street or neighboring properties.

Florida Statute §500.80 permits cottage food operations up to $250,000 per year without a food license. In Miami-Dade, cottage food is an allowed home occupation under Section 33-25.1, limited to kitchen area only.

Carports in unincorporated Miami-Dade County require building permits and must meet Florida Building Code wind load requirements for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). Miami-Dade County has the strictest wind load standards in the state due to hurricane exposure.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations in unincorporated Miami-Dade County must meet the Florida Building Code minimum standards and zoning requirements. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings. The county's minimum dwelling size and HVHZ wind requirements create additional barriers.

Miami-Dade County allows ADUs in AU, EU, and RU districts within the Urban Development Boundary. RU-1 requires minimum 7,500 sq ft lot with 400-800 sq ft ADUs. Garage conversions permitted on 5,000 sq ft lots with 220 sq ft minimum habitable area.

Miami-Dade County allows garage conversions to ADUs on lots as small as 5,000 sq ft with minimum 220 sq ft habitable area. Building permits required. All conversions must meet HVHZ hurricane building code including impact-resistant openings.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 33-20(k) permits one utility shed up to 400 sq ft per residential lot. Sheds under 100 sq ft in RU-1 districts have setbacks of 55 ft front, 5 ft rear and side. Setbacks may be reduced to 2 ft with neighbor consent.

Miami-Dade County regulates industrial and commercial noise under Chapter 21 of the County Code. Noise from industrial operations must not exceed established sound levels at residential property boundaries, with specific decibel standards for daytime and nighttime.

Miami-Dade County has significant aircraft noise from Miami International Airport (MIA) and multiple general aviation airports. The county established airport noise zones under Chapter 25A of the County Code with building sound insulation requirements and residential use restrictions near airports.

Miami-Dade County prohibits operation of noise-producing lawn maintenance equipment including leaf blowers, mowers, edgers, weed trimmers, and chain saws at or near residences between 8 PM and 7 AM under Section 21-28.

Miami-Dade quiet hours are 11 PM-7 AM — sound from radios, TVs, or musical devices plainly audible 100 ft from the source is prima facie a violation of County Code §21-28. A 2023 amendment also bans construction equipment near residences 8 PM-7 AM. Civil fines start around $250.

Miami-Dade County amended Section 21-28 in May 2023 to prohibit noise-producing construction equipment and machinery at or near residences between 8 PM and 7 AM. After-hours work requires a Temporary Noise Ordinance Waiver with 72-hour neighbor notification.

Frequent barking, howling, or squawking by a pet dog, cat, or bird that is audible at 100 feet from the property violates Miami-Dade County Ordinance 21-28(c). Police can issue an automatic $100 fine upon witnessing the violation.

Miami-Dade County regulates amplified sound on public streets and at residences under Section 21-28. Sound trucks, loudspeakers, and amplified devices emitting loud and raucous noises on public streets are prohibited, with exceptions for political campaigns.

Miami-Dade County supports EV adoption with permitting for home charging stations. Florida Statute 163.04 prohibits HOAs from banning EV charger installation. Building permits are required for Level 2 and DC fast charger electrical work, with expedited permitting available.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 30-388.15 prohibits parking vehicles on public streets for display, repair, advertising, or storage exceeding 24 hours. Vehicles violating these provisions are subject to immediate towing.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 30-388.15 prohibits vehicle storage on public streets for more than 24 hours. Overnight parking on residential streets is generally permitted but vehicles must not obstruct traffic or violate the 24-hour storage limit.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 33-20 allows one RV per residential property with size limits of 30 feet length and 10 feet height. Boat storage limits depend on lot size: one boat under half-acre, two boats on half-acre or larger, three boats on five acres or more.

Miami-Dade County requires driveways to be a minimum of 20 feet wide for two-way traffic and 14 feet for one-way traffic under Section 33-124. Vehicles must not obstruct sidewalks or rights-of-way.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 33-124.1 classifies commercial vehicles into three categories for residential parking. Category 1 allows up to two vehicles, Category 2 allows one if screened, and Category 3 vehicles over 20 feet are prohibited entirely.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 30-388.15 treats vehicles stored on public streets for over 24 hours or vehicles posing safety threats as subject to towing. The Miami-Dade Police Department enforces abandoned vehicle removal.

Miami-Dade County addresses animal hoarding through Chapter 5 of the County Code, which limits the number of dogs and cats per household and establishes animal care standards. Hoarding situations involving neglect or cruelty are investigated by Miami-Dade Animal Services.

Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 requires that all dogs and cats adopted from Animal Services be sterilized before release, and unsterilized pets must carry an annual unaltered-animal license through the Animal Services Department.

Miami-Dade County requires dogs and cats to be microchipped as part of pet licensing under Chapter 5, and Animal Services uses chips to return strays to owners and reduce shelter intake countywide.

Miami-Dade County Chapter 5 restricts retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats sourced from commercial breeders, steering buyers toward shelters, rescues, and humane sources to curb puppy-mill supply chains.

Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 caps the number of dogs and cats that may be kept at a residence in unincorporated areas, with stricter limits for multifamily dwellings and a hobby-kennel permit option for owners exceeding the threshold.

Miami-Dade County licenses owned cats under Chapter 5 and operates a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return community-cat program for outdoor colonies, balancing humane management with public-health rabies vaccination requirements.

Miami-Dade County protects native and migratory birds through the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Florida nongame rules, with extra county safeguards for nesting wading birds, burrowing owls, and shoreline rookeries.

Miami-Dade County does not run a coyote trapping program; under Florida wildlife rules, residents are encouraged to haze coyotes, secure pets and trash, and report aggressive animals to Animal Services and FWC.

Miami-Dade County's 1989 pit bull ban was repealed effective October 1, 2023 by state law. Florida now preempts all breed-specific legislation statewide. All dogs are regulated under behavior-based dangerous dog standards per FL Chapter 767.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 5-3 regulates wild animals and reptiles. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires permits for Class I, II, and III wildlife. Feeding wildlife, especially alligators, is illegal under FL §379.

Keeping chickens, livestock, or poultry is strictly prohibited in single-family residential zoning districts in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Only AU (Agricultural Use) zoned properties may keep livestock or fowl.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 5-20 requires all dogs to be leashed when off private property. Unsterilized dogs incur a $150 fine if found at large; sterilized dogs incur a $50 fine. Escalating penalties apply for repeat offenses.

Beekeeping in unincorporated Miami-Dade County residential zones requires a Beekeeper's Compliance Agreement. Florida FDACS requires all beekeepers to register and mark hives with a unique firm number. Hives within 15 feet of a property line need a 6-foot flyway barrier.

Feeding wildlife in Miami-Dade County is prohibited under FL §379 and county code. Feeding alligators is a second-degree misdemeanor. FWC enforces wildlife feeding violations. Nuisance alligators reported to 866-FWC-GATOR.

Miami-Dade County requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height. Retaining walls must meet Florida Building Code structural requirements, with engineered designs required for taller walls. Drainage provisions must prevent water damage to adjacent properties.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 33-11 limits fences and walls to 4 feet in front or side street setback areas and 8 feet between the building line and other property lines. Safe sight distance triangles limit height to 2.5 feet near driveways.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 33-12 requires all residential pools to have a safety barrier of at least 48 inches per FL §515. Acceptable barriers include screened patios, wood fences, wire fences, rock walls, and concrete block. HVHZ wind rating applies.

Miami-Dade County allows fences on property lines under Section 33-11. Florida Statute Section 823.11 prohibits spite fences erected maliciously to annoy neighbors. No shared-cost requirement exists under Florida law.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 33-11 allows wire fences, chain link, concrete block, wood, and aluminum in all districts. All materials must meet HVHZ Florida Building Code wind load requirements. Cloth, fabric, and canvas on fences must be properly maintained.

Miami-Dade County requires permits for all walls and fences under Section 33-11. Applications require a site plan showing location, height, and materials. All fence materials must meet HVHZ Florida Building Code wind load standards.

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.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 14-66 restricts outdoor burning. Bonfires require an Open Burn Permit. Residential burning of trash, debris, and yard waste is prohibited. Recreational fires under 3 feet diameter are exempt from permits.

Miami-Dade County requires property owners to keep land irrigated and groomed for wildfire prevention. The Florida Forest Service issues burn authorizations. Drought-related burn bans are common in South Florida during dry seasons.

Recreational fires in Miami-Dade County do not require a permit if the fuel area does not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height per Section 14-66. Fires must be constantly attended and kept at least 50 feet from structures.

Fireworks that propel through the air, detonate, or explode are illegal to sell or purchase in Miami-Dade County. Consumer fireworks may only be used on three designated dates: July 4th, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day per FL HB 1059 (2020).

Miami-Dade County has significant wildfire risk along the Everglades urban-wildland interface. The Florida Forest Service manages wildfire risk with burn bans during drought. Properties near natural areas must maintain defensible space.

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.

Miami-Dade does not cap the annual number of nights a property may be rented short-term. Florida §509.032 preempts local minimum-stay or annual-night limits, so the county relies on registration, occupancy, and zoning controls instead.

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-Dade County requires STR operators to maintain liability insurance covering injury or harm to transient occupants and invitees as a condition of the Certificate of Use under Section 33-28.

Miami-Dade County requires a Certificate of Use from the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources for all short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated areas under Section 33-28. Florida law (SB 280, 2023) allows counties to require registration.

Short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated Miami-Dade County must provide adequate off-street parking per Section 33-28. Vehicles cannot block driveways, sidewalks, or swales. On-street parking subject to Chapter 30 regulations.

Short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated Miami-Dade County must comply with County Code Section 21-28 noise provisions. The responsible party must be available to respond to noise complaints. Quiet hours are 11 PM to 7 AM.

Miami-Dade County collects a 6% Convention and Tourist Tax on short-term rentals: 3% Convention Development Tax, 2% Tourist Development Tax, and 1% Sports Franchise Tax. Combined with 6% FL sales tax, total burden is approximately 12-13%.

Miami-Dade County vacation rental regulations under Section 33-28 require compliance with building code occupancy limits. Maximum occupancy is determined by the number of bedrooms and egress capabilities of the unit.

Miami-Dade County does not set a specific numeric cap on garage sales per year but considers frequent sales as commercial activity that violates residential zoning. Operating a de facto retail business from a residential property requires a business tax receipt and appropriate zoning.

Miami-Dade County does not establish specific operating hours for residential garage sales. Sales should operate during reasonable daytime hours consistent with residential neighborhood standards. Noise and activity during nighttime hours may trigger nuisance enforcement.

Miami-Dade County does not generally require permits for residential garage or yard sales in unincorporated areas. Sales must not create traffic or parking hazards. Signage must comply with Chapter 33 temporary sign regulations.

Garage and yard sales in unincorporated Miami-Dade County are permitted as occasional residential activities. Frequent sales may be classified as commercial activity requiring a business tax receipt. Sales must not create traffic hazards or nuisance conditions in the neighborhood.

Miami-Dade County requires trash and recycling carts to be stored on the property out of public view under Chapter 19 property maintenance standards. Damaged carts must be reported through 311 for replacement.

Miami-Dade County Chapter 19 prohibits accumulation of litter, junk, trash, and abandoned property on any lot. This includes junk vehicles, appliances, scrap, and waste materials. Report violations through 311.

Miami-Dade County Chapter 17A requires vacant lot owners to maintain properties free of overgrown vegetation, debris, and hazardous conditions. Unmaintained vacant lots may be cleaned by the county at the owner's expense.

Miami-Dade County allows seasonal and holiday displays on residential property without permits. Displays must not create safety hazards, obstruct public right-of-way, or violate electrical code. Decorations should be removed within a reasonable time after the holiday.

Miami-Dade County regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs under Chapter 33 (Zoning) of the County Code. Signs on public right-of-way are prohibited. Temporary signs on private property must meet size and placement restrictions.

Political signs in Miami-Dade County are protected under the First Amendment. Florida law limits local regulation of political signs. Signs on private property are generally allowed during campaign season with size limitations per Chapter 33 Article VI.

Miami-Dade County regulates outdoor lighting through Chapter 33 (Zoning) to control light trespass and glare. Florida Statute 379.367 protects sea turtle nesting areas with strict beachfront lighting restrictions from May through October along the county's coastal areas.

Miami-Dade County addresses light trespass through its nuisance provisions. Exterior lighting that unreasonably intrudes on neighboring properties may constitute a nuisance. New development must comply with Chapter 18A landscape and lighting standards.

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.

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.

Florida Statute §166.043 preempts local rent control statewide. Miami-Dade County cannot impose rent control or rent stabilization. Only during a declared housing emergency can temporary rent restrictions be enacted.

Florida does not require just-cause eviction. Landlords in Miami-Dade County may terminate month-to-month tenancies with proper notice per FL Chapter 83. No local just-cause eviction protections exist.

Miami-Dade County requires a Certificate of Use for rental properties in unincorporated areas. All rental units must meet building code and safety standards. Short-term rentals have additional registration requirements under Section 33-28.

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 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.

Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Florida regardless of medical marijuana card status. Florida's medical marijuana program under Amendment 2 (2016) allows only licensed dispensary purchases. Recreational cannabis remains illegal statewide.

Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (dispensaries) in Miami-Dade County are regulated by both state licensing under FL §381.986 and local zoning. Dispensaries must comply with separation requirements from schools, churches, and residential zones.

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 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.

Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 11C regulates development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and Coastal High Hazard Areas. FEMA flood maps were officially adopted in July 2009. Properties in flood zones require flood insurance with federally-backed mortgages.

Miami-Dade County regulates stormwater management through Chapter 11C and the Public Works Manual. All new development must provide on-site stormwater retention. The county's low elevation and limestone geology make stormwater management critical.

Miami-Dade County enforces the strictest building code in the US through the High Velocity Hurricane Zone. All new construction requires impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofing, and enhanced structural connections. Coastal construction control line setbacks apply.

Miami-Dade County requires erosion and sediment control measures for all construction and land disturbance activities. Silt fences, sediment traps, and stabilized construction entrances are standard requirements. Coastal erosion managed by DERM.

Miami-Dade County Public Works Manual governs grading and drainage for development. Positive drainage away from structures is required. No adverse stormwater impact on neighboring properties. Base flood elevation plus freeboard applies in flood zones.

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.

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-Dade County requires tree replacement when removal permits are granted under Section 24-49. Replacement ratios are determined by DERM based on the species, size, and significance of the removed tree.

Miami-Dade County requires tree removal permits for trees with trunk diameter of 5 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above ground under Section 24-49. DERM reviews applications. Improper pruning that destroys a tree is also a violation.

Miami-Dade County protects significant trees under Section 24-49 through the tree removal permit process. Specimen trees and native hardwoods receive additional consideration in permit review by DERM.

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.

Every business operating in unincorporated Miami-Dade needs a Local Business Tax Receipt under Chapter 8A, with rates set by classification on a county schedule. Cities like Miami and Hialeah issue separate municipal receipts for businesses inside city limits.

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.

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.

Miami-Dade County provides scheduled bulk waste collection for large items in unincorporated areas. Residents must schedule bulk pickups through 311. Items must be placed at the curb on the scheduled date. Hazardous materials are not accepted.

Miami-Dade County requires trash carts to be stored out of public view when not on the curb for collection. Bins must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day and retrieved by midnight. Carts left out are a code violation.

Miami-Dade County provides single-stream recycling collection once weekly in unincorporated areas. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass, and aluminum. Contaminated bins may be left uncollected.

Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management provides twice-weekly garbage collection and once-weekly recycling in unincorporated areas under Chapter 15. Carts must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day.

Food truck vending in unincorporated Miami-Dade County is regulated by Chapter 33 zoning. Mobile vendors must comply with location restrictions including distances from established restaurants and permitted vending zones.

Food trucks in unincorporated Miami-Dade County require a mobile food dispensing vehicle license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, plus a county Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipt.

Door-to-door solicitors in unincorporated Miami-Dade County may be required to obtain permits. Religious and political canvassing are protected under the First Amendment and exempt from permit requirements.

Miami-Dade County residents may post no-soliciting signs which must be honored by commercial solicitors. Florida trespassing law protects homeowners who ask solicitors to leave. Two-party consent applies to doorbell camera recordings.

Miami-Dade County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Minors must be off public streets and places from 11 PM to 6 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6 AM Friday and Saturday, with exceptions for employment and emergencies.

Miami-Dade County parks are generally closed from sunset to sunrise unless specifically designated for after-dark use. The Parks Department sets hours for individual facilities. Trespassing in closed parks is a misdemeanor.

Miami-Dade County Code Section 33-50 establishes setback lines for residential and estate districts. RU-1 setbacks are typically 25 feet front, 15 feet rear, and 7.5 feet side. Accessory buildings require additional setback from front property lines.

Miami-Dade County limits impervious lot coverage in residential districts to maintain stormwater absorption. RU-1 districts typically allow 35-40% lot coverage. All impervious surfaces count toward the total including driveways and patios.

Miami-Dade County limits residential structures to 35 feet in most single-family districts. Height measured from grade to the highest point of the roof. Taller structures allowed in EU and commercial districts with additional requirements.

Florida Statute §163.04 protects homeowners' right to install solar energy devices and prohibits HOAs and local governments from imposing unreasonable restrictions on solar installations in Miami-Dade County.

Miami-Dade County requires building permits for solar panel installations. All panels must meet HVHZ Florida Building Code wind load requirements. Florida law protects homeowners' right to install solar under FL §163.04.

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.

Recreational drones in Miami-Dade County must comply with FAA regulations. Registration required for drones over 0.55 lbs. Flying near Miami International Airport and other controlled airspace requires LAANC authorization. County parks may restrict drone use.

Commercial drone operations in Miami-Dade County require FAA Part 107 certification. Pilots must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. Additional authorizations needed for controlled airspace near Miami's multiple airports.