Best ADU Builders in Miami (2026)
Updated May 2026 · 10-minute read
Building an ADU in Miami-Dade is more complex — and more expensive — than anywhere else in Florida. High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requirements, 34 separate municipal jurisdictions, and some of the state's highest labor costs mean choosing the right builder matters more here than in Orlando or Tampa. This list ranks the 10 best ADU contractors currently active in Miami-Dade, based on HVHZ experience, permit track record, and verified project history.
HVHZ adds 20–30% to Miami ADU costs
Miami-Dade is a High Velocity Hurricane Zone. ADUs must meet stricter structural standards — impact windows, reinforced roof connections, and HVHZ-compliant framing. A 600 sq ft ADU that costs $150K in Central Florida often runs $200K–$340K in Miami. Only hire a builder with verifiable Miami-Dade HVHZ permit history.
Miami-Dade has 34 municipalities — check yours first
Your ADU rules depend entirely on which jurisdiction your parcel falls in. City of Miami, unincorporated Miami-Dade, Coral Gables, Hialeah, and other cities all have separate zoning ordinances with different setbacks, size limits, and owner-occupancy rules. Run your address through ADU Florida Info before calling any builder.
The 10 Best ADU Builders in Miami for 2026
Mesocore
Miami-Dade · Modular & site-built · HVHZ-certified
Mesocore is one of the few ADU specialists in Florida that builds modular units engineered specifically for HVHZ compliance. Their factory-built panels are pre-certified for Miami-Dade wind loads, which cuts on-site permit review time significantly. They handle the full permit package — zoning, structural, MEP — and have active projects across unincorporated Miami-Dade, Hialeah, and the City of Miami.
Pricing starts around $180/sq ft for modular detached units. Their process requires a zoning feasibility review before any design work begins, which is the right order of operations in a county with this many overlapping jurisdictions.
Best for: Homeowners who want HVHZ-engineered units with full permit management.
ADU Florida Info — Check Your Zoning First
Statewide · Free zoning report · No sales pitch
Before you spend $10,000 on architect drawings for a Miami ADU, you need to know exactly what your parcel is zoned and which municipality controls it. Miami-Dade's 34 jurisdictions are a minefield — a property two blocks away from yours can have completely different setback rules, size caps, or owner-occupancy requirements.
ADU Florida Info runs your address against the actual Miami-Dade GIS and zoning database and returns a plain-English feasibility report: what you can build, what setbacks apply, whether owner-occupancy is required, and what permits you'll need. It's the step every Miami homeowner should take before calling a builder — and it's free.
Check your Miami zoning →Florida Made Tiny Homes
South Florida · Detached ADUs · Custom builds
Florida Made Tiny Homes specializes in detached ADUs and small guest houses across South Florida, with active projects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Their builds are site-constructed to HVHZ standards and range from 400–900 sq ft. They have a reputation for clear timelines and honest cost estimates — useful in a market where HVHZ surprises regularly blow up budgets mid-project.
They offer a design-build model that covers architectural plans through CO issuance. Lead times are typically 4–6 months from signed contract to permit submission.
Best for: Homeowners in Miami-Dade or Broward who want a custom detached ADU with fixed-price contracting.
Goshen Tiny Homes – Miami
South Florida · Tiny homes & ADUs · Modular
Goshen Tiny Homes operates across Florida and has a dedicated South Florida division serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Their factory-built tiny homes and modular ADUs are designed for Florida's climate, with HVHZ-rated components available for Miami-Dade installations.
Their pricing is among the more transparent in the market, with published starting prices by model. Note that foundation work, utility connections, and HVHZ upgrades are often itemized separately — get a full turnkey quote before comparing to competitors.
Best for: Homeowners who want a pre-designed modular unit with known pricing upfront.
Artesa Build & Design
Miami-Dade · New construction & ADU services · Full-service
Artesa Build & Design is a Miami-based general contractor with a dedicated ADU services line. They handle new detached construction, garage conversions, and addition ADUs, and are familiar with the permitting requirements across multiple City of Miami and unincorporated Miami-Dade zones. Their design-build approach covers everything from zoning research through final inspection.
Artesa is a solid choice for homeowners in denser parts of Miami where lot constraints require creative design solutions — attached or above-garage ADU configurations where a modular unit isn't feasible.
Best for: Urban Miami lots where site conditions require a custom, non-modular approach.
Abba Construction & Remodeling
Miami-Dade · Remodeling & additions · Licensed GC
Abba Construction is a Miami-Dade licensed general contractor with experience in residential additions and conversions. For homeowners looking at garage-to-ADU conversions or interior ADU additions rather than new detached construction, Abba handles the structural and permitting work required for HVHZ compliance on existing structures.
Their reviews on Houzz and Google indicate strong project management and communication — particularly relevant for Miami-Dade where multi-agency permit coordination (building department, fire, zoning) can create scheduling problems with less experienced contractors.
Best for: Garage conversions and interior ADU additions in Miami-Dade.
Piranha Construction
South Florida · Residential construction · Licensed GC
Piranha Construction is a South Florida residential contractor with a track record in new construction and additions across Miami-Dade and Broward. They're not ADU-exclusive, but their familiarity with HVHZ construction standards and local subcontractor relationships means they can move projects through permit and inspection efficiently.
Best suited for straightforward detached ADU projects on lots with no complex zoning overlays — flood zones, historic districts, or HOA-controlled neighborhoods require additional expertise.
Best for: Standard detached ADU builds in unincorporated Miami-Dade or Broward.
MØ Builders
Miami · Residential & commercial · Full-service GC
MØ Builders is a Miami-based contractor with residential and light commercial project experience. Their ADU work covers detached units and additions, with particular focus on design-forward builds for homeowners in high-value neighborhoods where aesthetics matter as much as function.
They have experience navigating Coral Gables and City of Miami's more restrictive overlay zones, which is a meaningful differentiator for homeowners in those jurisdictions.
Best for: Design-conscious homeowners in Coral Gables or City of Miami overlay districts.
Oro Construction Solutions
Miami-Dade · Residential construction · Licensed GC
Oro Construction Solutions handles residential construction and renovations in Miami-Dade County. For ADU projects, their strength is in renovation-based conversions — transforming existing detached structures (pool houses, workshops, garages) into permitted ADUs. This is often more cost-effective than new construction on established Miami-Dade lots where an existing structure already meets setback requirements.
Confirm HVHZ certification status directly before signing any contract — this is non-negotiable for Miami-Dade work.
Best for: Converting existing detached structures into permitted ADUs.
ProBuild Innovative Builders
South Florida · Residential & ADU construction
ProBuild Innovative Builders rounds out the list as a South Florida contractor with growing ADU project experience. Their team handles design coordination, permitting, and construction management across multiple Miami-Dade jurisdictions. They're a newer entrant to the ADU market specifically, so due diligence on completed ADU projects is especially important before hiring.
Request references for completed Miami-Dade ADU projects specifically — general residential construction experience doesn't automatically translate to ADU permit knowledge in Miami's complex multi-jurisdiction environment.
Best for: Homeowners who want a full-service GC for standard ADU builds.
How Much Does an ADU Cost to Build in Miami?
Miami-Dade is the most expensive ADU market in Florida. HVHZ structural requirements, high labor costs, and Miami-Dade's permitting complexity all push costs well above the state average.
| ADU Type | Miami-Dade Range | FL Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU (400–600 sq ft) | $180K–$260K | $120K–$180K |
| Detached ADU (600–900 sq ft) | $240K–$340K | $160K–$240K |
| Garage Conversion | $90K–$160K | $60K–$120K |
| Above-Garage ADU | $160K–$250K | $120K–$200K |
| Interior (Basement/Attic) | $80K–$150K | $50K–$110K |
* HVHZ premium is already factored into Miami-Dade ranges. Flood zone (AE/VE) parcels add 10–20% further for elevation requirements. Coastal lots near Biscayne Bay or the Atlantic may require additional geotechnical review.
Miami-Dade ADU Rules: Which Jurisdiction Governs Your Property?
Miami-Dade County contains 34 incorporated municipalities plus unincorporated Miami-Dade — and each has its own ADU rules. The most common jurisdictions:
City of Miami
ADUs (called "Efficiency Units" or "Accessory Dwelling Units" under Miami 21 zoning) are allowed in T3 and higher transect zones. STR permitted with Certificate of Use. Owner-occupancy not required in most transect zones.
Unincorporated Miami-Dade
Governed by Miami-Dade County zoning code. ADUs generally allowed on single-family lots in residential zones. Owner-occupancy of the primary or accessory unit required in most zones. Maximum 750–1,000 sq ft depending on lot size.
Coral Gables
One of the most restrictive jurisdictions in Miami-Dade. ADUs subject to strict design review, historical compatibility requirements, and a Special Exception process for some zones. Confirm with Coral Gables Building Department before any planning.
Hialeah
ADU rules under Hialeah's municipal zoning code — separate from Miami-Dade County. Generally more restrictive than unincorporated areas. Confirm zoning district and current ADU allowances directly with Hialeah Building Department.
Don't guess your jurisdiction
A parcel address alone doesn't tell you which zoning code applies. Miami addresses can fall in any of 34 municipalities or unincorporated Miami-Dade — and property lines sometimes cross municipal boundaries. Run your address through the ADU Florida Info checker to get the exact jurisdiction, zoning district, and applicable ADU rules for your specific parcel.
Check my Miami property →Frequently Asked Questions
Are ADUs allowed in Miami-Dade County?
Yes. Miami-Dade County permits ADUs on single-family lots. Rules vary significantly by municipality — City of Miami, unincorporated Miami-Dade, Coral Gables, and other cities each have separate zoning codes. Check your specific parcel's zoning before hiring a builder.
Why do ADUs cost more to build in Miami than elsewhere in Florida?
Miami-Dade is a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), which requires impact windows, reinforced roof connections, and stricter structural standards. This typically adds 20–30% to construction costs compared to Central Florida. A 600 sq ft ADU in Miami often runs $200,000–$340,000.
Do I need to check both city and county zoning for my Miami property?
Yes — Miami-Dade County contains 34 municipalities, each with its own zoning ordinance. A property in the City of Miami has different ADU rules than one in unincorporated Miami-Dade or Coral Gables. Run your address through a zoning checker to identify the correct jurisdiction before starting any plans.
Can I rent out an ADU short-term in Miami?
The City of Miami allows short-term rentals with a Certificate of Use (COU). However, rules differ across Miami-Dade municipalities. Confirm your jurisdiction's STR policy before building with that intent.
How long does it take to permit an ADU in Miami?
Miami-Dade permitting typically runs 3–6 months due to HVHZ plan review requirements. Miami Building Department has implemented some expedited review tracks, but complex lots near flood zones can take longer. Budget 6–12 months total from permit submission to occupancy.
Know what you can build before you call anyone
Miami-Dade's 34 jurisdictions mean your neighbor's ADU rules may be completely different from yours — even on the same street. Get a free, property-specific zoning report in minutes.
Check my Miami property for free →