ADU Rules & Zoning in Miami Beach, Florida (2026)

Updated with 2026 Florida SB-48 Codes

What ADU can you build in your Miami Beach backyard?

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Miami Beach 2026 ADU Requirements Snapshot

Miami Beach ADU rules — very limited ADU opportunity. Housing stock is predominantly multifamily condos. Rare single-family parcels subject to historic preservation review. Verify all requirements directly with city.

Download full city guideLast updated: 2026-03-12
Zoning allowanceMiami Beach's housing stock is predominantly condominiums and multifamily. ADU development on single-family parcels is theoretically possible under SB-48 but practically rare given the city's land use
Size limitsUp to 1,000 sq ft under Florida SB-48 if applicable to single-family parcel.
Lot + setbacksVaries significantly by historic district. Historic Preservation Board review required for most alterations.
Height + coverageHistoric preservation controls dominate. Check Miami Beach Planning for your specific district.
ParkingParking is extremely constrained in Miami Beach — verify compliance carefully.
Rental / occupancySTR is heavily regulated in Miami Beach with cap limitations and neighborhood-specific bans.
Permit processMiami Beach Planning Department — Historic Preservation Board review required for most properties.

What this means for your lot

  • Use the address checker first to verify parcel-specific zoning.
  • Confirm setbacks and lot geometry before spending on plans.
  • Check short-term rental rules carefully — they vary significantly by city.

Key gotchas

  • First confirm your parcel is actually single-family residential — most Miami Beach addresses are condos or multifamily with no ADU pathway
  • Historic district rules may prohibit or severely limit the form of any accessory structure
  • Miami Beach's STR landscape is complex — do not assume STR income before confirming your specific zone's regulations
Florida SB-48 (2026 update): Under Florida's statewide ADU law, most single-family homeowners have the right to build an ADU by-right. Local municipalities cannot impose size limits below 1,000 sq ft or require owner-occupancy as a condition of building. If you believe a local denial violates SB-48, consult a Florida land-use attorney.

Building Limits

  • Max Size:1000 sq ft
  • Detached Allowed?Yes
  • Build Cost Est.:$150,000–$350,000

Rental Rules

No Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Both units can be rented to tenants simultaneously.

Short-Term Rentals: Not prohibited at the city level. State DBPR license required.

Estimated Monthly Income

$2,000–$4,000/month

Based on 2025–2026 Miami Beach market data

Key ADU Restrictions in Miami Beach

  • Miami Beach is predominantly condominiums and high-rise multifamily — single-family ADU opportunity applies only to the small number of RS-zoned single-family parcels
  • Historic Preservation Board review required for virtually all alterations in Miami Beach — adds months to approval timeline
  • STR regulations are complex and neighborhood-specific — some areas have cap limits with waitlists; others have bans

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Miami Beach

  • First confirm your parcel is actually single-family residential — most Miami Beach addresses are condos or multifamily with no ADU pathway
  • Historic district rules may prohibit or severely limit the form of any accessory structure
  • Miami Beach's STR landscape is complex — do not assume STR income before confirming your specific zone's regulations

Eligible Zones in Miami Beach

RS-1RS-2

Miami Beach ADU — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Miami Beach, Florida?

Miami Beach's housing stock is predominantly condominiums and multifamily. ADU development on single-family parcels is theoretically possible under SB-48 but practically rare given the city's land use pattern.

What is the maximum ADU size in Miami Beach?

Up to 1,000 sq ft under Florida SB-48 if applicable to single-family parcel.

Do I need to be an owner-occupant to build an ADU in Miami Beach?

Miami Beach does not require owner-occupancy. Both the primary home and ADU can be rented to tenants simultaneously.

Can I use my Miami Beach ADU as an Airbnb?

Miami Beach does not prohibit short-term rentals at the city level. You must obtain a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling license.

How do I get an ADU permit in Miami Beach?

Miami Beach Planning Department — Historic Preservation Board review required for most properties.

Miami Beach Planning Department

Nearby Cities — ADU Rules

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This page provides general information based on current ordinances and publicly available data as of March 2026. Zoning rules change — verify all requirements with your local planning department before making financial commitments.