ADU Zoning in Miami-Dade County, Florida (2026)
What ADU can you build in your Miami-Dade County backyard?
Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.
Miami-Dade County ADU — Key Facts
- ALL Miami-Dade construction is HVHZ — impact glass, hurricane straps, HVHZ roofing add $20K–$40K to cost
- Miami-Dade has 34 incorporated municipalities + unincorporated areas — each with separate rules
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade: max 800 sq ft OR 50% of primary (whichever is less)
- City of Miami uses Miami 21 transect code — different rules and permit process than unincorporated
- No owner-occupancy mandate for ADUs in unincorporated Miami-Dade under the county code
- City of Miami requires Certificate of Use (CU) for non-owner-occupied rentals — annual renewal
- Long-term rental income range: $1,400–$2,100/month
Unincorporated Miami-Dade County Rules
*These rules apply if your address is NOT inside a specific city limit.
Miami-Dade County ADU Permit Process
- 1Determine exact jurisdiction — Miami-Dade has 34 incorporated municipalities plus unincorporated areas, each with separate rules and permit portals.
- 2Confirm HVHZ-compliant Florida Product Approvals for all windows, doors, and roofing.
- 3Hire HVHZ-experienced Florida-licensed PE/RA.
- 4Submit application — unincorporated Miami-Dade via iBuild portal (permitting.miamidade.gov); City of Miami via ePlan (City of Miami Building Department); other municipalities via their portals.
- 5HVHZ structural review (most stringent in Florida).
- 6Multi-department review.
- 7Pass HVHZ inspections.
- 8Obtain Certificate of Occupancy.
- 9City of Miami: apply for Certificate of Use if renting non-owner-occupied. Total timeline: 6–15 months from design to CO.
Timeline: Unincorporated plan review: 6–10 weeks. City of Miami: 8–14 weeks (Miami 21 design compliance adds cycles). Total project: 6–15 months.
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Cities in Miami-Dade County
Aventura
Coral Gables
Cutler Bay
Doral
Hialeah
Homestead
Miami
Miami Beach
Miami Gardens
North Miami
Pinecrest
Miami-Dade County ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions from Miami-Dade County homeowners about ADU rules, permits, and costs.
Can I build an ADU in Miami-Dade County?
Yes, if your property is in unincorporated Miami-Dade (RU-1, RU-2, EU-1, EU-2, AU zones) or in a municipality that permits ADUs (most do, with varying rules). The county has 34 incorporated municipalities plus unincorporated areas — each with different codes, size caps, and permit portals. Verify your exact jurisdiction first using the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser website.
What is HVHZ and how does it affect ADU construction in Miami-Dade?
Miami-Dade and Broward counties are designated High-Velocity Hurricane Zones under the Florida Building Code — the most stringent wind load category. All construction must use impact-rated windows and doors (rated 175 mph+), HVHZ-rated roofing systems, and enhanced structural connections. This adds $20,000–$40,000 to ADU cost compared to non-HVHZ Florida construction. Cannot be waived. Verify that any prefab/modular unit carries Florida Product Approvals specifically rated for HVHZ before purchase.
Do I need to live on my Miami-Dade property to rent the ADU?
Unincorporated Miami-Dade does not impose an owner-occupancy mandate for ADUs under its county code. However, the City of Miami requires a Certificate of Use (CU) before legally renting any non-owner-occupied unit — this includes ADUs. The CU requires an inspection and annual renewal. Most other Miami-Dade municipalities have their own occupancy requirements; verify your specific jurisdiction's rules.
Can I rent my Miami-Dade ADU on Airbnb?
Generally no in single-family residential zones across Miami-Dade. Most municipalities prohibit short-term rentals under 30 days in residential districts. The City of Miami has very specific STR registration requirements and some neighborhoods (Wynwood, Brickell mixed-use areas) permit STR with additional licensing. Plan around long-term rentals — typical rents are $1,400–$2,100/month.
How do I figure out which Miami-Dade jurisdiction my property is in?
Use the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser website (miamidade.gov/pa). Enter your address — the 'Tax District' field indicates whether you're in unincorporated Miami-Dade or one of the 34 incorporated municipalities (City of Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Doral, Aventura, Cutler Bay, Homestead, Miami Gardens, Pinecrest, etc.). Each has different ADU rules, size caps, setbacks, and permit portals.
Read the Complete Miami ADU Guide
Five jurisdictions, HVHZ rules, Certificate of Use, real costs ($180K–$350K), and ROI analysis.
Florida ADU Laws 2026 — What State Law Does and Doesn't Do
How §163.31771 works, and what your local government controls.
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
— and get a free Miami-Dade County ADU guide for your area.
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