What should I know about Miami Gardens?
Miami Gardens incorporated on May 13, 2003, as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. It covers about 20 square miles and the city lists its population at 105,457, behind only Miami and Hialeah in the county. Because it is its own city, it writes its own zoning rules rather than following unincorporated county rules.
Does Miami Gardens allow ADUs?
Yes, under a new ordinance. Meeting coverage reports that the City Council voted 6 to 0 in spring 2026 to add ADUs to the city code, as attached additions or separate structures on qualifying lots. The coverage describes permitting, inspections and fees, including annual inspections.
As of October 2026, we did not find the final ordinance text with lot size, unit size and parking numbers. We get those from the city's planning and zoning staff for your lot before design.
Can I legalize a unit I already have?
Coverage of the council debate noted that the city was considering how existing units would be handled. We will not assume an existing unit qualifies. We review it against the adopted rules and the building code, then tell you what it would take.
What building rules apply?
Miami Gardens is in Miami-Dade County, so new work falls under the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone provisions of the Florida Building Code. If the lot is in a FEMA flood zone, the new living floor must meet the required elevation.
Will my lot qualify?
It depends on the ordinance limits the city applies to your lot, the size of the yard and parking. Residents at the hearing asked how lot-size minimums would be enforced, which suggests not every lot will qualify. We check yours specifically.
Related
As of October 2026. Sources: City of Miami Gardens "About the City" page; local meeting coverage of the 2026 council ADU vote; Florida Building Code.
Check what your Miami Gardens lot allows
Send your address. We check it against the city's new ADU rules.