Miami-Dade County Ordinance 22-146 establishes different rules for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and a guesthouse in the unincorporated County area. The ordinance applies only in specified residential zoning districts inside the Urban Development Boundary, with a separate stated condition for some GU properties. It does not describe the rules inside incorporated cities.

Check which unit category the County uses

The ordinance permits one accessory unit per lot within its defined scope. It distinguishes an ADU, which may be rented for a fee for a period of at least one month, from a guesthouse, which may not be rented separately for a fee from the principal dwelling. A label in a listing or floor plan does not establish the County’s legal classification; check the current code definition and the property’s approval record.

The ordinance also bars separate sale of an accessory unit from the principal dwelling. A unit’s kitchen, entrance, meter, or ability to be rented does not create a separately transferable title. Confirm any proposed condominium or parcel structure with the County and review current title and recorded instruments.

Keep vacation rental rules separate

The County ordinance generally prohibits using an accessory unit as a vacation rental. It describes an exception under § 33-28 for the principal dwelling and accessory unit to operate together as one vacation-rental property. This is not permission to rent only the ADU as a vacation unit. The current vacation-rental requirements and any certificate-of-use conditions must be checked separately.

Before relying on the rule, confirm that the property is in unincorporated Miami-Dade, identify its zoning district and applicable Urban Development Boundary status, and verify the accessory-unit type and current certificate or permit conditions. The County rule does not establish building approval, lawful occupancy, rental-licence status, tenancy compliance, or permission in an incorporated municipality. Ask the responsible County office to confirm how the current ordinance applies to the parcel.