Miami Considers Sweeping Zoning Changes to Expand Little Havana Housing

26 October 2026

Neither the City Commission nor the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board have approved a specific 1,200-unit affordable housing project.

However, Miami is considering major zoning changes that could significantly increase housing capacity in and around Little Havana. These proposals would allow taller buildings and greater densities, pending final approval from the Commission.

The most extensive rezoning proposal would increase permitted residential densities across hundreds of properties from 36 units per acre (T4) to 150 per acre (T6). Certain redeveloping districts could allow up to 150 units per acre with commercial uses under the proposed changes.

Little Havana Transit Corridor Proposal

An October vote by the Planning Board preliminarily approved the Little Havana Transit Corridor Rezoning, allowing buildings up to eight stories near Calle Ocho with zoning bonuses. This change would affect approximately 72 acres under the Miami21 zoning code updates.

Separately, the Commission is considering removing restrictions from additional Little Havana properties by reclassifying medium-density multifamily zones. One proposed land use amendment would eliminate existing multifamily limits, permitting up to 150 residential units without affordable housing requirements. Approximately 30 acres totaling 1.1 million square feet could become available for redevelopment under this change.

These zoning increases come with no requirements for developers to include affordable units in Little Havana. Recent land-use changes have actually removed previous affordable housing mandates for redeveloping areas. The city also no longer requires public amenities like parks in areas zoned 'restricted commercial.'

Alternative programs may help create some affordable housing. Florida's 2023 Live Local Act provides tax incentives for developers reserving 40% of units as affordable or workforce housing for 30 years. Several developers already use such incentives in Little Havana. Miami's proposed Transit-Oriented Development rules would allow up to 200 units per acre near transit stations with affordable housing requirements.

Development in Little Havana remains contentious. The city withdrew a 2018 rezoning after community concerns about overdevelopment. While the current transit corridor proposal moves forward, earlier project-specific rezonings have already allowed mixed-use developments up to 150 units per acre in the area.