Miami Speed Hump & Roundabout Design Guide

Transportation Florida 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Florida

In Miami, Florida, local authorities manage the design, approval and maintenance of traffic calming measures such as speed humps and roundabouts to improve neighborhood safety and traffic flow. This guide summarizes where the City of Miami publishes applicable standards, how designs and requests are evaluated, the enforcement pathway, and practical steps residents and engineers must take to propose, permit or appeal installations. It highlights the responsible city offices and points to the official municipal code and Public Works resources for technical details and formal applications.[1]

Overview of standards and authority

The City of Miami adopts traffic regulations and control device authority through its municipal code and implements physical measures through Public Works and Transportation/Traffic Engineering divisions. Design criteria for humps and roundabouts are implemented in engineering practice and reviewed against municipal rules and safety standards. Refer to the City of Miami code and the Public Works/Transportation pages for the controlling instruments and current procedures.[1]

Design criteria for speed humps

Design guidance used by city engineers typically addresses hump height, length, profile, approach tapering, signage, pavement marking, drainage, and accommodation for emergency vehicles and bicycles. Where specific numeric dimensions or legal mandates appear in the municipal code or engineering standards, those govern; where the code is silent, the city follows engineering best practices and state or agency guidance.

  • Design review for geometry, drainage and sightlines.
  • Placement only after traffic studies and community consultation.
  • Required signage and pavement markings per city/agency specifications.
  • Consideration for transit route and emergency vehicle access.
Design numbers are set by engineering standards and official city documents referenced below.

Roundabout design standards

Roundabout proposals are evaluated for intersection geometry, expected traffic volumes, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, drainage, sight distance, and maintenance. Single-lane and multi-lane roundabouts have distinct geometric requirements; engineering plans must demonstrate compliance with the City of Miami review criteria and any linked design manuals.

  • Vehicle turning templates, entry/exit radii and splitter islands.
  • Pedestrian crossings and ADA-compliant curb ramps.
  • Phased construction and traffic staging plans.

Installation process and approvals

Proposals typically begin with a request or permit application to the City of Miami Transportation or Public Works Department; the city conducts traffic counts, safety analyses and community notification before authorizing physical changes. Engineering drawings, maintenance agreements and construction permits may be required depending on whether work occurs within the public right-of-way or requires utility relocation.

  • Initial request or petition to Transportation/Traffic Engineering for study.
  • Traffic study and engineering recommendation.
  • Formal permit, plan review and contractor approvals if construction is authorized.

Penalties & Enforcement

The enforcement of traffic control devices, unlawful alterations, or unauthorized construction in the public right-of-way is handled by City of Miami enforcement divisions in coordination with the Public Works and Transportation departments and may involve citations or orders to restore right-of-way conditions. Specific monetary fines or schedules for violations are not provided on the cited municipal pages; where the code lists amounts, those apply. For operational enforcement and complaint submission, contact the city transportation or public works office.[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove unauthorized work, stop-work orders, and restoration directives.
  • Enforcer: City of Miami Public Works / Transportation or designated code enforcement units; complaint pathways are on the Public Works/Transportation pages.[2]
  • Appeals/review: appeal procedures and time limits are specified where the municipal code or administrative rules set them; if absent on the cited pages, they are not specified on the cited page.
If you find an unauthorized alteration to a public street, report it promptly to Public Works.

Applications & Forms

The City of Miami manages traffic calming requests and permit applications through its Transportation or Public Works divisions; specific forms, required attachments and submission instructions are available from those offices. The public code portal and the Public Works pages are the authoritative sources for any published forms or application fees.[1][2]

Action steps

  • Submit a formal request or petition to Transportation/Traffic Engineering with location, concerns and photos.
  • Cooperate with city traffic counts and studies; provide neighborhood contact information.
  • Review engineering comments and supply revised plans if asked.
  • Pay any permit or review fees as required (see official forms).

FAQ

Can residents request a speed hump or roundabout in Miami?
Yes. Residents may petition or submit a formal request to the City of Miami Transportation or Public Works department; the city evaluates requests by traffic studies and community impact assessments.
How long does the approval process take?
Timelines vary based on study needs, design revisions and permitting; the municipal pages provide current processing guidance or contact information for estimated schedules.
Who enforces unauthorized changes to public streets?
Enforcement is handled by City of Miami Public Works/Transportation and code enforcement units; complaints should be filed using the official contact channels.

How-To

  1. Document the location, collect photos and describe traffic safety concerns.
  2. Contact City of Miami Transportation/Traffic Engineering to request an evaluation.
  3. Provide any required petition signatures or neighborhood support documentation.
  4. Allow the city to conduct traffic counts and safety analyses.
  5. If approved, submit engineering plans and obtain permits for construction.
  6. Schedule construction with approved contractors and confirm post-installation inspections.

Key Takeaways

  • Official design and approval for humps and roundabouts is managed by City of Miami Transportation and Public Works.
  • Start with an official request and expect a traffic study before installation decisions.
  • Use the city’s published contact pages to report violations or ask about forms and fees.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Miami Code of Ordinances - Municode
  2. [2] City of Miami Public Works / Transportation

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