Consumer Services

Baby Diaper Changing Accommodations

The Baby Diaper-Changing Accommodations Ordinance (Section 8A - 114 of Miami Dade County Code  requires certain new and remodeled business establishments to have baby changing stations accessible to men and women.

• What type of business must have diaper-changing accommodations?
• Where are the changing stations to be located in an establishment?
• Does the ordinance apply to existing establishments?
• Are hardship exemptions available?
• What type of Baby Diaper-Changing Accommodations are acceptable?
• As a business owner where can I get information regarding the Baby Diaper-Changing Accommodations Ordinance?
• What is the penalty associated with this ordinance?
• Who will investigate complaints regarding this Ordinance?

What type of business must have diaper-changing accommodations?

• Theaters and movie houses
• Sports arenas, auditoriums, cultural complexes and exhibition halls
• Libraries
• Passenger terminals
• Permanent amusement park structures
• Shopping centers of more than 25,000 square feet
• Restaurants with seating capacity of at least 50 seats serving food for consumption on premises, except where there is a centrally located facility with diaper-changing accommodations within 300 feet of the entrance of the restaurant
• Tourist attractions
• Retail stores in excess of 5,000 square feet in size

Where are the changing stations to be located in an establishment?

The stations must be in both men's and women's restrooms, or in unisex restrooms. Signs must designate where the accommodations are located.

Does the ordinance apply to existing establishments?

No. The requirements do not apply to establishments that received their Certificate of Use and Occupancy prior to February 13, 1999, unless the establishment undergoes major remodeling of more than 50% of the gross floor area that includes the restroom.

Are hardship exemptions available?

Hardship exemptions are available if:

• No reasonable physical alternative exists for providing baby diaper-changing accommodations, OR
• The cost of providing such accommodations exceeds 10 percent of the cost of constructing, purchase or substantially modifying the building or facility occupied by the establishment or use. 

What type of Baby Diaper-Changing Accommodations are acceptable?

The accommodation can be a specially designed station that attaches to a wall, a table, a countertop or other suitable surface.

As a business owner where can I get information regarding the Baby Diaper-Changing Accommodations Ordinance?

If your business is in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, any building plan submitted to the Miami-Dade County Building Department must show the baby diaper-changing accommodations. Inspectors will verify that the accommodations exist before granting final building inspections. For information about the building permit process call 305-375-2500 or visit the Building Department Website.

If your business is located in a municipality, contact your municipal Building official for information about their building permit process.

What is the penalty associated with this ordinance?

Failure to comply with the Baby Diaper-Changing Accommodations Ordinance will result in a violation subject to a Civil Penalty of $500.00.

Who will investigate complaints regarding this Ordinance?

The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department will investigate consumer complaints regarding the availability of the accommodations. Call 305-375-3677.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Mon Aug 8, 2011 12:55:09 PM