Miramar is a city in southern Broward County, Florida, United States. It is a suburb of the Miami metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 134,721, making it the fourth-largest city in Broward County, the sixth-largest city in the Miami metro area, and the 14th-largest city in Florida.
Miramar was founded in 1953 by A.L. Mailman as a "bedroom community" for Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Mailman purchased land from H.D. Perry Sr. and built 56 affordable concrete homes with flat roofs, which quickly sold due to their low cost. The city was officially incorporated on May 26, 1955, with fewer than 200 residents. It was named after the Miramar district in Havana, Cuba, where Mailman had a summer home. The first mayor, Robert Gordon, and the city council were appointed by the governor until the first municipal election in 1959.
H.D. Perry Sr. played a significant role in Miramar's development, not only as a land seller but also as a civic leader. He influenced the community through various activities, including hosting barbecues and teaching youth about farming. His contributions are still recognized today, with schools and parks named after his family.
When Miramar was first established, major roads were limited to U.S. 441, Hallandale Beach Boulevard, and Pembroke Road, which was a dirt road at the time. The city prioritized planned and controlled growth, adopting a Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1972, even before it was mandated by law. This plan ensured the city's orderly expansion. Today, despite its growth, two-thirds of Miramar's land remains undeveloped, maintaining the city's commitment to thoughtful urban planning.
