MIA Local Controller described near taxiway landing event when C172; cleared to land on runway 8L; made an approach to taxiway K; ATC issued go-around.

Narrative

A C172; on visual approach to Runway 8L at MIA; checked onto my Tower frequency for landing clearance at about 3 mile final. Landing clearance was issued by myself along with previously reported flight conditions on final including a gusty right to left wind. Upon reaching 1 mile final; the C172 inquired as to whether 'the departure was clear of his runway.' After scanning the runway visually and the Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE) one more time for any conflict and seeing none; I told the C172 that the runway was clear of all obstructions and conflicts and that he was cleared to land on Runway 8L once again. As the C172 approached touchdown; my Local Assist position told me to send him around and I immediately issued the go-around instructions. After issuing the instructions; I saw that the C172 was actually lined up with the parallel Taxiway K; and was very close to actually landing on that taxiway. There was no taxiing traffic in the C172's near touchdown area and no other aircraft were compromised. C172 flew the pattern with approach and landing safely yet with difficulty in his taxi in to parking; not being familiar with the airport layout.