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Miami Building Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Last updated:
May 22, 2025
One thing everyone in the construction industry can agree on is that pulling permits can be a headache. But if you’ve got a project in Miami, Florida, you need to make sure you’re on top of your permits — especially because permitting in Miami is notoriously difficult!
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Miami building permits in plain language. We’ll cover the paperwork you need, how much it costs, the steps to apply, and ways to make the whole process less painful.
Simplify permitting in Miami with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Miami?
In Miami, you need a building permit for a variety of construction activities. Having one provides proof that your project complies with safety and zoning regulations.
The following projects require a building permit:
- Structural and major alterations: New construction, additions or expansions to existing structures, enclosing patios, balconies, or porches
- System installations and modifications: Installing or upgrading an electrical, plumbing, or HVAC system
- Exterior and site work: Constructing fences, decks, sheds, or pools
Examples of projects that probably don’t require a building permit:
- Interior and cosmetic work: Painting, installing wallpaper, replacing floor coverings (carpet, tile, hardwood)
- Minor plumbing work: Unclogging drains, repairing leaks in accessible pipes, or installing above-ground, plug-in whirlpool tubs
- Minor mechanical work: Using portable heating or cooling units, repairing or replacing ventilation fans
- Exterior and site work: Installing playground equipment for residential use, repairing or replacing rain gutters, installing decorative fountains
Note: Even if a permit is not required, all work must comply with the Florida Building Code and local zoning regulations. When in doubt, consult the City of Miami Building Department at 305-468-5900 or building@miamigov.com to confirm whether your project requires a permit.
Miami building permit costs
Miami permitting fees depend on the type of project and the scope of the work. Apart from that, you’ll likely have to pay several fees along the way, such as recertifications, an application fee, and a completion permit.
Residential permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New construction or additions |
0.5% of estimated construction cost |
| Remodeling projects |
0.50% of estimated construction cost |
| Projects under $2,500 |
Fixed fee of $45.00 |
| Certificate of occupancy (per unit) |
$105.00 |
| Solid waste surcharge |
$0.22 per $100.00 of estimated construction cost (Min: $26.00; Max: $600.00) |
| Energy conservation surcharge |
$0.11 per square foot of new construction or addition |
| Re-inspection fee |
$57.00 |
| Permit extension |
$100.00 |
| Completion permit |
$32.00 for the first $1,000.00 of remaining work, plus $16.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof |
| Expired application extension |
$100.00 |
| Inactive application reactivation |
$1,500.00 |
Commercial & multifamily permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Estimated construction cost ≤ $30M |
1% of estimated construction cost |
| Estimated construction cost > $30M |
1% of first $30M plus 0.5% of amount exceeding that |
| Minimum permit fee |
$110.00 |
| Certificate of occupancy (C.O.) |
$0.10 per square foot (Min: $250.00) |
| Certificate of completion (C.C.) |
$0.10 per square foot (Min: $150.00) |
| Solid waste surcharge |
2.5% of estimated construction cost (Min: $57.00; Max: $10,500.00) |
| Energy conservation surcharge |
$0.11 per square foot of new construction or addition |
| Phased permit fee |
$1,500.00 |
| Re-inspection fee |
$57.00 |
| Permit extension |
$100.00 |
| Completion permit |
$32.00 for the first $1,000.00 of remaining work, plus $16.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof |
| Expired application extension |
$500.00 |
| Inactive application reactivation |
$1,500.00 |
General fees & surcharges
| Fee type |
Amount |
| Application fee |
$40.00 (non-refundable) |
| Private provider plan review & inspections |
Credit of one-third of original permit fee |
| Private provider plan review or inspections only |
Credit of one-sixth of original permit fee |
| Dry run/Upfront fee |
$2.80 per $1,000.00 of estimated construction value (80% credited upon permit issuance) |
| Recertification review fee |
$276.00 |
| Annual facility permit fee |
2% of intended annual work schedule cost per building or trade |
| Recertification of lost plans |
30% of original fee (Min: $100.00) |
| Lost permit card/Plan duplication (Per sheet) |
$17.00 |
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official City of Miami Building Permit Fee Schedule.
How long do building permits last in Miami?
Building permits in Miami are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work isn’t finished within this period, the permit may expire. Extensions can be requested, but they must be approved by the Building Department.
How to get a building permit in Miami
Ready to submit your Miami-Dade building permit application? Below are some general steps to follow:
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Identify the scope of your project and determine the necessary permits (keep in mind you may need more than one). Consult the City of Miami's Permits & Construction page for detailed information on permit requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your application
Once you know which permits your project requires, you can pinpoint the application requirements for each one.
You’ll need to compile documentation like:
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans
- Site plan
- Energy compliance forms
- Stormwater requirements checklist
- Owner-Builder Verification form
- Project contact information form
- Hazardous materials questionnaire
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your application and supporting documents through the iBuild portal. Double check to confirm all the information is accurate and complete to avoid delays and resubmissions.
Step 4: Plan review
The appropriate department(s) will review your application and plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
After your application is approved, you’ll receive your building permit.
You’ll be responsible for scheduling required inspections. You may need to schedule an inspection before, during, and/or after the project is complete.
Miami permitting resources
Streamline Miami permitting with PermitFlow
Navigating Miami's permitting process can be a hassle, even for experienced teams. Instead of pulling permits yourself or hiring a Miami permit expediter, work with PermitFlow.
PermitFlow streamlines your experience with:
- Comprehensive expertise: Our platform and experienced team are well-versed in Miami's specific permitting requirements.
- Efficient application management: From submission through tracking, PermitFlow manages your permits smoothly and transparently.
- Accuracy and compliance: We ensure precise submissions that meet all regulatory standards, helping prevent costly delays.
Unlike traditional permit expediters, PermitFlow combines cutting-edge software with deep industry knowledge, transforming the permitting process into a simpler, faster, and more reliable experience.
Ready to simplify permitting in Miami? Contact us for professional guidance tailored to your project.
One thing everyone in the construction industry can agree on is that pulling permits can be a headache. But if you’ve got a project in Miami, Florida, you need to make sure you’re on top of your permits — especially because permitting in Miami is notoriously difficult!
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Miami building permits in plain language. We’ll cover the paperwork you need, how much it costs, the steps to apply, and ways to make the whole process less painful.
Simplify permitting in Miami with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Miami?
In Miami, you need a building permit for a variety of construction activities. Having one provides proof that your project complies with safety and zoning regulations.
The following projects require a building permit:
- Structural and major alterations: New construction, additions or expansions to existing structures, enclosing patios, balconies, or porches
- System installations and modifications: Installing or upgrading an electrical, plumbing, or HVAC system
- Exterior and site work: Constructing fences, decks, sheds, or pools
Examples of projects that probably don’t require a building permit:
- Interior and cosmetic work: Painting, installing wallpaper, replacing floor coverings (carpet, tile, hardwood)
- Minor plumbing work: Unclogging drains, repairing leaks in accessible pipes, or installing above-ground, plug-in whirlpool tubs
- Minor mechanical work: Using portable heating or cooling units, repairing or replacing ventilation fans
- Exterior and site work: Installing playground equipment for residential use, repairing or replacing rain gutters, installing decorative fountains
Note: Even if a permit is not required, all work must comply with the Florida Building Code and local zoning regulations. When in doubt, consult the City of Miami Building Department at 305-468-5900 or building@miamigov.com to confirm whether your project requires a permit.
Miami building permit costs
Miami permitting fees depend on the type of project and the scope of the work. Apart from that, you’ll likely have to pay several fees along the way, such as recertifications, an application fee, and a completion permit.
Residential permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New construction or additions |
0.5% of estimated construction cost |
| Remodeling projects |
0.50% of estimated construction cost |
| Projects under $2,500 |
Fixed fee of $45.00 |
| Certificate of occupancy (per unit) |
$105.00 |
| Solid waste surcharge |
$0.22 per $100.00 of estimated construction cost (Min: $26.00; Max: $600.00) |
| Energy conservation surcharge |
$0.11 per square foot of new construction or addition |
| Re-inspection fee |
$57.00 |
| Permit extension |
$100.00 |
| Completion permit |
$32.00 for the first $1,000.00 of remaining work, plus $16.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof |
| Expired application extension |
$100.00 |
| Inactive application reactivation |
$1,500.00 |
Commercial & multifamily permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Estimated construction cost ≤ $30M |
1% of estimated construction cost |
| Estimated construction cost > $30M |
1% of first $30M plus 0.5% of amount exceeding that |
| Minimum permit fee |
$110.00 |
| Certificate of occupancy (C.O.) |
$0.10 per square foot (Min: $250.00) |
| Certificate of completion (C.C.) |
$0.10 per square foot (Min: $150.00) |
| Solid waste surcharge |
2.5% of estimated construction cost (Min: $57.00; Max: $10,500.00) |
| Energy conservation surcharge |
$0.11 per square foot of new construction or addition |
| Phased permit fee |
$1,500.00 |
| Re-inspection fee |
$57.00 |
| Permit extension |
$100.00 |
| Completion permit |
$32.00 for the first $1,000.00 of remaining work, plus $16.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof |
| Expired application extension |
$500.00 |
| Inactive application reactivation |
$1,500.00 |
General fees & surcharges
| Fee type |
Amount |
| Application fee |
$40.00 (non-refundable) |
| Private provider plan review & inspections |
Credit of one-third of original permit fee |
| Private provider plan review or inspections only |
Credit of one-sixth of original permit fee |
| Dry run/Upfront fee |
$2.80 per $1,000.00 of estimated construction value (80% credited upon permit issuance) |
| Recertification review fee |
$276.00 |
| Annual facility permit fee |
2% of intended annual work schedule cost per building or trade |
| Recertification of lost plans |
30% of original fee (Min: $100.00) |
| Lost permit card/Plan duplication (Per sheet) |
$17.00 |
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official City of Miami Building Permit Fee Schedule.
How long do building permits last in Miami?
Building permits in Miami are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work isn’t finished within this period, the permit may expire. Extensions can be requested, but they must be approved by the Building Department.
How to get a building permit in Miami
Ready to submit your Miami-Dade building permit application? Below are some general steps to follow:
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Identify the scope of your project and determine the necessary permits (keep in mind you may need more than one). Consult the City of Miami's Permits & Construction page for detailed information on permit requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your application
Once you know which permits your project requires, you can pinpoint the application requirements for each one.
You’ll need to compile documentation like:
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans
- Site plan
- Energy compliance forms
- Stormwater requirements checklist
- Owner-Builder Verification form
- Project contact information form
- Hazardous materials questionnaire
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your application and supporting documents through the iBuild portal. Double check to confirm all the information is accurate and complete to avoid delays and resubmissions.
Step 4: Plan review
The appropriate department(s) will review your application and plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
After your application is approved, you’ll receive your building permit.
You’ll be responsible for scheduling required inspections. You may need to schedule an inspection before, during, and/or after the project is complete.
Miami permitting resources
Streamline Miami permitting with PermitFlow
Navigating Miami's permitting process can be a hassle, even for experienced teams. Instead of pulling permits yourself or hiring a Miami permit expediter, work with PermitFlow.
PermitFlow streamlines your experience with:
- Comprehensive expertise: Our platform and experienced team are well-versed in Miami's specific permitting requirements.
- Efficient application management: From submission through tracking, PermitFlow manages your permits smoothly and transparently.
- Accuracy and compliance: We ensure precise submissions that meet all regulatory standards, helping prevent costly delays.
Unlike traditional permit expediters, PermitFlow combines cutting-edge software with deep industry knowledge, transforming the permitting process into a simpler, faster, and more reliable experience.
Ready to simplify permitting in Miami? Contact us for professional guidance tailored to your project.
