Cut through the red tape. Everything you need to know about getting a building permit in Miami — fees, timelines, required documents, and how to avoid the most common rejections.
STEP 1 — DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Not every project requires a permit. Here's what you need to know for common project types.
Required for any significant construction report.
Auto-fill your building permit permit →Required for different types of improvements, from signs to temporary buildings and other structural changes including standard open metal fences and residential chain link fences.
Auto-fill your zoning improvement permit (zip) permit →Required for new construction, alteration, and repairs of elevators.
Auto-fill your elevator permit permit →Required for all open fires in Miami-Dade County, except cooking fires.
Auto-fill your open burn permit permit →Available for residential pools to install safer, low-voltage lighting options.
STEP 2 — HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Fees in Miami are based on project valuation, type, and square footage. These are the current standard fees.
| Category | Fee Type | Amount | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Building | Green Building Expedited Plan Review | $50,000 | minimum project value | Project must be registered/certified by Florida Green Building Coalition or USGBC |
| Environmental | Environmental Fee Schedule | Varies | per schedule | Rates effective Oct. 1, 2025 |
STEP 3 — HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
From application to final inspection — here's what to expect at each stage in Miami.
Submit Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Abatement form prior to start of project
Plans and documentation are reviewed by multiple departments; concurrent processing is available
STEP 4 — WHAT DO I NEED TO SUBMIT?
Gather these documents before applying to avoid delays. Required items are marked with ✓.
AVOID THESE PITFALLS
Learn from the most common mistakes that cause delays and rejections — so yours doesn't end up on this list.
Common mistakes data coming soon.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
What credentials must your contractor have in Miami?
Contractors can use e-Permits. Owners may perform work as Owner-Builders, but must ensure contractors obtain their own permits to remain legally responsible for their work.
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