Where is the City of Miami Building Department located?

444 S.W. 2nd Avenue - 4th Floor
Miami, Florida 33130

What are your hours of operation? 

Office Hours 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
(7:30 - 8:00 am for Permit Process Number and Inspection Service ONLY - all other business starts at 8:00 am)

Permits Issuance 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Plans Processing: Walk-Through 8:00 AM
(Must sign in by 10:30AM for same day service)

Main Number - (305) 416-1100

Automated Inspection Requests/Plans Results (305)416-1100 (Press 1)
(IVR -Interactive Voice Response )
Building Official (305)416-1107

General Inspections or Certificate of Use Inspections (305) 416-1100 (Press 2)

Permit Information - (305) 416-1143

Plans Processing - (305) 416-1149

Microfilm - (305) 416-1140

Certificates (Completion/Occupancy)- (305) 416-1115

Cancellations and Change of Contractors (305) 416-1109

Inspection Services (305) 416-1180

Administration (305) 416-1144 or (305) 416-1106

Why do I need a permit?

It is not only the law to obtain a permit, but a permit ensures that the plans are drawn and the structure constructed in accordance with the Florida Building Code, and all other applicable codes and ordinances, thereby protecting the welfare of life and property.

What types of work needs a Building Permit?

Section 104 of the Florida Building Code states:

It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or move, remove or demolish any building structure, or any part thereof; or any equipment, device or facility therein or thereon; or to change Occupancy of a building from one use Group to another requiring greater strength, means of egress, fire and sanitary provisions; or to change to an unauthorized or prohibited use; or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this code; without first having filed application and obtained a permit thereof, from the Building Official, validated by payment thereof.


Who may obtain the permit?

License Contractors or qualified homeowners, as long as they meet all of the requirements listed below

What are the requirements for owner builders?

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS (OWNER-BUILDER)

1. The owner must prove to the Building Official, or a designee, that he has the knowledge and ability to do the work. Test will be administered.

2. Proof of ownership (warranty deed, closing statement, or Metro Dade County tax Bill).

3. An owner may apply for a permit, supervise and do the work in connection with the construction, maintenance, repair, alteration, and addition to a single-family or duplex residence for his own use, occupancy, and not intended for sale.

4. No more than one (1) permit shall be issued to an owner for the construction of a new single-family or duplex residence in any twenty-four (24) month period. Permits for alterations and additions, or plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or gas installations shall be issued only in connection with one single-family or duplex residence in any twenty-four (24) month period, although more than one permit may be issued for such work on the same single-family or duplex residence during that period.

5. The owner must come in person between the hours 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM for review of permit documents and application.

6. The permit application and affidavit must be signed and notarized.

7. If there is a violation on the property:

a. No building permit will be issued to a homeowner to cover illegal work.
b. The work must be done by a general contractor or a specialty contractor licensed to do the work.
c. Permits for all work must be obtained ( i.e. Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, etc.).
d. An architect’s or engineer’s report may be required, certifying that the work was done in accordance with the applicable code, and general construction practices as a substitute for required inspections.

What are the requirements for a contractor?

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS (CONTRACTOR)

Copies of the following:
1. State registration or certification.
2. Municipal contractor’s occupational license or certificate of registration.
3. Certificate of Competency.
4. Certificate of insurance:

a. Liability with no less than $100,000 per accident or occurrence for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

b. Must show name of insurer, type of policy issued, policy number, date of inception and expiration, type of insurance, and that no changes or cancellation of the insurance shall be effective without thirty (30) days written notice by registered or certified mail.

c. Permits will be issued to the contractor with a notarized signature from the owner or his agent who acknowledges the affidavit statement on the permit application.

What makes up a complete application?

1. For most scopes of works, a completed building permit application and 2 sets of plans.

How long does it take to get a permit?

The time to get a permit issued varies. Some permits can be issued the same day, over-the-counter and others require that the plans be left for review.

What is an inspection card?

An inspection card is issued at the time a permit is issued. The card details the inspections required and by which divisions and/or departments. The card is signed by each inspector conducting an inspection. Once completely signed, it becomes an official record.

What is an inspection?

The inspection card will list all inspections required for a particular job. Inspections are performed by the City inspectors at various intervals. It is the responsibility of the contractor/ owner to call for the inspections. The permit and the top portion of the permit inspection card must be displayed on the job site. In order to avoid a re-inspection fee, make sure that the site is ready to be inspected, all required documents available and access to the inspection site.

What if I have a permit and do not call for inspections?

Permits expire after 180 days if no required inspections have been approved. In order for a project to be complete, it must pass final inspections. In some cases, a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Occupancy may also be required. If a permit expires before final inspections, it becomes null and void, and the project is in violation of the Code. If this is your case, please call our office, we’ll help you activate the permit or apply for a completion permit with as little inconvenience as possible. Our interest is in seeing the project completed, including all final inspections and the protection of life and property.


AMNESTY
 The City of Miami enforces Chapter 8, Section 8-11 of Miami-Dade County. As per Chapter 34, of the Florida Building Code this applies to any building or structure built without proper permits in which the work performed commenced prior to March 1, 2002 or permits obtained under the South Florida Building Code which expired without Certificates of Completion or Occupancy having been issued.
 How can I find out if my property has had permits issued that have not been finalized?
 You can call the building Department in order to find out if there are any open permits.
 What if I am not the original owner of my home, but I am aware that work has been performed without permits or with permits that are lacking required mandatory inspections. Who is responsible for bringing the property into compliance?

The current owner of the property is ultimately responsible for bringing the property into compliance. If permits were issued to a licensed contractor but mandatory inspections were not obtained, you should contact the contractor and request that he or she renew the permit under the provisions of the Amnesty Ordinance.
What type of construction projects qualify for renewal or permit issuance under this Ordinance?
Any building or structure built without proper permits in which the work commenced prior to March 1, 2002 or permits obtained under the Florida Building Code under the South Florida Building Code.
Does the Amnesty Ordinance apply to work on any commercial properties?
Yes, the ordinance has been amended to include commercial properties.
How long is the amnesty ordinance in effect?
The amnesty ordinance is part of Miami-Dade County, Chapter 8 and the Florida Building Code.