Miami Building Permit Requirements (2026 Checklist)

Building Permit checklist for Miami

ALL applications via iBuild portal — 100% digital, no paper applications accepted
Plans uploaded through ePlan/ProjectDox — NOT through iBuild
Plans must be digitally signed and sealed by registered architect/engineer
Two (2) sets of plans required — site/plot plan, floor plan, elevations, cross sections, roof framing, energy calcs
Survey less than 180 days old required
MDC Municipal Permit Application + Contact Sheet required for all municipal permits
City of Miami Contractor Registration required per Ordinance 14279 — FREE, 2-3 business days, BTR required
MDC Contractor Registration ALSO required — dual registration mandatory
GotchaInsurance certificate must name 'City of Miami Building Department' as certificate holder
GotchaCertificates of insurance must be sent DIRECTLY from insurance provider to eplanbuilding@miamigov.com
Contractor registration documents: State License (DBPR), Business Tax Receipt (LBT), Driver's License, EIN, Company info
Workers' Comp COI required — if part of Liability COI packet, must ALSO come directly from provider
$40 non-refundable application fee + plan review deposits (Dry Run: $2.80 per $1,000 estimated value)
Minimum permit fee: $110 regardless of construction cost
Residential fee: 0.50% of estimated construction cost
Commercial fee: 1% up to $30M, 0.5% over $30M
Notice of Commencement required if job value >= $5,000; $15,000 for A/C
NOC must be recorded at MDC Clerk of Court and posted at job site
Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) required for ALL exterior products — HVHZ requirement
All of Miami-Dade is HVHZ — minimum 175 mph wind load
FBC 8th Edition (2023) applies — check for local amendments
Property folio number MUST be included on application
GotchaDERM/WASD/Fire/Impact Fee review must submit to MDC portal SEPARATELY from iBuild
GotchaCounty-approved plans required before City can finalize certain permits
Expedited commercial permits need signed/notarized application + 2 copies of all required documents
Concierge Permit Processor visits homeowner for qualifying residential permits — credit card ONLY, call 305-416-2000
Permit completion requests up to $100,000 approved immediately online
Walk-thru same-day reviews for fences, canopies, shutters, windows, pools, trusses, trellises, antennas, garage doors, driveways
GotchaPermit Counter CLOSES DAILY 12:30-1:30 PM for lunch
GotchaNO permits issued for non-homestead properties with ANY outstanding code violations, building violations, or city liens
GotchaWork without permit = 2x fee (Homestead) or 4x fee (non-Homestead/commercial) + $110
Historic properties require Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from HEPB before building permit
Archaeological Conservation Areas may require Certificate to Dig
Miami 21 zoning code — check property's transect zone before applying
Tree permit may be required for new construction — standalone or with construction permit
25-year milestone building recertification (per FL SB 4-D) — 10-year recurring
NotePermit expiration — $100 extension fee (residential) or $500 (commercial); $1,500 NAC reactivation
NotePhased permits valid 6 months only, NO extensions, $1,500 fee
NoteAfter 2nd review, revision fee is $56 per discipline
NoteChange of Contractor/Architect/Engineer: $100 per change
NotePrivate Provider: 1/3 credit on permit fee (both services); 1/6 credit (one service only)

Requirements change. Confirm the current checklist with the Miami building department before you submit. See every permit type on the Miami permit requirements page.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I submit a permit application in Miami?

FULLY DIGITAL — ALL applications via iBuild; plans via ProjectDox/ePlan. NO PAPER APPLICATIONS.. Portal: https://www.miami.gov/Permits-Construction/iBuild-Portal-Link.

Do I need a Notice of Commencement in Miami?

Florida law requires a recorded Notice of Commencement when the contract price is greater than $5,000 ($15,000 for repair or replacement of an existing heating or air conditioning system). Timing can vary, so confirm with the Miami building department whether it is due at application or before the first inspection.

How many plan sets does Miami require?

2 sets listed. This can vary by permit type, so confirm with the building department.

Is Miami in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)?

Yes. Miami is in the HVHZ, which affects product approval and wind load requirements.

What gets a building application rejected in Miami?

Insurance certificate must name 'City of Miami Building Department' as certificate holder. Certificates of insurance must be sent DIRECTLY from insurance provider to eplanbuilding@miamigov.com. DERM/WASD/Fire/Impact Fee review must submit to MDC portal SEPARATELY from iBuild.

Miami Building Permit Requirements

Check your building package.