The Village of Key Biscayne Building, Zoning & Planning Department, at 88 W. McIntyre Street, Suite 250, issues building permits and performs inspections inside the Village. Applications are filed through the Village's Accela Citizen Access portal.
What requires a permit in Key Biscayne?
Building permits cover new construction, alterations, additions and remodeling. If you are unsure whether work needs a permit, the Village directs questions to the Building Official. Applications, record searches and inspection scheduling are handled in Accela. Paper plans are still accepted but are scanned into the portal before review.
Some projects also need Miami-Dade County approvals, such as the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), which the Village lists among related permits.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →Who handles permitting in Key Biscayne?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | 88 W. McIntyre St., Suite 250, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 |
| Phone | 305-365-5512 (permit clerks) |
| Hours | Permit processing Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; no walk-thru offered |
Key Biscayne permit types
The Village handles these permit types:
- Building construction and alterations
- Electrical permits
- Plumbing permits
- Mechanical permits
- Roofing
- Windows, doors and exterior-envelope work
- Zoning and planning permits
- Certificates of occupancy or completion
Permit costs and local fees
Key Biscayne's Building, Zoning and Planning fee schedule took effect March 1, 2022. It uses a mix of base fees, square-foot charges, inspection fees and project-specific charges.
Each re-inspection or additional inspection costs $82.50, as does a re-inspection for partial work. After-hours or weekend inspections, on written request, carry a $330 minimum for the first two hours, with additional time at $110 per hour. Expedited plan review processing is $110.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire work are permitted and inspected by the Village through Accela. Plumbing, mechanical and fire inspections are not offered on Fridays.
Application documents and plan requirements
Electronic plans can be uploaded directly through Accela. The Village also accepts hard-copy plans and states that 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17 documents are scanned without charge, while larger paper files may be subject to a scanning fee.
How to apply: 6-step local process
Confirm the property lies within the incorporated Village of Key Biscayne and identify any zoning, planning, floodplain or outside-agency approvals tied to the scope.
Create an Accela Citizen Access account and select the correct building, zoning or planning application. Paper filing remains possible but will be converted into the electronic record.
Upload the plans, contractor information, product approvals and trade documents for the work.
Answer plan-review comments with revised documents in Accela.
Pay the Village fees and have the permit issued before construction begins.
Schedule inspections through Accela and complete all building and trade finals. Resolve any outstanding zoning, fire or related agency holds before requesting the final CO or CC.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Inspections in Key Biscayne
Schedule inspections from the permit record in Accela. Village inspections are performed daily from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; there are no plumbing, mechanical or fire inspections on Friday. Re-inspections cost $82.50, and after-hours inspections must be requested in writing in advance.
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →Florida building code
The Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), has applied statewide since 31 December 2023; the Florida Building Commission has proposed the 9th Edition (2026) to take effect on 31 December 2026. Florida permit rules
Official Key Biscayne permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- Florida Building Code - 8th Edition (2023)
- Village Building, Zoning & Planning contact
- Village Permit Fee Schedule
- Accela Citizen Access
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Frequently asked questions
Who issues building permits in Key Biscayne?
The Village of Key Biscayne Building, Zoning & Planning Department, 88 W. McIntyre Street, Suite 250. Call the permit clerks at 305-365-5512.
How do I apply for a permit in Key Biscayne?
Apply online through Accela Citizen Access. Paper applications are also accepted and scanned into the portal. Permits are processed Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
How are inspections handled?
Schedule them in Accela. Inspections run daily from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with no plumbing, mechanical or fire inspections on Friday.
Simplify Key Biscayne permitting with Alliance Permitting
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Florida. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
Ready to break ground in Key Biscayne sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Key Biscayne permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Florida permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Key Biscayne permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.