The City of Miami Beach Building Department reviews plans, issues building permits and inspects construction inside the city, enforcing the Florida Building Code and the City Code of Ordinances.
What requires a building permit in Miami Beach?
The city publishes a permit application checklist, project-specific checklists and an interactive permit guide for common single-family, multifamily and commercial work.
Common permit records
- Building permits for new construction, additions and alterations
- Electrical permits
- Mechanical permits
- Plumbing permits
- Roofing and exterior work
- Trade sub-permits attached to a Master Building permit when multiple trades are involved
Who handles permitting in Miami Beach?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main office | 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
| Phone | 305-673-7610 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed noon to 1 p.m. |
| buildinginfo@miamibeachfl.gov |
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →The city also has a North Beach office at 962 Normandy Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33141. The customer service call center is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Miami Beach permit types
The Building Department issues building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits, and its fee ordinance covers all four.
| Permit category |
|---|
| Building |
| Electrical |
| Mechanical |
| Plumbing |
Miami Beach building permit cost
Miami Beach bases permit fees on the job value of the permitted construction, and the total can vary with the number of review cycles. 20% of the permit fee is charged up front before review begins and the remaining 80% after all reviews have passed.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee basis | Job value of the permitted work |
| Review payment | 20% before review starts; 80% after all reviews pass |
Other departments in the permitting process, such as Fire, Public Works and Planning & Zoning, may also review the plans and require their own inspections.
Miami Beach trade permits
Electrical
Electrical permits are issued and inspected by the Building Department, which has a Chief Electrical Inspector.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →Plumbing
Plumbing permits are issued and inspected by the Building Department.
Mechanical
Mechanical permits are issued and inspected by the Building Department, which has a Chief Mechanical Inspector.
A project that involves two or more trades needs a Master Building permit, which requires a General Contractor. The trade permits are pulled as sub-permits after the Master Building permit is issued.
How to get a building permit in Miami Beach
Review the city’s permit application checklist and the project-specific permitting checklist before filing.
The permit application must be signed and notarized by the owner or owner’s representative and a registered contractor; for an owner-builder permit, only the owner signs and notarizes.
Online plans and related documents must follow the city’s electronic submission requirements. A construction cost affidavit is required when job value is greater than $5,000.
Submit the permit application online through the Civic Access portal, or file in person at one of the Building Department offices. Intake staff check the package for completeness, which can take 1 to 3 business days.
All disciplines review the plans at the same time, and a review cycle typically takes about 7 business days. If corrections are needed, the review fails and the plans must be resubmitted.
After approvals and required documents are complete, pay the remaining balance through Civic Access, download the permit card and approved documents, then schedule the required inspections.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Inspections in Miami Beach
Inspections are requested, canceled or rescheduled through Civic Access and are performed Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The actual inspection date may be 1 to 2 business days after the requested date. Anyone who is not the contractor or owner must be added to the permit with a notarized consent letter before they can request inspections.
For inspection, have the approved job copy of plans and documents, the permit card, a visible property address, access to the work and an OSHA-approved ladder when needed. Jobs valued over $5,000 need a recorded Notice of Commencement.
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
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a Miami Beach building permit?
Online through Civic Access, or in person at the Building Department offices at 1700 Convention Center Drive and 962 Normandy Drive.
How are Miami Beach permit fees calculated?
Fees are based on job value. 20% is charged before review and the remaining 80% after approvals.
When are Miami Beach inspections performed?
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Requests are made through Civic Access.
Does Miami Beach require a Master Building permit for multi-trade work?
Yes. Projects involving two or more trades need a Master Building permit; the trade sub-permits are pulled after it is issued.
Official Miami Beach permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →- Florida Building Commission
- Building Department FAQ
- Building Department contacts
- Inspections
- Building permits
- Miami Beach Building Department
- Interactive Permit Guide
- City permit-fee ordinance
- Building Permits Getting Started
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Simplify Miami Beach permitting with Alliance Permitting
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 Miami Beach sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Miami Beach permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Florida permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Miami Beach permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.