South Miami, Florida Building Permit Guide

The City of South Miami Building Department issues building permits and enforces the Florida Building Code inside city limits. Contractors can apply online through the city’s eTRAKiT portal, and the permit service counter is at the Sylva Martin Building, 6130 Sunset Drive.

What requires a permit in South Miami?

The Building Department enforces the Florida Building Code within the city and works with other city departments on local codes. A project may need planning, zoning, tree or right-of-way approval as well as a building permit.

The city’s Forms and Applications page lists separate building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permit applications, plus owner-builder, revision, CO/CC, special-inspector, roofing and generator forms.

Planning and other non-building approvals are separate. The same page lists applications for variances, rezonings, special exceptions, design review, temporary signs, tree removal, outdoor seating and work in the public right-of-way.

Who handles permitting in South Miami?

South Miami permit types

South Miami has separate applications for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits. In eTRAKiT, permit types are grouped by commercial and residential trades, each with subtypes.

Permit costs and local fees

Permit fees are set by ordinance in the city’s Schedule of Fees and Fines, which the City Commission revises from time to time. The current schedule is dated May 6, 2026.

Stand-alone plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits cost 1.5% of the construction value for residential work and 2.0% for commercial work. A reinspection after the second rejected inspection costs $150. The schedule also lists certificate-of-occupancy and certificate-of-completion fees.

Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other trade permits

South Miami publishes separate electrical, mechanical and plumbing permit applications, and inspections for building, roofing, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work are booked through the Building Department.

The city’s forms also include a roofing appendix, a special-inspector form and generator applications.

Application documents and plan requirements

Forms submitted to the permit desk must be originals and notarized, with two copies of any documents that go with them.

The Forms and Applications page includes the Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permit Applications, Revision Form, Owner Builder Form, CO/CC Application, Notice of Commencement, Roofing Appendix and Special Inspector Form.

How to apply: 6-step local process

Inspections in South Miami

South Miami instructs applicants to call 305-663-6355 before 3:45 p.m. to schedule building, roofing, mechanical, electrical or plumbing inspections for the following business day. The permit number should be available when the request is made.

Construction is allowed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There is no weekend construction in residential districts. Non-residential districts at least 500 feet from a residential district may work Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No construction is allowed on Sundays or city-recognized holidays.

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 South Miami 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
• Current City Fee Schedule
• Forms and Applications
• Building Permit and Inspection Forms
• Building Division

Frequently asked questions

Who issues building permits in South Miami?

The City of South Miami Building Department issues building permits for work inside city limits.

How do I apply for a permit in South Miami?

Apply online through the city’s eTRAKiT portal, or file notarized original forms at the permit desk in the Sylva Martin Building, 6130 Sunset Drive.

How are trade permits handled?

Electrical, mechanical and plumbing work each have their own city permit application, separate from the building permit application.

Which Florida Building Code applies?

The Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), effective December 31, 2023.

Simplify South Miami 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.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about South Miami permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.