Miami-Dade Permit Application Forms: What You Need Before You Submit

When a permit is usually required

Nearly every building department filing in Miami-Dade requires a similar core package. The specific form depends on which jurisdiction has authority over your property.

• Unincorporated Miami-Dade — Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) building permit application.
• Incorporated municipalities — each municipality (Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Doral, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, etc.) uses its own permit application form.
• Sub-permits — plumbing, electrical, mechanical, roofing, and gas each require separate applications under the master building permit.
• Owner-Builder applications — separate form and lien-law disclosures for homeowners pulling their own permits.
• Right-of-way permits — Public Works permits are a separate filing from building permits.

When a permit may not be required

A limited category of maintenance work does not require an application. When exempt, no filing is needed — but confirm with the building department to avoid an inspection surprise.

• Painting.
• Wallpapering.
• Minor plumbing repair (like-for-like fixture swap at the same location).
• Minor electrical repair (like-for-like fixture swap using existing circuit).
• Small landscaping work.

Miami-Dade / South Florida considerations

Miami-Dade permit submittals succeed or fail at intake based on whether the package is complete. The following requirements catch first-time applicants most often.

• Contractor licensing — Florida-issued license, up to date, matching the scope of work.
• General liability and workers' comp — current certificates of insurance on file with the jurisdiction.
• Notice of Commencement — required and recorded for projects above the county threshold value before the first inspection.
• Product Approval — Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval numbers required for exterior windows, doors, roofing, storm shutters, and many exterior components.
• Signed and sealed drawings — Florida-licensed architect or engineer seal required on structural, mechanical, and often plumbing drawings.
• Owner authorization — most municipalities require the property owner to sign the application (or a notarized authorization letter).

Common mistakes that delay approval

The delays we see most often come from packages that are almost complete but missing one critical piece.

• Missing Notice of Commencement.
• Contractor license expired or not matched to the scope.
• Product Approval numbers missing from window or roofing filings.
• Owner authorization signature missing.
• Sub-permits filed under the wrong master permit number.
• Plans not sealed by a Florida-licensed architect or engineer where required.
• Insurance certificates expired.

Documents usually needed

A complete Miami-Dade permit submittal usually includes the following documents. Small remodels omit some items; new construction adds more.

• Building permit application (jurisdiction-specific form).
• Sub-permit applications (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, roofing, gas).
• Scaled architectural and structural drawings.
• Product Approval numbers and installation drawings.
• Contractor license, insurance, and workers' comp certificates.
• Notice of Commencement (recorded above the threshold value).
• Owner-Builder disclosure form, when applicable.
• HOA or condo association approval letter, when applicable.
• Historic Preservation Board approval, when applicable.
• Zoning worksheet or variance documentation, when applicable.

How Permit Partners FL can help

Permit Partners FL prepares and files complete permit application packages across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County jurisdictions. We verify contractor licensing, format drawings to each municipality's exact standard, obtain product approvals, coordinate Notice of Commencement, and manage the intake process so applications clear on the first review.