Post-Storm Permitting Plan
Helping Our Community Rebuild After a Storm
Natural occurring disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms are a reality of life in Miami. When severe weather causes damage, getting back on your feet quickly – and safely – matters. The City of Miami is here to help residents move forward with clear guidance, timely permitting, and coordinated recovery services.
On this page, you will find the City’s Post-Storm Permitting Guidelines required under Florida Statute 252.381 (Senate Bill 180, passed in 2025). The guide explains what to expect after a declared storm event and how the city supports rebuilding efforts. It outlines which repairs require permits, which do not, how to apply for storm-related permits, where to go in the event the city’s government building has sustained storm damage, what temporary measures may be allowed to protect property and public safety, and more post-storm information.
To sign up for Miami Emergency Alerts, text ALERTMIAMI to 888777.
You can access the City of Miami’s Hurricane Handbook, which provides information on what to do before, during, and after a storm.
Section I: Post-Storm Permitting Overview & Services Activation
Following a hurricane or tropical storm, the City of Miami Building Department shall activate a coordinated post-storm permitting process to support a safe and efficient recovery. This section outlines when services begin, how operations are staffed, and the resources available to assist residents, contractors, and businesses during the rebuilding phase.
Learn More
- Activation After State of Emergency
- Upon a Governor’s or County’s emergency declaration for a hurricane or tropical storm affecting Miami, the Building Department will activate its Post-Storm Permitting Protocol.
- It will operate at minimum during normal business hours, with the possibility of additional extended hours or alternate locations, as necessary.
- Staffing & Mutual Aid
- The Building Department commits to ensuring sufficient personnel is available to manage building inspections, permitting, enforcement, and customer service demands post-storm.
- The Building Department may draw on mutual aid agreements, private contractors, or supplemental state/federal resources as needed.
- Post-Storm Permit Expediting
- To speed up recovery and ensure habitability, high priority will be given to permits related to structural integrity and those that may affect life safety.
- Debris-Management Site(s)
- The city will have preauthorized debris-management site(s) (or partner sites) to receive storm-generated debris. These sites will be ready for activation immediately after a disaster and periodically reauthorized per state requirements. Find additional Debris Removal & Safety Guidance at the bottom of this page.
Section II: Repairs: What Requires a Permit vs What Doesn’t
After a storm event, residents and contractors may need one or more of the following permit types. The City of Miami will prioritize storm-related permits and may fast-track certain categories when warranted. Please visit the City of Miami Building Permit Fee Schedule page for fee information.
IMPORTANT: If you are unsure whether a permit is required, please consult the Building Department.
Work that REQUIRES a Permit
Roofing Permits
Structural Permits
Electrical Permits (Easy Permit)
Mechanical (HVAC) Permits
Plumbing Permits
Gas Permits
Window & Door Permits
Fence & Accessory Structure Permits
Floodplain-Related Permits (Required in flood zones)
Emergency Stabilization Permits
Debris or Hazard Removal Permits (if applicable)
Work that DOES NOT REQUIRE a Permit
Common Post-Storm Work That Typically Do Not Require a Permit
- Debris removal, cleanup, and disposal of storm-related waste
- For residential properties only, minor cosmetic repairs (painting, carpeting, etc.), provided no structural/system changes
- Portable generators 5kw or less
- Portable heating and cooling appliances
- Radio antenna
- Reattachment of fence panels to existing posts (if the posts are intact)
- Refitting canvas on existing awning and canopy frames.
- Repair of replacement of existing driveway pavers
- Repair or replace gas appliances other than water heater when done by licensed plumbing contractor.
- Repair or replace of ventilation fans
- Replacement of damaged receptacles, outlets, switches, circuit breakers by licensed electrical contractors
- Replacement of glass in existing approved frames (if frames are undamaged)
- Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems
- Stucco repairs (nonstructural- cosmetic only)
- Swings and other playground equipment that are detached from one and two-family dwellings.
- Temporary shoring or bracing to prevent further structural damage
- Temporary tarping of roofs or walls to prevent further damage
Note: This list is not exhaustive and includes permits commonly required after an emergency. For a complete list of exempt permits, please refer to the City of Miami Building Department’s Exempt Permit page.
Section III: Application Process: How to Get a Permit Post-Storm
High priority will be given to permits related to structural integrity, habitability, or those that may affect life safety. Permits for routine work or minor repairs must follow the usual/regular permit application path.
Learn About the Application Process
You can apply online via the City of Miami’s ePlan system:
- Access iBuild for building permits
- Access ProjectDox to upload documents
- Access iPW for public works permits
- If you need in person assistance, and the Miami Riverside Center (MRC) has not sustained damage due to the storm and is operational, you can apply in person at 444 SW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33130.
- In cases of severe damage, the City of Miami Building Department may activate additional permitting sites to assist the public with the permitting process.
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- PLEASE REFER BACK TO THIS PAGE AFTER A DIASTER FOR UPDATES ON SPECIFIC SITE LOCATIONS. THIS PAGE CAN ALSO BE ACCESSED THROUGH THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT LANDING PAGE, & THROUGH THE CITY’S EMERGENCY PAGE.
- Expedited Review:
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- For critical repairs (e.g., roof, electrical reconnection, HVAC, emergency structural stabilization), applications will be fast-tracked with the goal of being able to issue permits within a few business days, assuming complete and accurate documentation is submitted. Depending on the scope and trade of your project, you may be eligible to apply through the Easy Permit or Homeowners Express Review pathways.
- Flexible Inspections:
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- Inspections may be scheduled within 24–48 hours after request (weather & safety permitting), and may include virtual options where feasible, or extended inspector hours.
Section IV: Floodplain, Substantial Damage & Rebuilding Standards
This section provides basic guidance on FEMA’s regulations for properties located within FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Area.
Regulations for Properties Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA)
To keep the City compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), we must perform a damage assessment called a Substantial Damage Determination on any structure within FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
- A permit will not be issued until the Substantial Damage Determination is finalized.
- A structure is deemed Substantially Damaged if repair costs are 50% or more of its market value before the storm.
- If your property is deemed Substantially Damaged, you must comply with the latest Floodplain regulations, which may require elevating the property further.
- Before a storm, know if your property is partly or fully in a flood zone. You can check your flood zone status here: FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
- If a storm significantly affects our area, the Building Department will have a dedicated Substantial Damage webpage to assist you. Please check our website for updates.
- For more information see FEMA's Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage rules.
Section V: Debris Removal & Safety Guidance
Debris removal and safety guidance is managed by the City's Department of Solid Waste. For reference, after a hurricane, the city hires debris removal crews, and residents must separate storm debris by type (vegetation, appliances, furniture, electronics, construction/demolition) into separate piles placed curbside at least five feet from objects and not blocking access. Construction and demolition debris are only eligible after a hurricane, regular household garbage is not collected, and mixing debris types may delay pickup.