City of Miami Building Permit Fee Schedule

The City of Miami Building Department fee schedule is established pursuant to the Code of the City of Miami, Florida, as amended ("City Code"), and is adopted by resolution of the City Commission. The current fee schedule is maintained by the City Manager, is on file with the City Clerk and the Department Director,  and is available on the City's website.

Definitions

Affordable Housing Development is owner-occupied and/or rental housing with a purchase cost, value, or monthly rental, as applicable, equal to or less than the amounts established by the applicable standards for those individuals whose income is between 30 percent to 80 percent of the area median income as published annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD").

Community Redevelopment Agency ("CRA") is a public entity created pursuant to F.S. § 163.356, as amended.

Dry Run allows an owner or design professional to submit signed and sealed plans for plan review and obtain a process number prior to a licensed contractor being assigned to the project.

Income Restricted Units is a project whose development or refurbishment has resulted and benefited, in whole or in part, from any of the city's programs for low income, affordable, or workforce housing and are accordingly restricted by the requisite covenant(s).

Master Permit is a building permit obtained for the complete work on any project.

Private Provider means a person who can provide alternate plans review under F.S. § 553.791 and is licensed as an engineer under F.S. Ch. 471 or as an architect under F.S. Ch. 481, as amended.

Stand-alone Permit is any trade (electrical, mechanical or plumbing) permit pulled for a single category without the need for a Master Permit.

Trade Permit is a subsidiary building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing permit that requires a Master Permit associated with it to be pulled prior to issuance.

Up-front Fee is the fee associated and charged at the time of submittal of a set of plans and building permit application.

Workforce Housing Development is owner-occupied and/or rental housing with a purchase cost, value, or monthly rental, as applicable, equal to or less than the amounts established by the applicable standards for those individuals whose income is between 80 percent to 140 percent of the Area Median Income as published annually by HUD.

Current Fee Schedule

The current Building Department Fee Schedule (Exhibit C, Chapters 10, 17, and 20) was adopted pursuant to Resolution R-26-0200 on April 23, 2026, and supersedes any previously adopted fees in the City Code.

The fee schedule is available at the following locations:

Chapter 10, Article I – Building Permit Fees (Sec. 10-18)

Fees shall be set by the City Commission, by Resolution, which may be amended from time to time. A copy of the Resolution setting forth current permit fees shall be on file with the City Clerk and the Department Director. An updated fee schedule shall be maintained by the City Manager and made available via the City's website and with the City Clerk.

This fee schedule does not include required State of Florida surcharges or Miami-Dade County surcharges. Please refer to the applicable State and County Codes for those amounts.

1. Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Permit Fees

a. Residential (up to three dwelling units) For all residential properties, any Trade or Master building Permit will be charged the fee schedule set percentage of the estimated construction cost (including labor and materials) for new construction or additions, and the fee schedule set percentage of the estimated construction cost for all remodeling permits. The building permit fee for residential improvements where the amount of estimated construction is less than $2,500.00 shall be fixed at the fee schedule rate.

b. Commercial and Multifamily Master Permit, Trade Permit, and Stand-Alone Permit Fee For a building whose estimated construction cost is equal to or less than $30,000,000.00, the fee is the fee schedule set percentage of the cost of construction as declared by the Contractor. For projects where the construction cost exceeds $30,000,000.00, the fee will be the same as above up to $30,000,000.00, plus the fee schedule set percentage of the amount in excess of $30,000,000.00.

c. Minimum Permit Fee A minimum permit fee applies to any building permit, shop drawing, or revision of any category regardless of construction cost or number of pages. See the Fee Schedule for the applicable amount.

d. Phased Permit Fee Any Phased Permit issued in accordance with the Florida Building Code (FBC 105.13) will be valid for six months from the issuance date. No extensions will be issued to Phased Permits by the Building Official. These Permits will be charged the fee schedule rate, plus any other applicable surcharges.

e. Fee for Work Started Without Permits When work is commenced prior to obtaining a required Permit, a fee of two times that specified in the fee schedule, plus an additional base fee, shall be paid for Homestead properties. A fee of four times that specified in the fee schedule, plus an additional base fee, shall be paid for non-Homestead/commercial properties.

2. Surcharges

For all Permits issued, the Building Department will collect the following surcharges for the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and other City departments:

a. City Solid Waste Surcharge – Residential Per $100.00 of the estimated cost of construction, with a minimum and maximum fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule. Certain permit types are exempt; see the Fee Schedule for details.

b. City Solid Waste Surcharge – Commercial A surcharge calculated as a percentage of the cost of construction, with a minimum and maximum fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule.

c. City Energy Conservation Surcharge This charge encompasses energy conservation plan review and field inspections for energy conservation. For each square foot of new construction or addition, the rate is as set forth in the Fee Schedule.

3. Miscellaneous Fees

a. Private Provider Fee When a property owner uses the services of a licensed private company for plan review and inspection services (a private provider under F.S. § 553.791), the fee will be assessed as a regular building permit with a credit of one-third of the original building/Trade Permit fee line. If only plan review or only inspections are performed by the private provider, the fee will be one-half of the one-third credit.

b. Dry Run / Up-Front Fees At the time of issuance of the Permit application process number, projects will be charged the fee schedule rate per $1,000.00 of the estimated construction value. Eighty percent of the total collected amount will be credited toward the building Permit fee line when issued. Dry Run and Up-Front fees are non-refundable but will be fully credited toward the cost of the building permit.

c. Joint Plan Reviews Each meeting with staff from Building, Zoning, Planning, or Resilience and Public Works will be charged a per-meeting fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule, per each requested discipline, for a maximum of two hours each. This applies only to commercial projects that are over 20,000 square feet in size.

d. Revision of Plans and Re-Works Revision of plans (per discipline) and reworks, after the second review, will be charged the fee set forth in the Fee Schedule.

e. Recertification Recertification of buildings is required pursuant to the requirements of the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) standing order, Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 8, and the Florida Building Code Administrative Rules. Extension requests after receipt of a notification letter will be assessed a fee per each additional three-month extension, with a maximum of two possible extensions after the original notification letter. See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

f. Permit by Affidavit and Legalization of Existing Structures Permits issued by affidavit and legalizations of structures built without permits before the year 2002 will be charged a fee in addition to any other applicable enforcement fee, building, and Trade Permit fee. For structures built after 2002, a double permit fee and fine where applicable will be charged. See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

g. Annual Facility Permit Fee These Permits will be issued with a fee based on a percentage of the intended annual work schedule cost per building or trade. See the Fee Schedule for the applicable percentage.

h. Commercial Engineered or Structural Glazing and Curtain Walls A fee for compliance with recertification, every six months for the first year after receiving the Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.), and a fee every five years after that date in accordance with the Florida Building Code. See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

i. Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) and Certificate of Compliance (C.C.) In accordance with the requirements of the Florida Building Code:

  • Residential (single family/duplex, triplex, or multifamily condominium): per unit, as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
  • Commercial (including multifamily rentals): per square foot of space, with applicable minimums as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
  • Extensions of T.C.O. or T.C.C.: Extensions may be requested through the Building Official or Designee. First and second requests are charged per square foot for commercial properties, or a flat fee per request for residential properties. Third requests are charged at a percentage of the building/Trade Permit line. See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

j. Expired and Inactive Permit Applications (NAC) For expired applications where 180 days have passed from the original application date, extension fees apply for residential single family/duplex/triplex and commercial/multifamily applications. Inactive applications (NAC) may be reactivated after payment of the applicable fee. See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

k. Expired / Completion Permits

  • Extension of Permit: See the Fee Schedule for the applicable amount.
  • Completion of any type of Permit: For the first $1,000.00 of value of remaining work, plus a fee for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof. See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

l. Re-Inspection Fees Re-inspection fees will be charged in instances where the inspector is scheduled to visit a site and applicable conditions have not been met (e.g., work incomplete, approved plans not on site, corrections not completed, or failure to provide access). No further inspections will be scheduled until the re-inspection fee is paid. See the Fee Schedule for the applicable amount.

m. Expedited Plans Review – Green Building Permit Applications (LEED) Expedited priority review is available for registered Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects or equivalent Green rating systems. A non-refundable deposit is required. See the Fee Schedule for the applicable amount.

n. Expedited Overnight Review Projects The expedited service covers all review disciplines within the Building, Zoning, Planning, and Resilience and Public Works Departments. Outside source review will be the preferred method.

  • Outside source review fee: Actual cost plus a percentage as set forth in the Fee Schedule (administrative fee to cover processing costs).
  • In-house review fee: Per discipline, maximum of one review per fee per discipline for a maximum of four hours each. See the Fee Schedule for the applicable amount.
  • This applies only to commercial projects over 20,000 square feet in size.

o. Application Fee All Permits will be charged a non-refundable application fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule.

p. Change of Architect, Engineer, or Contractor A fee applies for any change of architect, engineer, or contractor for any type of permit. See the Fee Schedule for the applicable amount.

q. Recertification of Plans, Revised Plans, and Permit Card Replacement

  • When plans are lost by the owner or Contractor, a recertification fee is required for a new set of plans: a percentage of the original fee, with a minimum fee for residential/commercial uses as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
  • Revised plans and shop drawings (after approval of initial plans): per sheet revised and reviewed, subject to minimum and maximum fees as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
  • Replacement of lost permit card or replacement or duplication of plans (per sheet): as set forth in the Fee Schedule.

r. Administrative Services Fees

  • Computer printout of property information, permits, inspections, etc.: per sheet, as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
  • File search for every request of Building Department services, including notice of violations: as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
  • Notarization of any document, including building permit application: as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
  • City certification of plans: Cost of reproduction of plans plus a per-page fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
  • Folio change: as set forth in the Fee Schedule.

4. Building Department Enforcement Fees

In compliance with the Florida Building Code, National Electrical Code, and Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 8, the following expenses will be recovered from necessary Building Department enforcement and/or demolitions:

  • Initiation and processing fee for all work without a permit and all unsafe structures cases after notice of violation is given.
  • Digital pictures: per image.
  • Additional inspections of open non-compliant cases after notice of violation.
  • Posting of notices.
  • Unsafe structures panel fee.
  • Title search: actual cost.
  • Court reporting: actual cost.
  • Legal advertisement: actual cost.
  • Lien/recordation/cancellation of notices: actual cost plus administrative fee per every ten pages.
  • Bid processing fee and Contractor Notice to Proceed (NTP) administrative cost.
  • Demolition/secure services: actual cost.
  • Asbestos and lead environmental sampling and abatement: actual cost.
  • Corporate information and lender search.
  • Extension fee (initial or Unsafe Structure Panel Order requested).

See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

5. Elevator, Escalator, Boiler, and Unfired Pressure Vessel Fees

Fees shall be charged for:

  • Certificate of Operations (per elevator/escalator)
  • Duplicate certificate (per elevator/escalator)
  • Delinquent certificate (per elevator/escalator)
  • Temporary Certificate of Operations (per elevator/escalator)
  • Annual inspection (per elevator/escalator)
  • Re-inspection fee (per elevator/escalator)
  • Elevator witness: one-year test; five-year test
  • Elevator emergency power/fire recall test (per test)
  • Elevator/escalator removal fee (per elevator/escalator)
  • High pressure boiler annual inspection (per boiler)
  • Low pressure boiler annual inspection (per boiler)
  • Water heater annual inspection (per heater)
  • Pool heater annual inspection (per heater)
  • Miniature boiler annual inspection (per boiler)
  • Kettles annual inspection (per kettle)
  • Unfired pressure vessel (air compressor) annual inspection (per vessel)

See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • Elevator/escalator non-compliance fines: first offense; second and further offenses; third offense.
  • Boiler, heater, and unfired pressure vessel non-compliance fines: re-inspection fee for every two consecutive failed inspections; late fee for past due amounts.

See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

Chapter 10, Article IV – Vacant, Blighted, Unsecured, or Abandoned Structures (Sec. 10-65)

The owner of a blighted, unsecured, vacant, or abandoned structure shall initially register the property with the City and pay an annual registration fee for the first, second, and any subsequent year as set forth in the Fee Schedule. If the property is three (3) stories or higher, a further annual, nonrefundable fee per square foot shall be paid.

See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

Chapter 10, Article V – Pre-Submittal Meeting Fee (Sec. 10-74)

Pre-Submittal Meeting Fee A fee is charged for pre-submittal meetings. See the Fee Schedule for the applicable amount.

Chapter 17, Article I – Tree Permit Appeals (Sec. 17-8)

Fees shall be set by the City Commission, by Resolution, which may be amended from time to time. An updated fee schedule shall be maintained by the City Manager and made available via the City's website and with the City Clerk.

a. Appeals to the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) All appeals to the HEPB in accordance with this article shall be accompanied by a fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule, except for appeals initiated by abutting property owners for which a tree permit is sought. Appeals by a nonprofit corporation dedicated to conservation and protection of the natural and physical environment, or by a qualifying homeowners association, shall pay a reduced appeal fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule.

b. Appeals to the City Commission All appeals to the City Commission in accordance with this section shall be accompanied by a fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule, plus a per-mail-piece cost associated with the mailed notice to adjacent owners within a 500-foot radius. No fees shall be assessed for appeals initiated by abutting property owners for which a tree permit is sought. Appeals by a qualifying nonprofit corporation or homeowners association shall pay a reduced appeal fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule.

Chapter 17, Article II – Environmental Preservation Districts (Sec. 17-43)

Appeal Fee All appeals shall be accompanied by a fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule, except that no fee shall be charged for appeals initiated by agencies of the City, by an owner in fact of a property adjacent to the subject property, or by a nonprofit corporation dedicated to conservation and protection of the natural and physical environment.

Chapter 20 – Flood Damage Prevention (Sec. 20-16)

Fees shall be set by the City Commission, by Resolution, which may be amended from time to time. An updated fee schedule shall be maintained electronically and can be accessed at the City's website.

a. Application for Waiver (Subsection 20-3)

  • Residential (per structure; additional structures subject to additional fee)
  • Commercial (per structure; additional structures subject to additional fee)
  • Recertification of drainage system

See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

b. Application Filing Fee for Variance (Sections 20-4 and 20-5)

  • Single-family residential (per house)
  • Commercial, industrial, or other (per building)

See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

c. Appeal to Decision of the Building Official

  • Residential (per house)
  • Commercial (per building)

See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

d. After-the-Fact Variances Application fees for variances (after the fact) shall be assessed at double the amounts indicated above.

FEE WAIVERS, REDUCTIONS, AND DEFERRALS

Chapter 10, Article I – Fee Waivers, Reductions, and Deferrals

1. SAVE Program – 50% Permit Fee Reduction (Sec. 10-20)

The Storm-Proof Assistance and Value Enhancements (SAVE) program reduces all city building permit fees by 50% for qualifying residential storm-proofing and sustainability upgrades, including impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs, flood protection measures, energy-efficient HVAC systems and appliances, upgraded insulation, low-flow fixtures, smart thermostats, living seawalls, and permeable pavement. Available to any owner of a residential property in the City, including condominiums. Program sunsets February 12, 2027, with a possible one-year extension by Commission resolution. See the Fee Schedule for applicable amounts.

2. Solar Panel Permit Fee Waiver (Sec. 10-18(b)(5))

All city building permit fees for the installation of solar panels are fully waived for both residential and commercial properties. Applications must be processed within three business days of receipt. This waiver does not include required State of Florida or Miami-Dade County surcharges.

3. Senior Citizen Permit Fee Waiver (Sec. 10-19(c))

All city permit fees and impact fees are waived for senior citizens (as defined in F.S. § 196.075) when all of the following conditions are met:

  • The permit corrects a violation for unpermitted work or an expired permit cited by Code Compliance or the Building Department;
  • The unpermitted work commenced before March 1, 2002 (pre-Florida Building Code), or the expired permit was issued under the South Florida Building Code;
  • The work is on a single-family home, duplex, townhouse, or condominium unit occupied by the senior citizen owner who has held a valid Homestead Exemption for at least five years; and
  • If jointly owned, each owner must qualify unless the owners are married, in which case only one must qualify.

4. Low-Income Exterior Resilience Fee Waiver (Sec. 10-19(d))

Permit fees are waived for property owners with household income below 80% of Miami-Dade County’s area median income (as determined annually by HUD) for work that improves the resilience of the exterior shell of a homesteaded property, including roofing, doors, windows, shutters, and structural repairs, up to $50,000 of construction cost. Proof of income must be provided to the City.

5. City Agency Fee Waiver (Sec. 10-19(a))

The City Manager may waive permit fees for entities and agencies of the City of Miami.

6. Extremely Low Income (ELI) Affordable Housing Fee Deferral (Sec. 10-19(b))

The City Manager shall defer permit fees (excluding solid waste surcharges under Sec. 10-18(b)(2)) for extremely low income affordable housing, as defined annually by HUD. Deferral is pro-rata for mixed-income projects. Fees remain deferred as long as the property retains ELI affordable housing status. Program cap: $250,000 in total deferred fees per fiscal year. Requires a recorded covenant running with the land.

7. Solid Waste Surcharge Deferral – Affordable and Workforce Housing (Sec. 10-18(b)(2)(c)(4))

The City Manager shall automatically defer the City Solid Waste Surcharge for Affordable Housing Developments (30%–80% AMI) and Workforce Housing Developments (80%–140% AMI) for as long as the development remains qualified. Requires a CRA board resolution and a recorded covenant or deed restriction. Surcharges become due within 30 days if the property loses its qualified status.

8, Solid Waste Surcharge Categorical Exemptions (Sec. 10-18(b)(2)(c)(3))

The following permit types are fully exempt from the City Solid Waste Surcharge:

  • Signs, landscaping, elevators, revisions, and subsidiary permits;
  • Roofing, awnings, windows and doors, sheds, flooring, and driveways;
  • Solar panel installations; and
  • Any affordable housing permit exempted in writing by the City Director of Community Development prior to permit issuance.

9. Code Relief Program – Double Permit Fee Waiver (Sec. 10-74)

The City waives the double permit fee and fine under Sec. 10-4 for all permits issued through the Code Relief Program (Chapter 10, Article V).

10. ADU Amnesty Program – Double Permit Fee Waiver (Sec. 10-77(d)(3))

The City waives the double permit fee and fine under Sec. 10-4 for permits issued through the Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU) Amnesty Program.

11. Income Restricted Unit T.C.O. Extension Fee Exemption (Sec. 10-18(b)(3)(i)(D))

Income Restricted Units certified by the City with a recorded covenant may be exempted by the City Manager from additional permit fees charged for T.C.O. extensions beyond the second extension, provided all permits are currently active and no prior permit or code violations exist at the project site. The exemption is retroactive to any active permit for a qualifying Income Restricted Unit and is renewable.

12. Affordable Housing Joint Plan Review Fee Exemption (Sec. 10-18(b)(3)(c)(2))

The Joint Plan Review fee (per discipline, per meeting) does not apply to affordable housing projects that qualify as such under the City Code.

13. Waiver of Additional Fees for Work Commenced Without a Permit – Emergency Exception (Sec. 10-18(b)(1)(d))

The additional fee for work commenced prior to obtaining a required permit does not apply to emergency work where delay would have placed life or property in imminent danger. The required permit must be obtained within three business days. The Building Official may also grant fee waivers when justifiable cause is demonstrated in writing or as provided by local ordinance.

Questions?

For questions regarding permit fees, please contact the Building Department at 305.416.1100 or visit us at 444 SW 2nd Avenue, 4th Floor, Miami, FL 33130.

Back to top