Work that Does Not Require a Permit

This page provides a guide to help you understand which types of home repairs, maintenance, or small projects you can do without needing a permit. The items listed on this page are exempt under Section 10-5 of the City of Miami Code and align with the Florida Building Code (FBC). Please keep in mind: even if a permit is not required for your project, the work still needs to be completed according to building code, safety rules, and zoning and  flood regulations. When in doubt, always check with the Building Department before starting work. 

  • Wallpapering: Installing wallpaper or similar decorative wall coverings to enhance interior aesthetics. This includes peel-and-stick or adhesive-backed materials.
  • Painting (1–2 family homes or buildings under 3 stories): Applying paint or similar finishes to the interior or exterior of qualifying buildings. This includes touch-ups, full repaints, or decorative finishes.
  • Floor finishes: Installing or replacing surface flooring such as tile, carpet, laminate, hardwood, or vinyl, provided there are no structural changes or modifications to load-bearing elements.
  • Cabinets and countertops: Installing or replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinets and countertops, as long as the work does not involve changes to plumbing lines, electrical wiring, or load-bearing walls.
  • Shade cloth structures: Erecting temporary or permanent shade cloth coverings for nursery or agricultural uses only, and only if they are not connected to electrical or mechanical service systems.
  • Swings and playground equipment: Installing play structures such as swing sets, slides, or jungle gyms at single-family residences. These must be accessory structures intended for residential recreational use.
  • Movable interior fixtures: Placing or repositioning free-standing shelves, clothing racks, or partitions that are not fixed to the structure and are no taller than 5 feet 9 inches.
  • Ordinary minor repairs: Conducting small-scale maintenance or repairs that do not involve structural components or affect the electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems of the building.
  • Lamp/bulb replacement: Replacing burned-out light bulbs or standard lamps in existing fixtures.
  • Damaged receptacle/switch replacement: Replacing broken or non-functioning outlets, light switches, or breakers with identical components by a licensed electrical contractor, without modifying existing wiring.
  • Electrical cord with male plug: Replacing or repairing the male end of a power cord used for small appliances or tools, provided no internal wiring changes are made.
  • Generators (5kw or less): Using portable generators that are 5 kilowatts or less in capacity for temporary power needs, such as during events or outages. These generators must not be permanently installed or hardwired.
  • Radio antenna: Installing a standard, non-commercial radio antenna that does not require structural support towers or electrical connections beyond a typical plug-in.
  • Wireless burglar alarm/cameras: Installing security cameras or alarm systems that are battery-operated or plug directly into wall outlets, without any hardwiring into the building.
  • Troubleshooting wiring: Inspecting or testing electrical wiring to identify faults, without altering or installing new wiring or components.
  • Wireless smoke detectors: Installing battery-powered smoke detectors, especially models with 10-year sealed lithium batteries, with no connection to the building's electrical system.
  • FPL re-activation inspection: A courtesy inspection for the purpose of restoring electrical service through Florida Power & Light (FPL), not involving any system modification.
  • Ceiling fans: Installing or replacing ceiling fans using existing wiring, performed by a licensed electrical contractor. No permit is needed if no electrical system alterations are made.
  • Temporary decorative lighting: Hanging string lights, holiday decorations, or event lighting for less than 90 days. This includes plug-in lights used indoors or outdoors, with no permanent installation.
  • Above ground whirlpool tubs: Setting up prefabricated, above-ground whirlpool or spa tubs that plug into a standard outlet and are not hardwired into the building’s electrical system.
  • Temporary testing systems: Using equipment for the temporary testing, servicing, or demonstration of electrical systems or components without permanent connections or modifications.
  • Radio/TV transmit stations (power supply excluded): Installing radio or television transmission devices or systems that do not include the supporting structures (such as towers) or dedicated electrical power infrastructure.
  • Portable heating appliance: Freestanding heaters that are not permanently installed.
  • Portable ventilation equipment: Movable fans or air circulation units.
  • Portable cooling unit: Freestanding A/C units.
  • Steam/hot/chilled water piping (inside HVAC equipment): Internal piping in heating/cooling equipment.
  • Replacement parts (non-safety-altering): Swapping out non-structural parts.
  • Portable evaporative cooler: Freestanding swamp coolers.
  • Self-contained refrigeration (<10 lb refrigerant, <1hp motor): Small systems like mini-fridges.
  • Load management device installation/replacement– Devices used to control electrical loads.
  • Mechanical repairs under $2,500: Licensed contractor repairs under this cost threshold.
  • Duct repair: Fixing HVAC ducts without system replacement.
  • Coil/compressor/refrigerant piping repair: Minor A/C part fixes by a licensed professional.
  • Non-combustion heating repair/replacement: Includes electric baseboards, etc.
  • Ventilation fan repair/replacement: Includes bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.
  • Ordinary minor repairs: Minor mechanical fixes not altering code systems.
  • Portable heating appliance: Freestanding gas-powered heaters.
  • Minor part replacement (non-safety related): Replacing small parts that don’t affect function or safety.
  • Stopping leaks in accessible pipes: As long as the pipe doesn’t need to be replaced.
  • Unclogging drains: Removing blockages in plumbing.
  • Toilet or faucet repair: Fixing or swapping parts without rerouting plumbing.
  • Plumbing repairs under $2,500: Licensed repairs that stay under this value.
  • Gas appliance repair (not water heaters): Done by licensed plumbing contractors.
  • LP tank exact change-out: Replacing an above-ground tank with an identical one.
  • Irrigation system repair: Includes lawn sprinkler system fixes.
  • Faucet/bidet repair in 1–2 family homes: Bathroom and kitchen fixture repairs.
  • Sink/lavatory repair/replacement: Like-for-like swaps.
  • Residential pool equipment repair (not heaters): Fixing pumps, filters, etc.
  • Shut-off valve repair: Includes main water valve repairs.
  • Garbage disposal repair: Residential only, not commercial.
  • Dishwasher repair: Like-for-like replacements in residential settings.
  • Above ground prefabricated whirlpool tubs: Plug-and-play portable tubs.
  • Ordinary minor repairs: Basic plumbing maintenance that doesn’t reroute systems.

 

  • Utility work by public service agencies: Permit not required for generation, transmission, distribution, or metering equipment owned and controlled by authorized utility providers.

 

Contact Us

Phone

(305) 416-1100

Email

building@miamigov.com

Location

Miami Riverside Center
444 SW 2nd Ave, 4th floor
Miami
33130
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Applicable Codes

State of Florida Applicable Codes

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