Chinese Drywall

Miami-Dade County is eliminating permitting and inspection fees for single-family homeowners in unincorporated Miami-Dade County who are victims of defective Chinese drywall. Homeowners will save an average of $1,200.

“Chinese Drywall is turning the American Dream into a nightmare for many of our residents,” said Mayor Carlos Alvarez. “To assist homeowners already facing costly repairs of drywall replacement, the County is waiving permitting fees and reducing steps in the plan review and inspection process to help victims of Chinese drywall.”

Prior to beginning any associated repairs, homeowners must first apply and obtain a building permit. Residents of unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the City of West Miami (program’s area of jurisdiction) should visit the Miami Dade County Permitting & Inspection Center located at 11805 SW 26 Street in Miami to request the waiver. The permit applicant will be required to provide a statement attesting that the existing drywall was confirmed by testing to be Chinese Drywall and that the scope of the permit is limited to its replacement and does not include additional improvements or alterations.

The Miami-Dade Property Appraiser’s Office has also introduced a program to provide relief to defective Chinese drywall victims. For information on the Property Appraiser’s Assessment Relief program, which allows homeowners to establish that their properties have been impacted by defective Chinese drywall, go to http://www.miamidade.gov/pa. So far, the Appraiser’s Office has made property value reductions to 129 properties throughout Miami-Dade County totaling approximately $16 million.

For up-to-date information on Chinese drywall, click onto the Florida Department of Health’s Drywall information link: Florida DOH Drywall Information.

“We understand that eliminating permit fees is only a small part of the equation. Repairs can cost thousands of dollars, but we hope residents with defective Chinese Drywall problems take action and make legal repairs,” said Mayor Alvarez.

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