New Construction
All fire permits and inspections related to any commercial construction project in new or existing Miami-Dade structures are handled by the Fire Prevention Division, in coordination with all other appropriate Miami-Dade County departments.

For more information about construction fire permits and inspections, or for permit tracking and inquiries, visit the New Construction page.

Existing Structures
All existing business occupancies in Miami-Dade County are required to have an annual inspection for the purpose of maintaining a Life Safety Operating Permit. These occupancies include, but are not limited to: 

• hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other medical centers
• schools, daycare facilities and other recreational or educational centers
• apartment and condominium buildings
• industrial and manufacturing facilities
• retail stores, business offices, dining and entertainment establishments

For more information about code compliance, Life Safety permits, or to request an inspection, go to the Existing Structures page.

Open Burn Permits
A burn permit is required for all open fires in Miami-Dade County, except cooking fires. Land owners and contractors can apply for a burn permit for land clearing and other farming or agricultural operations. There are 30-day permits available for land clearing, and annual permits are available for approved agricultural purposes. All burn permits require submission of an Open Burn Permit Application
 
Open burning permits are issued only to commercial properties. Weekend burning is not allowed.

Residential property owners are prohibited from burning residential trash, garbage, construction debris, leaves, cuttings, yard trimmings, tree stumps, plastic, pallets, etc.

Emergency Vehicle Zones (Fire Lanes)
In order for law enforcement agencies to enforce parking in fire lanes, the location must establish an approved Emergency Vehicle Zone.  See the overview and application.

Life Safety Complaint
To report a possible life safety code violation in a commercial occupancy, please call the MDFR Fire Prevention Division at 786-331-4800, Monday thru Friday, between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. Complaints will be processed by the staff, and an inspector will be assigned to investigate the report and inspect the occupancy for fire or life safety code violations within 3 working days.

Fire Prevention Records
The Records Section of MDFR's Fire Prevention Division stores records of commercial property inspections for various business occupancies and multi-unit residences for both new construction and existing structures. Upon request, the Records Section can provide copies of occupancy inspection reports and life safety inspection reports.  Requests can be made in the following ways:

• In person requests can be made at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Headquarters, 9300 NW 41st Street, between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 5:00p.m., Monday thru Friday.  Files may be reviewed at that time, and copies can be made for .15 cents per page. 
• Fax requests can be sent to 786-331-4898.

All records requested may be received in person at MDFR Headquarters, or they can be mailed or faxed. Estimated turnaround time after request is received by MDFR is one week. For more information about Fire Prevention record copies and fees, please call 786-331-4880. For other types of record requests, please visit our Records & Reports page.

Appeals
Anyone seeking to appeal a decision by any Fire Marshal in Miami-Dade County must complete the Fire Prevention & Safety Appeals Board Application , and follow the instructions in the application package.  The appeal will be placed on the agenda at the next regularly scheduled meeting upon receipt of a completed application and filing fee prior to the filing deadline.  For questions, please contact the Secretary of the Appeals Board, Maria Jose, at (786) 331-5236.

The next meeting of the Miami-Dade County Fire Prevention and Safety Appeals Board is scheduled for March 25, 2010.

Fees
Fees for all Fire Prevention Division services are listed in Miami-Dade Implementing Order #4-123 .  These fees will be assessed depending upon the services received.  The department representative assessing the fees will advise the amount of the fees and where and how payment is to be made.  Some fees are annual charges that occur after the service is provided and others are one-time fees that must be paid before the service is provided.