Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Use
A Certificate of Occupancy/Completion (CO/CC) validates that a building (or renovation project) has been completed in compliance with applicable code(s).
A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued for new construction, remodeling, renovation or change of use (i.e., new structure or addition, removing internal walls or change of use from a school to a restaurant).
A Certificate of Completion (CC) is issued for standalone fences, windows, similar permits and shell buildings. For smaller projects like a fence installation, a CO or CC is not required, but can be requested.
To receive a CO/CC, a fee is required along with approved inspections and completion holds. A Certificate of Occupancy is a prerequisite to obtaining a Certificate of Use.
The Online Certificate of Occupancy/Completion allows you to apply, print and search CO/CC history for a property using the address, certificate and/or permit number.
Email [email protected] or call 786-315-2100 for further assistance.
Certificate of Use
The Certificate of Use, often referred to as a CU, assures that the business is allowed in the zoning district where it is located. It also verifies that the structure was built for the proposed type of business, i.e., restaurant/convenience store.
The space must comply with the following three items:
- Local zoning and environmental ordinances
- The Florida Fire Prevention Code
- The Florida Building Code.
There is a difference between a CU and a Local Business Tax. The CU allows for the occupancy of a structure as well as certifying that the use is permitted. A Local Business Tax (formerly known as Occupational License) is a tax on the business activity.
After a CU has been issued, you may apply for the Local Business Tax. For Local Business Tax details, visit the Tax Collector's Office.
The Certificate of Use (CU) search allows you to search CU history for a property using folio, address and/or process number.
For assistance, you must create an account and register through the online registration system (MeetQ) to meet with Zoning staff. Consults can be scheduled in-person, by phone or virtually on the specified days and times listed on the MeetQ homepage. For further assistance, email [email protected] or call 786-315-2660.

Permitting and Inspection Center
Edward A. Rojas
Permitting and Inspection Center
11805 SW 26th Street,
Miami, FL 33175
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