Swimming Pool Permits

This page lists the required items, forms, and standard details for all swimming pool related projects. Note there is an additional form required for Owner-Builder permits.

For more information, visit How to Apply for a Permit and Homeowner’s General Permit information.

What swimming pool safety measures should I be aware of?

Always get a licensed electrician to do electrical work and never attempt to do your own electrical work
Never allow pool maintenance workers to perform electrical work. It is dangerous, illegal and can be fatal
Electrical pool equipment and underwater lights must be properly maintained
Never use electrically powered appliances near a pool unless the equipment is approved for water use
Do not position outdoor lights where they could fall or slide into the pool
Contact a licensed electrical contractor to perform regular electrical maintenance service
Keep rescue equipment near the pool and call 911 in case of an emergency
Pools are required to meet the low-voltage requirements at the time of repair or alteration of an existing pool light.

The following items are required for new construction of:
- An in-ground swimming pool. All items are required. Incomplete and illegible application and documents will not be accepted. Please note there is an additional form required for Owner-Builder permits
- An above-ground swimming pool requires a Zoning Improvement Permit (ZIP). Please visit ZIP for more information on how to apply
1. A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Category 55 (residential or commercial)
- Total square foot area of the pool
- A completed Contact Sheet
2. Provide details drawing(s) of the pool design, including site plan providing the location, structure dimensions, electrical and plumbing connections of the pool, and the proper calculations. Drawing(s) must be signed and sealed by a design professional (architect or engineer).

Once your swimming pool permit has been issued, subsidiary electrical and plumbing permits will be required. You may obtain a subsidiary permit using one of the following submittal options:
- Option 1 – E-permitting for Contractors:
  This web application allows qualified contractors to submit applications, pay fees and print permit cards for swimming pool subsidiary and stand-alone permits for electrical and plumbing and gas trades. Contractors no longer need to come in person to the Permitting and Inspection Center to apply and receive these types of permits. Review the E-permitting guidelines.
- Option 2 – Portal or In-person submittal:
  Submit through the Portal or in person at the Permitting Inspection Center with the following requirements:
  - Electrical:
    - A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form), select the permit type and the electrical category on the form. If this is a sub-permit, include the swimming pool permit number on the application.
    - A completed Electrical Fee Sheet. Fee sheets break down the cost of permit by category.
  - Plumbing and Gas Trades:
    - A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form), select the permit type and the plumbing category on the form. If this is a sub-permit, include the swimming pool permit number on the application.
      
      A completed Plumbing Fee Sheet. Fee sheets break down the cost of permit by category.
- Commercial/Public Swimming Pools
When applying for a building permit to construct or modify a commercial/public swimming pool, you must submit a Department of Health Application Receipt Letter for Pool Operating Permit as a condition for permit approval in accordance with Section 514.03(1), Florida Statutes.

You may apply for a pool operating permit at:
Florida Department of Health Miami-Dade County
Division of Environmental Health and Engineering
1725 NW 167th Street, Miami, FL 33056
Phone: 305-623-3500
Fax: 305-623-3502
Applications are accepted digitally at [email protected]

After a building permit is issued, and before requesting a Certificate of Occupancy, the permit holder is required to submit proof to the Building Department that the Department of Health Operating Permit has been issued. This documentation may be submitted to the Building Department’s Inspections Supervisor Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - noon at the Miami-Dade County Permitting and Inspection Center or emailed to [email protected].

For questions or additional information, contact the Division of Environmental Health and Engineering at [email protected] and/or 305-623-3500.
A fence, dwelling wall or non-dwelling wall, or any combination thereof that surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access, especially from the residence or from the yard outside the barrier, is required. These barriers are for safety and come in the form of:
- Screened-in patios
- Wooden or wire fences
- Rock or concrete block walls
- Other types
All new construction of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs must have a permanent barrier complying with the following:
- The top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. See Section 8C-4 of the Miami-Dade County Code for full details.
See also:
- Section 33-12 of the Miami-Dade County Code for specific barrier requirements
- Florida Statutes 515.27, 515.29
- Florida Building Code 424.2
To learn more about pool barriers, visit Fences and Gates.
Avoid construction delays and added costs by obtaining the necessary inspection approvals prior to covering the work. Plumbing and electrical systems that have been covered without first receiving an inspection approval will have to be exposed to allow for inspection. Consider the following prior to scheduling an inspection:
- Any construction or work must remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved.
- For plumbing, first inspection to be made after excavation and installation of reinforcing steel, bonding and main drain and prior to placing of concrete.
- Upon completion of a section, or the entire water supply system, the system, or portion completed, must be tested, and proved tight under a water pressure not less than the working pressure of the system; or, for piping systems other than plastic, by an air test of no less than 50 psi. This pressure shall be held for no less than 15 minutes.
- Pools are required to meet the low-voltage requirements at the time of repair or alteration of an existing pool light.
- Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion cannot be covered or concealed until authorized.
For more information about inspections, visit Inspections.