Recognizing that customers often navigate multiple agencies, permitting programs, and regulatory requirements throughout the development process, the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) has prioritized improving the accessibility and organization of permitting information.
As part of this effort, the department has developed this centralized online resource designed to simplify access to development-related services, promote greater transparency and provide customers with a single starting point for understanding permitting requirements and available resources.
This site represents an important step toward a more integrated, customer-focused approach to service delivery and lays the foundation for future enhancements that will further connect permitting information, technology and interdepartmental services.
Miami-Dade County has 35 municipalities, each with its own building and zoning officials overseeing permits and inspections. Depending on your specific property location, you will have to begin your project with a certain jurisdiction. If the property is within one of the county’s incorporated cities, your local city handles services like zoning and building permitting. If the property is located within an unincorporated area, the jurisdiction for zoning and building permitting falls with Miami-Dade County.
Miami-Dade County Planning provides services related to sound growth management, historic preservation, urban planning and transportation development through the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) and related activities.
Platting is the mandatory legal process of dividing, subdividing or combining land into officially recorded lots, blocks and parcels, typically required before obtaining building permits for new developments. It maps out property boundaries, streets and easements, ensuring compliance with the Miami-Dade County's Subdivision Code.
RER’s Development Services guides property owners, developers and businesses through the county’s land use, zoning and subdivision processes.Each property within Miami-Dade County is assigned a zoning district classification, indicating the permitted land use activities and conditions under which those uses are allowed.This division is responsible for ensuring development projects meet local zoning and traffic capacity regulations.
Plan review is a part of the permitting process where your documents will be reviewed by the plans processing staff.The purpose of plan review and permitting is to determine if the project complies with the requirements of the Florida Building Code, Miami-Dade County Code and environmental requirements.
The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) is responsible for permitting activities that affect the public right-of-way and County transportation infrastructure. While RER issues building, environmental, and zoning permits, DTPW reviews and permits work that impacts roads, sidewalks, traffic operations, drainage, transit facilities and public infrastructure.
The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) provides plan review services for development projects and administers a variety of water and sewer approvals. These services include issuing Letters of Availability to determine the availability of water and sewer infrastructure, reviewing water and sewer extensions and laterals, and processing Verification Forms and Ordinance Letters required for first-time utility connections, new construction, and changes in use.
Through its Fire Prevention Division, MDFR is responsible for ensuring that buildings, fire protection systems, and occupancies comply with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, applicable NFPA standards, and Miami-Dade County fire safety requirements before they can be occupied or operated.MDFR issues permits for specialized fire protection work, including fire alarm and sprinkler installations and modifications.MDFR inspectors perform inspections to verify that fire protection systems have been installed according to the approved plans.For commercial buildings, MDFR conducts the fire and life safety inspection required before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.Certain businesses and occupancies require ongoing fire safety permits and inspections after construction is complete.
If you need clarification on plan review comments for building and environmental permits or resolve other permit-related issues, you can schedule to meet with various technical and plan review professionals in areas such as Building, Electrical, Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical, Zoning, Impact Fees, Environmental Core & Specialties, Fire (MDFR) Department of Health (HRS), and/or Water and Sewer Plan Review Supervisor (WASD).Receive specialized service as a homeowner or small business by connecting with the Homeowners and Small Business Assistance team.Additionally, the department offers free services to help homeowners with their zoning applications for zoning changes and various other zoning-related services through the Homeowners Assistance Program.
Knowing what is required to open a business in Miami-Dade County is a foundational step in the entrepreneurial journey. Miami-Dade County has compiled resources to help you understand the requirements and considerations involved in opening a business.
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