Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) Discharge Control Operating Permit

Any non-residential facility that handles, prepares or processes food (hot or cold), discharges or has the potential to discharge FOG to the public sanitary sewer system requires a FOG Discharge Control (FOG) operating permit. These facilities are categorized as FOG generators. Typical examples of FOG generators include restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets, schools, banquet halls and food courts at malls or shopping centers.

FOG Discharge Control operating permits are renewed annually and are non-transferable. Notification shall be provided to the department upon sale, relocation, or legal transfer of the permitted facility. New business owners are required to secure a new FOG operating permit.

For additional guidance in preparation for the submittal of a FOG permit application visit the hyperlinks provided below: 

• Read more about fats, oils and grease
• Read the flyer with guidelines for food preparation establishments, as well as grease trap installation and maintenance, and disposal of FOG.
• In Spanish

New FOG Disclosure Requirements

On April 4, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 23-23, creating section 21-49.2 of the Code of Miami-Dade County. All sellers or lessors of properties containing FOG generators, as defined in section 24-5 of the Code, are now required to disclose the presence of the FOG generator at the time of conveyance or lease. Read the FOG Generator Disclosure Ordinance. 

The FOG Disclosure template and fillable FOG Discolsure form are available to download. Please note that the FOG Disclosure Ordinance does not require the use of these specific forms; they are being provided for your convenience.

How to Apply for a FOG Operating Permit

If the facility is located within a city or municipality, you must first apply for the Municipal Occupational License and/or a Certificate of Use (CU) from the city prior to submitting a complete FOG Discharge Control operating permit application to the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources. It is not necessary for the municipal occupational license to be finalized by the corresponding municipality prior to applying for the FOG operating permit.

Note: All municipalities require an Environmental Resources Management Plan Review "stamp" prior to finalization of their occupational license.

It is suggested that other Municipal, County, State and Federal Agencies be consulted to determine which additional permits, if any, must be obtained from those agencies.

Facilities can apply by using the online portal and selecting the Certificate of Use option.

Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card only) and e-checks are accepted for payment of application and processing fees.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The actual operating permit document that must be posted at the facility is usually mailed within 30 days of processing and approval of the complete application.

Fees
Please see the Fee Schedule.

Expiration
The FOG operating permit is valid from January 1st through December 31st of the same year. Permit renewal forms are sent to the facility operators a minimum of 45 days prior to the expiration of the permit.

For more information
Call the environmental Permitting Section at 305-372-6600, option 6.

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