Permit guidance · Last reviewed 2026-08-28
Bathroom Remodeling Permits in Miami
A permit is often required, depending on the exact scope. Confirm with the department. This is educational information, not a legal determination and not a substitute for the building department.
City of Miami vs unincorporated Miami-Dade
City of Miami
Bathroom repairs are listed on City express pathways when eligible. Full remodels with plumbing relocation typically need standard plan review.
Miami-Dade County (unincorporated)
Altering supply, drainage, or electrical in a bathroom is generally permitted work. Finish-only updates may not be.
Other municipalities (Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Hialeah, and the rest) have their own building departments. Always start with the jurisdiction of the property address.
Typical steps
- Say whether fixtures stay in the same location.
- Ask about waterproofing on showers — a finish issue that still fails inspections when done wrong.
Exemptions (high level)
Like-for-like fixture swaps are more often in the minor-work bucket. Moving a drain usually is not.
Fees
Confirm current plumbing/building fees with the issuer.
Official resources
Sources & verification
Factual and regulatory statements on this page are based on official government and licensing authorities. Requirements change — always confirm current details at the source.
- Miami-Dade County — Contractor licensing and permitting (RER / Building)Miami-Dade County contractor licensing and building permit requirements.Source checked 2026-08-28
- Florida Building Commission — Florida Building CodeThe Florida Building Code and the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) that applies to Miami-Dade.Source checked 2026-08-28
- City of Miami Building Department — Permits, construction, and residential permit guideCity of Miami building permits, iBuild, express review, and roofing/window/solar catalog items. Confirm current checklists on the City site.Source checked 2026-08-28
Questions
Can you tell me if I need a permit?
Only the building department with jurisdiction over the address can. This page summarizes published City of Miami and Miami-Dade guidance and links to those sources.
Who should pull the permit?
For licensed contracting work, the contractor typically pulls it under their license. Being asked to pull it yourself as an owner-builder shifts responsibility to you.