Permit guidance · Last reviewed 2026-08-28
Generator Permits in Miami
A permit is generally required until the building department with jurisdiction says otherwise. 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
Permanent generators and transfer equipment are building/electrical work in the City of Miami. Use the City permit catalog and residential A/C & generator guidance. Portable generators that are not hardwired are a different question.
Miami-Dade County (unincorporated)
Miami-Dade publishes generator permit guidance: a portable generator used only to power cord-and-plug appliances generally does not need a building permit; connecting a generator to the building electrical system or placing a permanent outdoor generator does. Plans by a design professional are typically required for permanent installs in unincorporated areas. Municipalities run their own process.
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
- Decide portable (cord-and-plug) versus permanent (hardwired / transfer switch).
- For permanent installs, expect site plan, electrical diagram, fuel-source review, and inspections.
- Place operating portable generators outdoors, away from openings — exhaust is a carbon-monoxide hazard.
Exemptions (high level)
Miami-Dade states a building permit is not required for a portable generator used only to power a few cord-connected appliances and lights. Hardwiring or a permanent outdoor installation is not that case.
Fees
County and City fee schedules include generator-related line items. Confirm current fees with the issuing department; we do not publish a dollar figure that could go stale.
Official resources
Businesses that perform related work
Directory classifications from source evidence — not a certified permit-puller list.
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
- Miami-Dade County — Generator permitsWhen a portable generator is exempt versus when a permanent or hardwired generator needs a County permit (unincorporated). Municipalities differ.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.