Permit guidance · Last reviewed 2026-08-28

Structural Work 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.

Miami-Dade is in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone. Product approvals (often a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance) matter for many exterior assemblies.

City of Miami vs unincorporated Miami-Dade

City of Miami

Structural work is not on the minor express list. Opening walls, adding loads, or repairing structure needs plans and building-department review. Historic properties and code-violation holds block expedited paths.

Miami-Dade County (unincorporated)

Structural repair and alteration is permitted work, often with an engineer. After storms, 'temporary dry-in' is not a substitute for a proper structural permit when the building is damaged.

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

Do not remove walls until you know whether they are load-bearing.
Expect an engineer and a full building permit for structural change.
Verify the contractor's license class covers the work.

Exemptions (high level)

True cosmetic work that does not affect structure is a different bucket. When in doubt, ask the building department before demolition.

Fees

Structural permit fees follow valuation. Confirm with the issuer. This is not a legal determination of what your project requires.

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
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Verify a License / Licensee SearchVerification of Florida construction, real-estate, CPA, cosmetology, and other DBPR-regulated licenses.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.