Start, Track and Close a City of Miami Building Permit With the Correct Online System
Miami uses two connected systems: iBuild manages the permit application, status and inspections; ProjectDox stores plans, drawings and review comments.
This guide shows the correct City-versus-County check, current contact details, permit path, plan-upload workflow, inspection steps, same-day residential option, records search and final closeout process.
Choose the City of Miami Task You Need
City of Miami Building Department Phone, Email and Location
Confirm the Property Is Inside the City of Miami
Use City of Miami permitting when
- The property is inside City of Miami municipal limits.
- The City’s property tools recognize the address.
- The full folio number begins with 01.
Check another authority when
- The address says “Miami” but is in an unincorporated area.
- The folio does not begin with 01.
- The property is in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Doral or another municipality.
Match the Project to the Correct Miami Permit Path
Project |
Start with |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New building, addition or structural alteration |
Full building permit |
Miami 21 zoning, flood, drainage, fire, tree, public works and trade permits |
Roof replacement |
Roofing permit |
Product approvals, roof assembly and possible Walk-Thru eligibility |
Windows, doors, shutters or garage door |
Building permit |
Florida product approvals, opening sizes and historic-property review |
Fence or gate |
Fence permit |
Height, setbacks, visibility triangles, utilities and structural review over 6 feet |
Kitchen, bathroom or interior remodel |
Building + sub-permits |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural and use changes |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical repair |
Easy Permit may apply |
Contractor eligibility and whether plan review is actually required |
Driveway, pavers or work near the right of way |
Building / Public Works review |
Drainage, sidewalk, approach, swale and right-of-way conditions |
Pool or spa |
Building permit |
Barrier, electrical, plumbing, drainage and structural review; pile-supported pools are not Walk-Thru eligible |
Historic property or archeological area |
Preservation review first |
Certificate of Appropriateness or Certificate to Dig |
Business fit-out or change of use |
Pre-review first |
Zoning, Certificate of Use, Fire, DERM, accessibility and occupancy approval |
Demolition or after-the-fact legalization |
Special permit path |
Unsafe Structures, code violations, utilities, asbestos and historic review |
Apply Through iBuild and ProjectDox in Seven Clear Steps
Confirm jurisdiction, zoning and existing problems
Check City limits, Miami 21 zoning, open permits, code violations, liens, historic status and flood conditions before paying for final drawings.
Create the permit application in iBuild
Enter the project address, scope, owner, contractor, design professional and permit-type information.
Wait for the ProjectDox invitation
When electronic plans are required, the City sends an email that connects the iBuild application to the ProjectDox upload task.
Upload drawings and documents correctly
Place drawings and supporting documents in the correct folders, follow the City naming rules and use valid digital signatures and seals when required.
Complete the applicant upload task
Uploading files alone may not send them into review. Complete the assigned ProjectDox task after checking the file set.
Respond to each review discipline
Open the review comments, revise the correct sheets and upload a coordinated replacement set. Track Building, Zoning, Fire, Public Works and other review statuses separately.
Pay, pull and print the issued permit
After approval and payment, use the City’s permit-printing route. Keep the issued permit and approved documents available for inspections.
ProjectDox Rules That Prevent Avoidable Rejections
Use the correct email
Use the same email associated with the iBuild application. Password resets and project access depend on that account.
Separate drawings and documents
Upload plans, forms, calculations and supporting records to the correct ProjectDox folder.
Name files consistently
Follow the City’s standard naming convention so reviewers can identify and compare sheets.
Digitally sign and seal
Design-professional files must follow Florida and City digital-signature requirements when a signature and seal are required.
Replace, do not duplicate
Use the required resubmittal method so revised drawings remain connected to the original sheet history.
Owner controls key requests
The City’s FAQ says file-void, termination and added-contact requests must come from the owner or listed owner representative.
Could the Project Use Miami Walk-Thru Express?
Projects that may qualify
- Fence 6 feet or under
- Driveway or pavers
- Windows, doors or shutters
- Roofing
- Kitchen or bathroom remodel
- Minor nonstructural repair
- Prefabricated shed
- MEP repair permit
Projects that do not qualify
- Historic-district property
- Work requiring structural review
- After-the-fact legalization
- Property with open code violations
- Pools designed on piles
- Incomplete application documents
Some Minor Work May Not Need a Permit—But Conditions Matter
Possible exempt work |
Important limit |
|---|---|
Painting |
No stucco work may be included. |
Surface flooring in a single-family home or duplex |
No structural changes; stacked duplex conditions may require a flooring permit. |
Cabinets and countertops in qualifying homes |
No plumbing, electrical or load-bearing-wall changes. |
Battery or plug-in security cameras |
No hardwiring into the building. |
Portable generator of 5 kW or less |
Temporary use only; not permanently installed or hardwired. |
Ceiling fan replacement |
Existing wiring only and work by a licensed electrical contractor under the City’s stated exemption. |
Schedule and Prepare for City of Miami Inspections
Before requesting
- Correct master or sub-permit number
- Correct inspection type
- Work complete for that stage
- Required work remains exposed
- Approved plans available
- Safe site access
What the City says
- Requests may be made online or through 311.
- Inspections may be requested up to five days ahead.
- They commonly occur the day after the request.
- You receive a confirmation and inspection date.
- The permit holder’s contractor is responsible for requests.
What the Miami Permit Status Means
Search Permit History, Records, Liens and Violations
Confirm City jurisdiction
Check the folio. The City says City of Miami folios normally begin with 01.
Search issued permit history
Use the process number, property address or full folio number. This tool is for issued permit history—not current application tracking.
Track the application separately
Use iBuild’s Global Inquiry or process-number search to review Plan Status, Plan History, Review Status and Event tabs.
Request building records digitally
The Microfilm section sends permit records and plans electronically through Microsoft OneDrive.
Run a lien and violation search
Use this before purchasing, selling, refinancing, changing use or attempting to legalize prior construction.
Confirm closeout, not only existence
A permit number does not prove that inspections passed or that a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion was issued.
Use the Official Miami Fee Schedule—Not a Percentage Guess
Application fee
The City’s schedule states that all permits receive a nonrefundable application fee under the current fee schedule.
Project-specific charges
Permit, plan-review, revision, recertification, replacement-card and administrative fees depend on the service.
Enforcement costs
Work without a permit and unsafe-structure cases can include processing, inspection, posting, title, legal, lien and demolition-related costs.
Check Miami 21 and Other Reviews Before Final Plans
Possible review |
Why it may apply |
Question to answer |
|---|---|---|
Zoning / Miami 21 |
Use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, signs and special approvals |
Is the project allowed by right, or does it need a waiver, warrant, exception or hearing? |
Historic preservation |
Designated properties, historic districts or archeological areas |
Is a COA, SCOA or Certificate to Dig required? |
Flood / resilience |
Flood zone, elevation, substantial improvement and drainage requirements |
Are elevation or floodplain documents required? |
Fire Rescue |
Alarm, sprinkler, life safety, occupancy and fire access |
Is a separate Fire permit or expedited review needed? |
Public Works |
Sidewalk, driveway, right of way, drainage and utility work |
Does construction affect public property or require a covenant? |
Trees |
Removal, relocation, protection and right-of-way planting |
Is a tree permit or protection bond required? |
DERM / Certificate of Use |
Business use, environmental conditions and CU inspections |
Which county or city inspections must be complete before opening? |
Confirm Who Is Legally Pulling the Permit
Licensed contractor
- The company and qualifier must be registered with the City.
- Licenses, business details and insurance must be current.
- Insurance certificates must be sent directly by the provider and name the City Building Department as certificate holder.
- Use the official change-contractor process when the project team changes.
Owner-builder
- Use the official owner-builder process and disclosure.
- The owner accepts permitting, supervision, safety and legal responsibilities.
- Restrictions apply to property use, labor and sale.
- Do not use owner-builder status simply to avoid hiring a qualified contractor.
Fix Common iBuild, ProjectDox and Inspection Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Address not found |
Wrong municipality, unit format or address entry |
Confirm the full folio and City jurisdiction before creating another application. |
No ProjectDox invitation |
Wrong email, spam filtering or application not ready for upload |
Check the iBuild email, spam folder and contact ePlan support with the BD number. |
Files uploaded but review did not start |
Applicant upload task was not completed |
Open the active task, confirm the file set and complete submission. |
Repeated review comments |
Wrong sheets replaced, incomplete responses or conflicting plans |
Use one coordinated revision set and an itemized response letter. |
Cannot schedule inspection |
Wrong master/sub-permit number or permit not issued |
Check the exact permit number and active status before resubmitting. |
Walk-Thru rejected |
Historic property, structural review, open violation or legalization work |
Move to the normal review path and resolve the disqualifying issue. |
Old work has no final |
Open master/sub-permit or missed final inspection |
Collect the permit history and ask which inspection, plans or certificate remain outstanding. |
Contractor changed |
Original contractor no longer controls the permit |
Use the official add/update-contractor process; print, sign and notarize the generated form as instructed. |
What to Say When Contacting the City
“I am planning to [exact work] at [full address and folio]. Can you confirm the correct permit type, required Miami 21 or historic review, ProjectDox documents, sub-permits and inspections before I submit?”
“My Building Department process number is [BD number]. iBuild shows [status], and ProjectDox shows [status]. Which discipline or task is preventing the next step?”
“I found permit [number] at [address], but I cannot confirm final closeout. Which master or sub-permit inspection, certificate or document remains outstanding?”
Do Not Consider the Miami Project Complete Until These Items Are Done
- City jurisdiction and 01 folio confirmed
- Miami 21 zoning checked
- Historic and flood conditions checked
- Correct master and sub-permits selected
- iBuild application submitted
- ProjectDox task completed
- Review comments fully resolved
- Permit formally issued
- Permit and approved plans available
- Required inspections passed
- All sub-permits finaled
- CO, CC, TCO or TCC obtained when required
- Liens and violations checked
- Final records saved
Miami Riverside Center Building Department Map
Open the Correct City of Miami Permit Resource
City of Miami Building Department Questions
What is the City of Miami Building Department phone number?
The current Building Department call center number is 305-416-1100. For inspection assistance, use option 2. The department’s main email is building@miamigov.com.
What is the difference between iBuild and ProjectDox?
iBuild manages the permit application, process number, status, payments, inspections and permit record. ProjectDox is the digital plan-review system used to upload plans, documents, revisions and review responses.
How do I know whether the property is in the City of Miami?
Confirm the municipal boundary and full folio number. The City’s records guidance says City of Miami folio numbers normally begin with 01. A Miami mailing address alone is not enough.
How do I search City of Miami permits?
Use the permit-history search for issued permits and use the application-status page or iBuild Global Inquiry for an application still in review. Search by process number when available, then address or full folio.
Can I schedule a Miami inspection online?
Yes. Use the City’s inspection page, select inspections and then schedule an inspection. You may also call 311. Use the exact master or sub-permit number for the requested inspection.
How far ahead can a Miami inspection be requested?
The City says inspections may be requested up to five days in advance and commonly occur the day after the request. The confirmation displays the scheduled inspection date.
Which projects may qualify for Walk-Thru Express?
Examples include fences up to six feet, driveways, windows and doors, roofing, kitchen or bathroom remodeling, minor nonstructural work, prefabricated sheds and certain MEP repair permits. Historic properties, structural-review projects, legalizations and properties with open violations do not qualify.
How do I request old City of Miami plans or building records?
Use the official Building Records Microfilm request process. The City delivers records digitally through OneDrive. A nonrefundable processing fee applies, and certification charges are separate.
Can I use a simple percentage to estimate a Miami permit fee?
No reliable blanket percentage applies to every residential or commercial permit. Use the official City fee schedule and the project’s actual invoice because application, plan-review, revision, trade, administrative and enforcement fees vary.
What proves that a Miami permit is fully complete?
Confirm that the master permit and every sub-permit passed required final inspections and that the required Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Completion, temporary certificate or other closeout record was issued.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Miami.
This page was rebuilt using the City of Miami Building Department, permitting landing page, iBuild guidance, ProjectDox FAQs, Walk-Thru Express rules, inspection instructions, permit-history search, building-record request process, fee schedule, work-exemption list and contractor-registration guidance.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Portals, fees, staff, program eligibility and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the City before filing, paying, visiting or starting work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.