The City of Miami Building Department oversees all building permits, plan reviews, and inspections within the city limits of Miami, Florida. Whether you are building a new home, adding an ADU, remodeling, installing a pool, performing a roof replacement, or completing commercial construction in 2026, this complete guide provides the exact micro-steps through the iBuild + ePlan system, permit search, current fees, full document checklists, inspection scheduling, owner-builder requirements, contractor registration, Easy Permit options, and practical insider tips that save time and avoid costly mistakes.
City of Miami Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Physical Address: 444 SW 2nd Avenue, 4th Floor, Miami, FL 33130
- Main Phone: (305) 416-1400
- Building Division Phone: (305) 416-1400
- Email: building@miamigov.com
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Official Building Department Page: City of Miami Building Department
City of Miami Building Permit Search 2026
Official Portal: iBuild + ePlan Portal – Search Permits
Search Steps:
- Visit the iBuild portal (public search available).
- Enter address, permit number, or owner name.
- View full permit details, status, approved plans, and inspection history.
How to Apply for City of Miami Building Permits Online 2026 – 12 Micro-Steps
All new permit applications are submitted through the City’s iBuild + ePlan system. Easy Permit options are available for simple jobs with instant approvals.
Official Portal: iBuild + ePlan Portal
- Create or log into your iBuild account.
- Select permit type (New Construction, Alteration, Mechanical, Easy Permit, etc.).
- Enter project address and detailed scope of work.
- Add owner, contractor, and design professional information.
- Upload required drawings, PW1 equivalent forms, energy calculations, and supporting documents.
- Pay initial fees (residential permits typically 0.50% of valuation; commercial 1.00%).
- Submit the application and monitor status in real time.
- Respond to any plan review comments electronically.
- Pay remaining fees upon approval and print the permit card.
- Post the permit card visibly at the job site.
- Schedule required inspections through iBuild.
- Request final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy/Completion.
City of Miami Building Permit Fees 2026
- Fee Schedules: View Current Fee Schedules
- Residential building permits: typically 0.50% of valuation.
- Commercial building permits: typically 1.00% of valuation.
- Easy Permits have flat or reduced fees with instant approval for qualifying simple work.
- Impact fees, technology surcharges, and state surcharges apply in addition to base fees.
- Work started without a permit results in double fees plus possible Stop Work Order and fines.
Required Documents Checklist (Upload for iBuild + ePlan)
- Completed digital application in iBuild
- Sealed architectural and structural drawings
- Site plan with setbacks and code analysis
- Energy calculations and Florida Building Code compliance forms
- Flood zone determination and elevation certificate (if applicable)
- Contractor license verification and insurance
- Owner-Builder Affidavit (if applicable)
- Special inspection forms (if required)
- Notice of Commencement (NOC) – recorded before first inspection
How to Schedule City of Miami Building Inspections
- After permit issuance, log into iBuild.
- Request the required inspection type (foundation, framing, final, electrical, plumbing, etc.).
- Select preferred date (inspections typically scheduled within 1–2 business days).
Insider Tip: Use the Easy Permit program for qualifying small jobs — many receive instant approval. Have approved plans and permit card ready for every inspection.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder Process
Contractors must hold valid Florida licenses and be registered with the City of Miami. Homeowners may apply as owner-builders but assume full responsibility for code compliance, safety, and liability. Owner-builder applications require specific affidavits and are subject to restrictions.
Local Insider Tips & Tricks for Miami Permits
- Use the Easy Permit option whenever possible for qualifying small jobs — it offers instant approval.
- Upload high-quality, clearly labeled PDFs with proper scales and north arrows to reduce review time.
- Clear any existing violations or open permits on the property before submitting a new application.
- Schedule inspections as soon as work is ready — peak seasons can cause delays.
- Contact the Building Department early morning for fastest response on questions.
Frequently Asked Questions – City of Miami Building Permits 2026
Do I need a Notice of Commencement in Miami?
Yes — required for most projects above certain valuation thresholds. Must be recorded before the first inspection.
Can a homeowner pull their own permit as owner-builder?
Yes, but you assume full legal responsibility for code compliance and safety.
What is the Easy Permit program?
Easy Permit allows instant approval for many small, straightforward jobs with reduced review time and fees.
How do I search existing building permits?
Use the public search function in the iBuild portal by address or permit number.
Official Resources & Quick Links
This guide is updated April 2026 using only official City of Miami sources. Create your iBuild account today to start your application. Bookmark this page for your entire project.
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.