Bathroom Remodel Permit Requirements in Miami Beach
Miami Beach's official permit guide separates small bathroom updates from work that needs a permit. In single-family, duplex and triplex homes, flooring replacement needs no building permit and swapping up to two fixtures can be exempt when a licensed contractor does the work — but shower and tub installations require a permit, and so do moving fixtures or changing walls. Condominium units follow a separate interior alteration permit.
Verified against official sources · Last verified: September 19, 2026
Do You Need a Permit?
Conditional — More Information NeededMiami Beach's official Interactive Permit Guide and No Permit Required list draw the line by scope of work. For single-family, duplex and triplex homes, flooring replacement needs no building permit, and replacing up to two plumbing fixtures (toilet, bidet, sink, faucets) or up to two light fixtures, switches or receptacles, with no rearrangement of fixtures or change to wiring, is exempt when done by a licensed contractor — but a permit IS required, even for one fixture, if the work is linked to a master building permit. Shower and tub installations require a permit and a licensed contractor. Moving or adding fixtures, and wall or layout changes, are not exempt. Condominium units are handled under the city's separate Condominium Interior Alteration (Non-Structural) permit, whose listed scope includes bathroom remodeling and moving interior walls. Interior painting and bathroom vanities are not on the city's no-permit list, so confirm those with the Building Department.
See what applies to your exact property.
Check Your PropertyPermit Type
Building Permit
Documents You May Need
- Permit application signed and notarized by the owner and the contractor (including the folio number, value of construction, and area of work)
- Current contractor license and insurance (or the Notice to Owner – Workers' Compensation Insurance Exemption form)
- Two sets of floor plans, preferably 24" x 36", signed and sealed by an architect or engineer, showing the existing conditions to remain and the proposed work (for interior alteration permits)
Conditions That Can Affect This Result
This isn't a flat rule — the outcome can depend on details specific to your project. Use the checker to get a result based on your own answers, or see the verified scenarios below.
- If the work removes or moves non-structural walls: a permit is required.
- If the work changes structural walls or framing: a permit is required.
- If the work includes a shower or tub: a permit is required.
- If the work moves or adds plumbing fixtures or pipes: a permit is required.
- If the work adds or moves lights, outlets, circuits, or an exhaust fan: a permit is required.
- If you're replacing a toilet, sink, or faucet in the same location: more information is needed to determine this.
- If you're replacing lights, switches, or outlets in the same locations: more information is needed to determine this.
- If the work is painting only: more information is needed to determine this.
- If you're replacing the vanity or cabinets: more information is needed to determine this.
- If the work involves several finishes or other work: more information is needed to determine this.
- If you didn't select any painting, flooring, or cabinet work: more information is needed to determine this.
- If the bathroom is in a townhouse: more information is needed to determine this.
- If the bathroom is in a condominium: more information is needed to determine this.
- If the home isn't one of the standard residential types listed: more information is needed to determine this.
- If you weren't sure what plumbing work is involved: more information is needed to determine this.
- If you weren't sure what electrical work is involved: more information is needed to determine this.
- If you weren't sure whether any walls will be changed: more information is needed to determine this.
- If you weren't sure what finish work is planned: more information is needed to determine this.
What to Do Next
- 1Confirm which scenario applies to your project with the building department.
- 2Once confirmed, gather the required documents for that scenario.
- 3Contact the building department for how to submit your application.
Ready to continue?
Apply for the permit
Open the official government application portal.
Questions about your permit?
Call the Building Department.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to replace bathroom fixtures in Miami Beach?
In single-family, duplex and triplex homes you can replace up to two bathroom fixtures, such as a vanity sink, toilet or bidet, without a permit when a licensed contractor does the work. If the work is linked to a master building permit, a permit is required even for one fixture.
Does a new shower or tub need a permit?
Yes. The city's guide states that shower and tub installations require a permit and must be done by a licensed contractor.
Does new flooring need a permit?
Flooring replacement doesn't need a building permit in single-family, duplex and triplex homes, unless the work is linked to a master building permit.
What about a condominium bathroom?
Condominium units follow a separate Condominium Interior Alteration (Non-Structural) permit, whose listed scope includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling and moving interior walls.
Permit Fees
Fees vary by project scope. See the official City of Miami Beach Building Department fee schedule.
Review Time
Varies by project and plan-review workload
Building Department
Building Department
Phone: 305-673-7610Email: homeownerbuild@miamibeachfl.govAddress: 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Official Sources
City of Miami Beach — No Permit Required List (Building Permits Not Required Work List)
miamibeachfl.gov · Official page · verified September 19, 2026
Source last checked: September 17, 2026
City of Miami Beach — Building Interactive Permit Guide
miamibeachfl.gov · Official page · verified September 19, 2026
City of Miami Beach — A Guide to the Interior Alterations Permits (Building Department flyer)
miamibeachfl.gov · Official PDF · verified September 19, 2026
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PermitAhead provides informational guidance based on official government sources. Final permitting decisions are made by the applicable local authority.