AC Permit Requirements in Miami-Dade County

Whether an AC project needs a permit in Miami-Dade County depends on the specific details of your project.

Verified against official sources · Last verified: September 10, 2026

Do You Need a Permit?

Conditional — More Information Needed

A permit is generally required for AC/HVAC installation, replacement, and most repair work in Miami-Dade County. A narrow exemption exists for specific minor repairs (air conditioning duct, coil/compressor/refrigerant piping, non-combustion heating, or fans inside equipment) performed by a licensed mechanical or air-conditioning contractor.

See what applies to your exact property.

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Permit Type

Mechanical Permit

Documents You May Need

  • Building Permit Application
  • Mechanical Fee Sheet

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 work type is full system replacement: a permit is required.
  • If work type is partial replacement: a permit is required.
  • If work type is new installation: a permit is required.
  • If repair subtype is other: more information is needed to determine this.
  • If is licensed mechanical contractor work is no: a permit is required.

What to Do Next

  1. 1Confirm which scenario applies to your project with the building department.
  2. 2Once confirmed, gather the required documents for that scenario.
  3. 3Contact the building department for how to submit your application.

Ready to continue?

Apply for the permit

Open the official government application portal.

Apply on Official Website

Questions about your permit?

Call the Building Department.

Call 305-375-2877

Common Questions

Do I need a permit to replace an AC unit?

Yes — installation and replacement work always requires a permit in Miami-Dade County.

Do minor AC repairs require a permit?

A narrow exemption covers specific minor repairs — duct, coil/compressor/refrigerant piping, non-combustion heating, or fans inside the equipment — when done by a licensed mechanical or A/C contractor.

Permit Fees

Fees vary by project scope. Most residential AC/HVAC repair or replacement contracts are exempt from the Notice of Commencement filing requirement under Florida Statute 713.135, which does not apply to HVAC repair/replacement contracts valued under $15,000.

Review Time

Varies by project and plan-review workload

Building Department

Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) — Building & Permits

Phone: 305-375-2877Email: RERInfo@miamidade.gov

Address: 111 NW 1st Street, 11th Floor, Miami, FL 33128

Official Sources

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Permit requirements can depend on your exact address and project details. Enter your address to check what applies to your property.

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Other permits in Miami-Dade County

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PermitAhead provides informational guidance based on official government sources. Final permitting decisions are made by the applicable local authority.