Bathroom Remodel Permit Requirements in Miami-Dade County
Do you need a permit to remodel a bathroom in unincorporated Miami-Dade County? It depends on the scope. The county's Permit Exemptions list says painting, surfacing floors, and replacing vanities or cabinets in the same configuration don't need a building permit — but relocated or altered plumbing, ventilation or electrical work does, and the county says interior renovations such as knocking down a wall require one too.
Verified against official sources · Last verified: September 19, 2026
Do You Need a Permit?
Conditional — More Information NeededA bathroom remodel's permit requirement in unincorporated Miami-Dade County depends on the scope of work. The county's Permit Exemptions list says painting, surfacing floors with carpet, tile, brick, wood or similar materials, and replacing kitchen cabinets, vanities or paneling in the same configuration are not regulated by the Florida Building Code, so no building permit is required for them — but any associated plumbing, ventilation or electrical work needs a building permit if it is relocated, reconfigured or altered. The county also lists narrow plumbing and electrical exemptions (for example, replacing faucets, water closets, or sink fixtures by a licensed plumbing contractor, and replacing wall switches and receptacles of 20 amps and 120 volts or less within a $5,000 aggregate limit for any 12 months), so those need confirmation. The county's home renovation brochure says interior renovations such as knocking down a wall, or altering or repairing the electrical or plumbing system, require a permit.
See what applies to your exact property.
Check Your PropertyPermit Type
Building Permit (with trade permits)
Documents You May Need
- Building Permit Application, notarized and signed by the property owner
- Contact Sheet
- Drawn-to-scale plan showing all the work — at minimum a site plan, building floor plan and finish floor elevation, with sufficient detail of any structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and roofing work
- Owner-Builder form acknowledging your responsibilities, if applying as an owner-builder
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 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 the work includes a shower or tub: 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 you didn't select any painting, flooring, or cabinet work: more information is needed to determine this.
- If the work involves several finishes or other work: 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.
- If the work moves or adds plumbing fixtures or pipes: you'll also need: Plumbing trade permit (stand-alone or combined with the master building permit).
- If the work adds or moves lights, outlets, circuits, or an exhaust fan: you'll also need: Electrical trade permit (stand-alone or combined with the master building permit).
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
Can I remodel a bathroom without a permit in Miami-Dade County?
Only certain cosmetic work. The county lists painting, surfacing floors with carpet, tile, brick, wood or similar materials, and replacing vanities or cabinets in the same configuration as not needing a building permit. Any plumbing, ventilation or electrical work that is relocated, reconfigured or altered does need one.
Do I need a permit to replace a toilet, faucet, or sink?
The county lists replacing faucets, water closet/bidet fixtures, and sink/lavatory fixtures — fixtures only — as exempt when a licensed plumbing contractor does the work. Confirm the details for your situation with the county.
What if I move a wall or add plumbing or electrical?
Those need a permit. Relocated or altered plumbing, ventilation and electrical work needs a building permit, and the county says interior renovations such as knocking down a wall require one.
Permit Fees
Fees vary by project scope. See the Miami-Dade County Building Fee Schedule.
Review Time
Varies by project and plan-review workload
Building Department
Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) — Building & Permits
Phone: 305-375-2877Email: RERInfo@miamidade.govAddress: 111 NW 1st Street, 11th Floor, Miami, FL 33128
Official Sources
Miami-Dade County — Permit Exemptions (updated 02/2021)
miamidade.gov · Official PDF · verified September 19, 2026
Miami-Dade County — Homeowners General Permit Information
miamidade.gov · Official page · verified September 19, 2026
Miami-Dade County — Helpful Hints When Planning That Home Renovation (county brochure)
miamidade.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.