Permitting in Miami vs. Other Florida Cities – What You Need to Know

Miami’s permitting process is unique. Learn how it compares to other Florida cities and how to keep your projects on schedule despite longer review times.

Why Miami Is in a League of Its Own

If you’ve worked on projects across Florida, you’ve probably noticed that not all cities handle permitting the same way. Miami, in particular, has a reputation for being one of the most challenging places to get permits approved quickly.

But challenging doesn’t mean impossible — if you know what to expect, you can plan ahead and avoid frustrating delays.

Challenge 1: Longer Review Times

Miami’s building and zoning departments are often dealing with high permit volumes. This can lead to:

• Longer wait times before an application is even assigned to a reviewer.

• Multiple review cycles as different departments weigh in.

• Delays due to staffing shortages or high seasonal volume.

  
  

Tip: Build extra time into your project schedule when permitting in Miami — approvals that take two weeks in a smaller city may take four to six weeks in Miami.

Challenge 2: Digital Submittal Portal Quirks

Miami uses online permitting portals, which can be efficient — but only if everything is formatted correctly. Common issues include:

• Incorrect file naming conventions that cause automatic rejections.

• Missing digital signatures or seals on uploaded drawings.

• Difficulty uploading large plan sets if they exceed size limits.

Challenge 3: Communication with Reviewers

Miami reviewers often communicate through formal comment logs rather than email or phone calls. This can slow things down if you don’t respond quickly.

Comparison Table: Miami vs. Other Florida Cities

Factor	Miami	Other Cities (e.g., Orlando, Tampa)
Review Time	4–6+ weeks typical	2–3 weeks typical
Portal Sensitivity	Strict naming/file requirements	More forgiving on uploads
Reviewer Access	Mostly through portal comments	Easier direct contact with reviewers
Volume of Applications	Very high	Moderate

Tips for Keeping Projects on Track

• Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start the permit process.

• Double-Check Requirements: Especially digital file formatting and signatures.

• Track Progress: Log into the portal weekly to catch comments right away.

• Respond Quickly: The faster you resubmit, the sooner the next review cycle starts.

  
  

Final Takeaway

Miami’s permitting process may be more complex, but with proper planning, you can still hit your project deadlines. Knowing what to expect — and building in extra time — will keep your clients happy and your schedule on track.

Need help navigating Miami’s permitting maze? GoPermit specializes in the Miami market and knows exactly how to get your applications approved as quickly as possible.

📞 Contact Us Today to let us handle the process for you.