Permit engine
Do you need a permit for exterior door replacement in Miami, FL?
Permit requirements, Miami-Dade County fees, required inspections and the exact documents Miami asks for.
Verified August 2026
Exterior Door Replacement permit in Miami
Usually yes
In most cases yes — Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami generally require a permit for exterior door replacement. Height, size and location on the lot determine the exact review, so confirm with the building department before you start.
Permit facts
| Jurisdiction | Miami, Miami-Dade County |
|---|---|
| Permit fee estimate | $120 – $405 |
| Who can pull it | Contractor or owner-builder |
| Owner-builder | Allowed on owner-occupied homes |
| Inspections | Installation and attachment, Final inspection |
| Typical timeline | Half a day to one day of work, 2-5 weeks with permitting |
Documents to submit
- • Permit application
- • Product approval for the door assembly
- • Contractor license
How to apply in Miami
- 1. Confirm scope with the Miami building department — exemptions vary by scope, not project type.
- 2. Prepare the documents above, including product approvals where wind-borne debris rules apply.
- 3. Submit through the Miami permit portal and pay the review fee.
- 4. Schedule each required inspection as the work reaches that stage.
- 5. Get the final inspection signed off — an open permit blocks the sale of the home.
What happens if you skip the permit
Unpermitted work commonly triggers double permit fees, a code enforcement lien, forced exposure of concealed work, insurance claim denial, and a failed disclosure at closing. Retroactive permits are possible but cost more and can require tearing out finished work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace a front door in Florida?
Most Florida jurisdictions require a permit when the door frame is replaced, because the opening's wind-borne debris protection changes. A slab-only swap in the existing frame is sometimes exempt — confirm with your building department.
Sources
Sources & verification
Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.