Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $150–$400 A permit is required for ALL sheds in Miami due to Florida Building Code hurricane wind-load rules.
Fee Method Valuation-based
Apply Online Apply at City of Miami Building Department →

What's Required in Miami

  • All sheds must be engineered for High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) wind loads (175+ mph).
  • Must be anchored to a concrete slab or approved tie-down system per FBC 105.1.
  • Must maintain 5-foot setbacks from side and rear property lines in residential zones.
  • Property survey showing the intended shed location is mandatory for all applications.
  • Materials must have a valid Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance).
  • Maximum height is generally limited to 10 feet for accessory storage structures.

What Size Shed Needs a Permit in Miami

Whether you need a building permit for a shed in Miami usually comes down to size. Most cities exempt small accessory structures — commonly those under about 120 to 200 square feet — and require a permit for anything larger; Miami’s exact cutoff is set by the City of Miami Building Department, so check the size threshold in the requirements above before you build. A popular 10x12 shed (120 sq ft) sits right at that common dividing line, so it’s worth confirming. Larger sheds, and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or a permanent foundation, almost always need a permit regardless of footprint.

Building a Shed Without a Permit in Miami

Even when a shed is small enough to skip a building permit in Miami, “no permit” doesn’t mean “no rules.” A permit-exempt shed generally must stay under the City of Miami Building Department’s size threshold, sit on a non-permanent base (sheds on skids or a gravel pad are treated more leniently than those on a poured foundation), and have no electrical or plumbing run to it. Crucially, zoning setbacks still apply — your shed usually has to sit a minimum distance from property lines and other structures, and that holds even for a permit-free shed. Confirm both the size exemption and the setback distance with the City of Miami Building Department before you build.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Miami

1

Step 1: Check NOA Papers

Ensure the shed kit or design has a 'Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance' for wind safety.

2

Step 2: Survey Preparation

Mark the shed location on a recent signed/sealed property survey.

3

Step 3: Online Submittal

Apply for a 'Building' permit through the City of Miami iBuild portal.

4

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay the permit and solid waste surcharge fees ($105 unit base + valuation surcharge).

5

Step 5: Inspections

Schedule a foundation/anchor inspection and a final structural sign-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, unlike other states, Florida requires a permit for all sheds to ensure they don't become wind-borne debris.
A 'Notice of Acceptance' is a certification that a product can withstand Miami's hurricane-force winds.
Typical fees start at $105 for the unit permit plus surcharges based on valuation.
It depends on Miami’s threshold — many cities exempt sheds under roughly 120 to 200 square feet, but the exact cutoff is set by the City of Miami Building Department (see the requirements above). The exemption usually also requires no permanent foundation and no electrical or plumbing, and zoning setbacks from property lines still apply even without a permit.
Often not, if it’s also under Miami’s size threshold and has no utilities — many jurisdictions treat a shed on skids or a gravel pad as movable rather than a permanent building. A poured foundation or any electrical/plumbing typically triggers a permit. Confirm with the City of Miami Building Department; zoning setbacks apply either way.