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—Starting Monday, Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. —
The City of Miami Beach has expanded the current permit walk-through program that reduces the building permit process for residents to now include certain interior commercial alterations for businesses.
“We’re streamlining how we do business in Miami Beach,” explained Miami Beach Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez, who championed the same-day building permits. “Same-day permitting helps businesses move quickly, reduces costly delays, and brings empty storefronts back to life for residents to enjoy. This is about strengthening our economy, getting to a “yes” faster, and making Miami Beach easier — and more enjoyable — to do business in.”
The success of the initial permit walk-through program, which began as a phase 1 pilot in late February 2025, was later expanded under phase 2 on July 1, 2025. Under Phase 2, approximately 350 same day permits have been issued to residents to date.
The same-day service has now been expanded in Phase 3 to businesspeople and contractors who opt to submit their plans during the in-person walkthrough review every Monday by visiting the Building Department at Miami Beach City Hall (1700 Convention Center Drive second floor). Virtual tickets are issued between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with walkthrough services ending at noon.
“We’re bringing a new standard of efficiency to Miami Beach,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “This same-day permit initiative is about cutting the red-tape and putting our business community first. We’ve reimagined how City Hall operates to help entrepreneurs, property owners, and contractors move projects forward faster and with fewer barriers. This is what a results-driven government looks like in action.”
While it is anticipated that many projects will result in a same-day permit, more complex projects may require additional review time. Since the goal of the expanded Phase 3 initiative is to grant same day permits, only eligible permit types can be submitted with the following restrictions:
- Commercial interior alterations up to a maximum of 2,500 square feet of workspace.
- No exterior work.
- Drawings must be limited to 10 pages or less.
- Miami-Dade DERM approval is required prior to submitting plans for review. The City shall assist the applicant with this requirement by issuing a process number.
- The use of the existing occupancy cannot change.
