Access Control Permit Requirements in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Installing access control systems in Miami-Dade County requires understanding local permit requirements and Florida state contractor licensing. This guide covers everything low voltage contractors need to know about permits for card readers, biometric systems, and electronic door hardware throughout unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the property type. Miami-Dade County provides exemptions for certain residential low-voltage work, but commercial properties generally require permits. Wireless systems have separate exemptions under Florida state law.

When Permits Are Required

• Commercial hardwired access control - Card readers, biometric systems, electric strikes, mag locks
• Multi-family buildings - Apartments, condos, and multi-unit residential
• Systems integrated with fire alarm - Door release mechanisms tied to fire life safety
• New commercial construction - All access control work in new buildings
• Tenant improvements - Adding access control to existing commercial spaces

When Permits Are NOT Required

Miami-Dade County provides specific exemptions:

Residential Exemptions

The following low-voltage electrical permit categories are exempt for single-family residences, duplexes, and townhouses:

• Data Communication Cables
• Central Vacuum
• Telephone and Communication
• Smart House Systems
• Burglar security systems (installation and repairs)

Wireless System Exemption

Per Section 553.793(2) Florida Statutes (effective July 1, 2015), a permit is not required to install, maintain, inspect, replace, or service a wireless alarm system, including any ancillary components or equipment.

A wireless alarm system is defined as a burglar alarm or smoke detector (with 10-year battery) that is not hardwired.

Commercial Properties - Postcard Permit

A Postcard Permit (Permit Label) is required for commercial hardwired burglar alarm and access control systems.

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Before performing access control work in Miami-Dade County, contractors must hold appropriate state licensure through the Florida DBPR.

Required License Types

License Type	Code	Scope
Electrical Contractor	EC	Full electrical including access control
Alarm System Contractor I	EF	All alarm systems including access control
Alarm System Contractor II	EG	Alarm systems excluding fire (includes access control)
Low Voltage Specialty	ES	Systems not exceeding 77 volts including electronic locks
Burglar Alarm Specialty	-	Detection, prevention, control of burglary systems

For complete licensing requirements, see our Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Miami-Dade County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Requirement

Review the Miami-Dade Low Voltage Permit Exemptions to confirm whether your project requires a permit.

Step 2: Submit Application Online

Miami-Dade accepts permit applications through their electronic Submission Portal. The Permitting and Inspection Center (PIC) has moved to a virtual service model with most transactions online.

Submit applications through: miamidade.gov/permits

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

• Permit application
• Valid Florida contractor license number
• Project scope and specifications
• Plans digitally signed and sealed (if required)

Step 4: Pay Fees

Paper submissions in-person are assessed a conversion fee. Online submissions are preferred.

Step 5: Schedule Inspection

Schedule inspection upon completion through the Miami-Dade permit portal.

Permit Fees

Item	Cost
Burglar/Access Control System Permit	$40 per system
Minimum Electrical Permit Fee	$166.63
Paper Submission Conversion Fee	Additional fee applies

For complete fee schedule, see the Miami-Dade Electrical Fee Sheet.

Municipal vs. County Permits

Miami-Dade County contains multiple municipalities:

• Unincorporated Miami-Dade: Use County permit process
• City of Miami: Uses e-municipal system - submit directly to city
• Bal Harbour Village: Uses e-municipal system
• Town of Miami Lakes: Uses e-municipal system
• Other municipalities: May submit through County portal

Plans must be digitally signed and sealed for e-municipal system submissions.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses - generally exempt from permit
• Wireless systems always exempt per state law
• Multi-family buildings follow commercial requirements
• Gate access systems for residential communities may require permits

Commercial Access Control

• Postcard Permit required for hardwired systems
• Fire door integration requires fire marshal approval
• Plans may require digital signature and seal
• ADA compliance considerations for accessible entrances

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Check exemptions first: Review the low-voltage permit exemptions document before assuming a permit is needed
• Go digital: Online submissions avoid conversion fees and are processed faster
• Wireless systems: State law exempts wireless alarm systems from permits
• Know your municipality: Some cities use the e-municipal system with different submission requirements
• Digital signatures: Ensure plans are properly digitally signed and sealed when required

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Permitting and Inspection Center	(786) 315-2000
Address	11805 SW 26 Street, Miami, FL 33175
Online Permits	miamidade.gov/permits
Electrical Fee Sheet	PDF Download
Florida DBPR (Licensing)	(850) 487-1395

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Miami-Dade County before they reach bid boards?

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Related Permit Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Miami-Dade County Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Miami (City) Access Control Permit Requirements
• Fort Lauderdale Access Control Permit Requirements