Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Installing fire alarm systems in Miami-Dade County requires navigating county permit requirements, fire marshal plan review, and Florida state contractor licensing. This guide covers everything low voltage contractors need to know about fire alarm permits throughout unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for all commercial fire alarm installations. Miami-Dade County requires permits for fire alarm system installations, with plans reviewed and stamped by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue before work can begin.

When Permits Are Required

• New commercial fire alarm systems - All new installations in commercial buildings
• System additions or modifications - Adding devices or expanding coverage
• New construction projects - All fire alarm work in new buildings
• Tenant improvements - Commercial buildouts requiring fire protection
• Change of occupancy - When building use changes and triggers fire alarm requirements
• System upgrades - Work affecting more than half of existing devices requires full code upgrade

Critical Code Requirement

Important: Per Miami-Dade County Part III, Chapter 14, Article III - if the scope of work includes greater than one-half of the entire fire alarm system's devices, then the entire fire alarm system shall be upgraded to current code standards.

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm system installation in Miami-Dade County requires specific contractor licensing through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Required License Types

License Type	Code	Fire Alarm Scope
Alarm System Contractor I	EF	All alarm systems including fire (requires 40% fire experience)
Electrical Contractor	EC	Full electrical including fire alarm systems
Specialty Contractor	EH	Specific specialty electrical work
Certified Electrical Specialty	EY	Specialty electrical work statewide

Note: Alarm System Contractor II (EG) license holders cannot perform fire alarm work.

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

Miami-Dade County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Per the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Fire Alarm Pre-Submittal Checklist:

• Permit application with address matching Building Dept. Computer System
• Total cost of installation (contract copy or notarized owner affidavit)
• Contractor's state license number (EC, EF, EH, or EY)
• Complete manufacturer specification and installation sheets for all equipment
• Fire alarm system plans

Step 2: Engineering Requirements

Fire Alarm Systems costing more than $5,000 must be sealed or stamped by a Florida Registered Professional Engineer.

Step 3: Plan Submittal

Submit plans to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for review. Additional requirements:

• If working on another company's system, submit Affidavit to Work on another Company's Certificated or Placarded Fire Alarm System
• All interconnected Fire Alarm Control Panels must be arranged to function as a single system
• Systems must be monitored for integrity per NFPA 72

Step 4: Obtain Approved Plans

Plans must be stamped and approved by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue before installation can begin.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

Inspection scheduling requirements:

• Schedule inspections the day prior before 4 p.m.
• Cancellations must be submitted by 4 p.m. on the same day of inspection request
• Late cancellations result in automatic re-inspection fee
• Permit card and approved plans must be on-site during all inspections

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Details
Fire Alarm Permit Fee	Per Implementing Order No. 4-123
Engineering Threshold	$5,000+ requires PE stamp
Re-inspection Fee	Charged for late cancellations or failed inspections
Inspection Scheduling	Request by 4 p.m. day before

Life Safety Operating Permit

All businesses in Miami-Dade County are required to have an annual inspection and receive a Life Safety Operating Permit to ensure compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

• Applies to: All commercial and multi-family occupancies
• Exempt: Single and double family residences only
• Frequency: Annual inspection required

Code Requirements

Miami-Dade County enforces:

• Florida Fire Prevention Code - Current edition
• Miami-Dade County Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 - Fire Prevention
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code

Inspection Requirements

To apply for an inspection, contractors must have:

• MDC Permit, Fire Application, or Fire Municipal number
• Permit card on-site
• Plans stamped and approved by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue on-site

Inspectors will verify:

• Installation matches approved plans
• Proper device placement per NFPA 72
• System functionality and monitoring
• Documentation and labeling

City vs. County Permits

Miami-Dade County contains multiple municipalities with their own permitting:

• Unincorporated Miami-Dade: Use Miami-Dade County permit process
• City of Miami: Apply through City of Miami permit system
• Other municipalities: Contact specific city for their requirements

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Check the 50% rule: Work affecting more than half of devices triggers full system upgrade to current code
• Get PE stamp early: Systems over $5,000 require Florida PE seal - factor this into project timeline
• Schedule inspections properly: Request by 4 p.m. day before to avoid fees
• Keep documents on-site: Permit card and approved plans must be present during all inspections
• Affidavit for takeovers: Working on another company's system requires specific affidavit

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue HQ	(786) 331-5000
Address	9300 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178-2414
Permits & Forms	miamidade.gov
Fire Alarm Checklist	PDF Download
Florida DBPR (Licensing)	(850) 487-1395

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Miami (City) Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Fort Lauderdale Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Orlando Fire Alarm Permit Requirements