Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Installing structured cabling systems in Miami-Dade County requires understanding local permit requirements and Florida contractor licensing. This guide covers everything low voltage contractors need to know about permits for network cabling, fiber optics, and data infrastructure throughout unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the property type. Miami-Dade County provides specific exemptions for residential low-voltage work, but commercial properties generally require permits for data cabling installations.

When Permits Are Required

• Commercial buildings - All data cabling in offices, retail, industrial
• Multi-family buildings - Apartments, condominiums, and multi-unit residential
• New commercial construction - All structured cabling in new buildings
• Tenant improvements - Network infrastructure in commercial buildouts
• Data center installations - Server room and data center cabling projects
• Renovations and alterations - Existing commercial buildings being modified

When Permits Are NOT Required

Miami-Dade County provides specific exemptions for the following low-voltage categories in single-family residences, duplexes, and townhouses:

• Category 32: Data Communication Cables
• Category 35: Telephone and Communication
• Smart House Systems
• Central Vacuum

Note: These exemptions apply only to single-family residences, duplexes, and townhouses - not to multi-family buildings or commercial properties.

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

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

License Types for Structured Cabling

License Type	Code	Scope
Low Voltage Specialty	ES	Systems not exceeding 77 volts - data, fiber, networks, telephone
Electrical Contractor	EC	Full electrical including all low voltage work
Alarm System Contractor I	EF	Alarm systems and related low voltage
Alarm System Contractor II	EG	Alarm systems (excluding fire) and related low voltage

The Low Voltage Specialty Electrical Contractor license authorizes work on wiring not exceeding 98 volts for transmitting light, heat, or communications including telephone, radio, computer, and data.

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

Miami-Dade County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Check Exemptions

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

Step 2: Submit Application Online

E-Permitting allows qualified contractors to submit applications, pay fees, and print permit cards. Customers no longer need to come in-person for these permits.

Apply through: miamidade.gov/permits

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

• Completed Building Permit Application (select electrical category)
• Valid Florida contractor license number
• Project scope and specifications
• Plans (for larger commercial projects)

Step 4: Pay Fees

Pay permit fees through the online system.

Step 5: Schedule Inspection

Request inspections ONE DAY before you wish to have the inspection. Track inspection status with your permit number.

Permit Fees

Item	Cost
Low Voltage Permit	$40 maximum (state cap)
Minimum Electrical Permit Fee	$166.63

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

Inspection Options

Miami-Dade County offers both inspection types:

• Virtual inspections: Available for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades
• On-site inspections: Traditional in-person inspections

Schedule inspections through the permit portal and track status with your permit number.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Structured Cabling

• Single-family, duplex, townhouse: Exempt from permit for data communication cables
• Multi-family buildings: Follow commercial requirements
• Pre-wire for new construction typically included under general permit

Commercial Structured Cabling

• Permits required for all installations
• New construction requires permits as part of overall building permit
• Tenant improvements may require separate low voltage permit
• Data center buildouts require permits and inspections

Code Requirements

Miami-Dade County enforces:

• Florida Building Code - Current edition
• Miami-Dade County Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 - Building Code
• NEC Article 800 - Communications circuits
• ANSI/TIA-568 - Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard

Who Can Pull Permits

• Licensed Contractors: Must hold valid Florida license
• Owner-Builder: Qualified homeowners can pull permits for residential projects after proving knowledge and passing a test

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Check exemptions first: Residential data cabling in single-family homes is exempt - don't waste time on unnecessary permits
• Use e-Permitting: Online submission is faster and you can print permits immediately
• Schedule inspections properly: Request ONE DAY in advance
• Virtual inspections: Available option can save time on-site
• Track your permits: Use the online tracking system to monitor status

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 structured cabling projects hit permits in Miami-Dade County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Florida and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Permit Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Miami-Dade County Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Miami-Dade County Access Control Permit Requirements
• Fort Lauderdale Structured Cabling Permit Requirements