Access Control Permit Requirements in Miami, Florida

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Miami may or may not require permits depending on property type and scope. Low voltage work in single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses is generally exempt (up to $5,000 annually). Commercial installations and multi-family buildings require electrical permits. If the system connects to monitoring services, alarm registration with Miami-Dade County is required. Contractors must hold a valid Florida EF, EG, or ES license from DBPR.

Understanding Miami Access Control Permitting

Access control system permit requirements in Miami vary based on property type, system complexity, and whether the system connects to monitoring services. The rules differ between the City of Miami and unincorporated Miami-Dade County, though both follow similar frameworks.

Permit Exemptions

According to Miami-Dade County's Low Voltage Permit Exemptions, certain residential work is exempt from permit requirements.

Exempt Work (No Permit Required)

• Low voltage electrical systems in single-family residences
• Low voltage work in duplexes and townhouses
• Total exempt work value up to $5,000 in any 12-month period

Important: Condominiums and apartments are NOT included in this exemption—they are classified as multi-family and require permits.

Work Requiring Permits

• Commercial access control installations
• Multi-family buildings (condos, apartments)
• Systems integrated with fire alarms
• Mag-lock installations (may require additional code compliance documentation)
• Projects exceeding $5,000 annually even in exempt property types

Electrical Permit Requirements

When permits are required, apply through Miami-Dade County Permitting.

Application Requirements

• Completed Building Permit Application (yellow form)
• Select permit type and electrical category
• Include master permit number if this is a subsidiary permit
• Contractor license documentation

Plan Review Timeline

Depending on project type and complexity, plan review takes between 24 hours and 10 business days for initial review.

Fees

Minimum electrical permit fee: $166.63

Review the Miami-Dade County Electrical Fee Sheet for complete fee schedules.

Contact Information

Miami-Dade County Permitting and Inspection Center

• Address: 11805 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33175
• Phone: (786) 315-2100 or 311
• Website: miamidade.gov/permits

Alarm Registration Requirements

If your access control system connects to monitoring services or has features that could trigger police response, alarm registration with Miami-Dade County is required.

Registration Is Required When

• System is monitored by a central station
• System has flashing lights, sirens, or audible alerts
• System could cause police or emergency services to respond

Registration Requirements

• Annual renewal required
• Installers must provide current copy of state license to Miami-Dade Sheriff's False Alarm Enforcement Unit (FAEU)
• Installation Certificate required certifying system meets standards and users are trained

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida requires specific licensing for access control work through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Applicable License Types

License	Description	Access Control Scope
EF	Certified Alarm System Contractor I	All alarm systems including fire, plus electric locks
EG	Certified Alarm System Contractor II	All alarm systems except fire, plus electric locks
ES	Certified Limited Energy System Specialty	Low voltage up to 98V (but NOT alarm work)

EF and EG License Scope for Access Control

The scope of certification for alarm system contractors (EF/EG) includes:

• Installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, and conduit not exceeding 98 volts
• Systems for transmitting data or proprietary video
• Electric locks (specifically included in scope)

Miami-Dade County Local License

In addition to state licensing, Miami-Dade County may require a local low voltage (ProV) license. A Master Low Voltage Contractor can install systems not exceeding 98 volts for transmitting light, heat, or communications including telephone, radio, computer, and data.

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

Special Considerations

Mag-Lock Installations

Some jurisdictions require special permits or professional engineer (PE) stamps for magnetic lock installations to ensure code compliance with:

• Fire egress requirements
• ADA accessibility standards
• Emergency release mechanisms

Fire Alarm Integration

When access control systems integrate with fire alarm systems (common for mag-locks that release on fire alarm), additional requirements may apply including fire alarm permits and EF licensing.

Municipal Variations

Each municipality in Miami-Dade County has its own Building Official. For projects within city limits (City of Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, etc.), check with that city's building department for specific requirements.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost/Timeline
Minimum electrical permit	$166.63
Alarm registration	Annual renewal required
Plan review (simple)	24 hours
Plan review (complex)	Up to 10 business days

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential (Single-Family, Duplex, Townhouse)

• Generally exempt from low voltage permits
• $5,000 annual limit on exempt work
• Alarm registration required if monitored
• Licensed contractor still required

Commercial and Multi-Family

• Electrical permits required
• Plan review required
• Alarm registration for monitored systems
• May require PE stamp for mag-locks
• Licensed EF, EG, or ES contractor required

Pro Tips for Miami Access Control Projects

1. Verify property classification: Condos are multi-family (permits required), even if the unit is owner-occupied.
2. Check municipal requirements: Each city in Miami-Dade has its own building department with potentially different requirements.
3. Plan for alarm registration: If the system will be monitored, factor in registration timeline and annual renewal costs.
4. Document installer credentials: Keep copies of state licenses on file—FAEU requires them for registered systems.
5. Consider fire alarm integration early: If mag-locks need fire alarm release, additional permits and EF licensing may be required.
6. Train end users: Installation certificates require documentation that users have been trained on proper system operation.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Florida Permit Guides

• Florida Low Voltage License Requirements
• Miami Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Miami Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Fort Lauderdale Security Camera Permit Requirements

Summary

Access control installations in Miami have different permit requirements based on property type. Single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses are generally exempt from low voltage permits (up to $5,000 annually). Commercial and multi-family buildings require electrical permits through Miami-Dade County. Monitored systems require alarm registration with annual renewal. All contractors must hold valid Florida DBPR licensing (EF, EG, or ES depending on scope).

Contact Miami-Dade County Permitting at (786) 315-2100 or visit miamidade.gov/permits for specific project guidance.