Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Miami, Florida

Quick Answer: Fire alarm installations in Miami require permits from either the City of Miami Building Department or Miami-Dade County, depending on location. All fire alarm contractors must hold a Florida EF (Certified Alarm System Contractor I) license from DBPR. Plans must be stamped and approved by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue before inspections. Florida law provides expedited permitting for smaller projects (20 or fewer devices).

Understanding Miami Fire Alarm Permitting

Fire alarm permit requirements in the Miami area depend on whether your project is within the City of Miami limits or in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Both jurisdictions require permits, plans review, and inspections by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

City of Miami Fire Alarm Permits

The City of Miami issues standalone fire alarm permits for commercial buildings that need to install or update fire alarm systems, sprinklers, or other fire prevention devices.

When to Apply

• New fire alarm system installations
• Fire alarm system upgrades or modifications
• Sprinkler system installations
• Fire prevention device installations

Note: Standalone fire alarm permits do NOT apply to fire permits associated with new construction or master building permits—those are handled through the primary building permit process.

Miami-Dade County Fire Alarm Requirements

For projects in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, permits are processed through Miami-Dade County Permitting with plans review by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Pre-Submittal Requirements

Before applying, review the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Fire Alarm Pre-Submittal Checklist:

• For new Central Station Service Fire Alarm Systems: Provide a copy of the UL, ETL, or FM certificate/placard from the contractor or Central Station Service Company
• If scope includes more than half of the system's devices: The entire fire alarm system must be upgraded to current code standards per Miami-Dade County ordinances

Code Standards

Miami-Dade County follows:

• NFPA 13 (2019 edition) for sprinkler systems
• NFPA 72 (2019 edition) for fire alarm systems

Per Miami-Dade Ordinances 14-61 Section J: Once an existing fire alarm panel cannot be maintained and requires replacement that isn't like-to-like, the entire building must meet the latest NFPA 72 minimum requirements.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida requires specific licensing for fire alarm contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

EF License (Certified Alarm System Contractor I)

The EF license allows contractors to work on any alarm system or low voltage system anywhere in Florida. Required experience must include at least 40% fire alarm work.

Qualification Pathways

• 4 years experience as supervisor/contractor within the past 8 years
• 6 years comprehensive training, technical education, or supervisory experience within the past 12 years
• 6 years technical experience with Armed Forces or government within the past 12 years
• 3 years as a licensed professional engineer (electrical) within the past 12 years
• Any combination totaling 6 years within the past 12 years

Insurance Requirements

• $300,000 per occurrence (including completed operations and products)
• $500,000 property damage
• $100,000 per person, or $800,000 combined single limit
• Workers' Compensation Insurance required

Continuing Education

7 hours required for license renewal (every even-numbered year by August 31):

• 1 hour workers' compensation
• 1 hour workplace safety
• 1 hour business practices
• 1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
• 2 hours false alarm prevention
• 1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module

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

Central Station Certification

As of 2009, all fire alarm systems must have a fire alarm company that is qualified and certified (UL, FM, or ETL approved) and can provide a central station company meeting those qualifications.

Expedited Permitting (Florida State Law)

Florida law provides an expedited permitting process for smaller fire alarm projects, removing the time required for plans review before starting work.

Qualifying Projects

A "fire alarm system project" eligible for expedited permitting includes:

• Fire alarm system alteration of 20 or fewer initiating devices and notification devices total
• Installation or replacement of a fire communicator connected to an existing fire alarm control panel
• Projects in existing commercial, residential, or apartment buildings

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

• Complete permit application
• Fire alarm system plans and specifications
• UL/ETL/FM certification (for central station systems)
• Contractor license documentation
• Permit fee payment

Step 2: Plans Review

Submit plans to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for review and approval. Plans must be stamped before inspections can occur.

Step 3: Permit Issuance

Once plans are approved, the permit is issued. The permit card must be on-site during all inspections.

Step 4: Installation and Inspection

• Post a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) card at building entrance with inspection date and time
• Have permits and approved plans on-site for all inspections
• Cancellations must be submitted by 4 p.m. on inspection day to avoid re-inspection fees

Contact Information

Miami-Dade County Permit Records Section

• Address: 11805 SW 26 Street, Miami, FL
• Phone: (786) 315-2100
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Online: miamidade.gov/permits

Fees

Fire alarm permit fees are governed by Implementing Order No. 4-123 (IO 4-123), which covers:

• Fire life safety inspections
• New construction inspections
• Fire plans review
• Emergency vehicle zone establishment

Fees can be paid online via credit card or check through the Miami-Dade ePayment portal.

Fee Type	Details
Plans review	Based on project scope (see IO 4-123)
Inspection fees	Per Implementing Order schedule
Re-inspection fees	Charged for failed inspections or late cancellations
Online payment	Credit card or check accepted

Pro Tips for Miami Fire Alarm Projects

1. Use the pre-submittal checklist: Review the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue checklist before applying to ensure all documentation is ready.
2. Check scope carefully: If your project touches more than half the system's devices, plan for a full system upgrade to current NFPA 72 standards.
3. Leverage expedited permitting: For projects of 20 or fewer devices, Florida's expedited process can save significant time.
4. Post FASA cards properly: Missing or improperly posted Fire Alarm System Agent cards can cause inspection delays.
5. Cancel inspections on time: Avoid re-inspection fees by canceling before 4 p.m. on the scheduled day.
6. Verify central station certification: Ensure your monitoring company has current UL, FM, or ETL certification.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Florida Permit Guides

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

Summary

Fire alarm installations in Miami require permits, plans approval from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and Florida EF-licensed contractors. Projects of 20 or fewer devices may qualify for expedited permitting under Florida law. Ensure your contractor holds proper DBPR licensing and your monitoring company has UL/FM/ETL certification. For fee information, reference Implementing Order No. 4-123.

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