Homestead, FL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec. 6-36 requires that all necessary permits be obtained for construction, reconstruction, structural alterations, demolition, or additions, as well as separate permits for plumbing, electrical, mechanical and all incidental uses connected to that work. The underlying construction standards are set by Sec. 6-21's adoption of the building code (originally the South Florida Building Code, 1984 Edition, with amendments). Permits are administered by the development services department, and Sec. 6-37 requires every contracting firm holding a Homestead local business tax receipt to register annually with that department within thirty days of the receipt's renewal, submitting a current certificate of competency, a copy of the qualifier's driver's license, current liability and workers' compensation insurance naming the city, and Miami-Dade County registration; the code sets that annual registration fee at thirty-five dollars, subject to amendment by council resolution and exempted where preempted by Fla.

065. The council separately adopts a detailed permit fee schedule by resolution under Sec. 6-52, covering new construction, renovations, and trade work. Crucially, Sec. 6-52 penalizes starting work early: if construction begins before a required permit is obtained, the fee due is two times the normal permit fee plus a flat $110 charge for work on Homestead property, or four times the fee plus $110 for non-Homestead or commercial property, and paying that surcharge does not excuse the person from complying with every other applicable code requirement or from other penalties.