Miami, FL Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing official
- City of Miami Building Official
- Core code section
- City Code § 10-10
- Sequence
- Foundation, framing, sheathing, roofing, final
- Larger buildings
- Threshold buildings need Special Inspectors
- Rule
- Work stays exposed until approved
Summary
The City of Miami inspects permitted construction in stages, foundation, framing, sheathing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and work must stay exposed until the Building Official approves it.
Construction or work for which a Permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and such construction or work shall remain exposed and provided with access for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this Code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 | Ordinance 11000 (Previous Zoning Code): Supplement 22 | Miami 21 (Zoning Code): ?).
Full Breakdown
Miami's Building Official inspects permitted construction under Sec. 10-10 of the City Code, applying the Florida Building Code's inspection framework. Required inspections run in sequence, foundation, framing, sheathing, exterior wall covering, roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas, plus a final inspection before occupancy. Threshold buildings (larger or taller structures) require a licensed Special Inspector working under an approved structural inspection plan, and aging condominium and cooperative buildings undergo separate Milestone Inspections of their load-bearing components. Work must remain exposed with access for inspection until the Building Official approves it; that approval never excuses a violation of the Code or other city ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Covering or concealing work before an approved inspection lets the Building Official order it uncovered for review. Unpermitted work draws added fees under Sec. 10-18, and construction-debris violations can trigger a Stop Work Order or block the Certificate of Completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inspects permitted construction in Miami?
What happens if I cover work before it's inspected?
Do older condo buildings face extra inspections in Miami?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami to another location·View the Florida building safety overview
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Building Inspections in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle building inspections.