Miami Demolition Contractors

Demolition FAQS for Miami, Florida

What will happen if I begin my demolition job before I have been issued a permit?

In the city of Miami, if demolition work is started prior to a permit being issued, a fee of two times the normal permitting fee is applied, plus an additional $110.00. In some cases, you might also face more serious penalties. With that said, its important to obtain the proper permitting prior to starting any demolition work.

Does a permit application cost money?

Yes. All permit applications must be accompanied by a $40.00 application fee.This fee is for processing purposes and is non-refundable.

I was issued a permit for a past demolition project - can I renew this permit or will I need to apply for another one?

Chances are you will need to apply for another permit. Building permits are issued to homeowners on a per job basis and in most cases, they cannot be reused for another project.

Contractors: please note that as of March 1, 2010, all contractors with expired permits will not be able to obtain new ones until all of the expired permits have been revoked, brought up to date, or canceled. For further information on expired permits, contact the city of Miami Building Department at expiredpermits@miamigov.com.

What is the Process For Whole House Demolition, Garage Demolition, or Commercial Building Demolition?

1. Request an estimate or estimates from licensed and insured Miami demolition contractors. Demolishing a home, garage, or commercial building is not a simple project and requires the expertise of a professional demolition contractor to guide the process. During the estimate site visit, interview the contractor for qualifications, references, EPA certifications, and the process the demolition contractor would follow to knock down and remove the building.
2. Apply for demolition permits and approval from local government authorities. Depending on your location, demolition permits may be required by the city, county, and/ or state. Your local municipality may also have regulations related to notifications, noise, hours of demolition, disposal of the debris, etc... Your hired demolition company should be well informed about local regulations and will often pull the permits on your behalf.
3. Utilities need to be properly disconnected. Utility companies for gas, water, and electricity need to be contacted. All utilities need to be properly disconnected or terminated at the source prior to demolition. Again, this may be handled by your hired demolition company, but clarify upfront with the contractor all of the services that are provided.
4. Older homes or buildings need to be inspected for hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint prior to being demolished. If your home or building contains hazardous materials, proper procedures for abatement need to be followed. Your hired demolition contractor may offer this service or sub contract it to an environmental remediation specialist.
5. Safely tear down the building. For one to three story structures like a shed, garage, or a home, demolition of the structure is usually achieved using large hydraulic equipment like cranes, excavators and/or bulldozers.
6. Removal and disposal of demolition debris. Debris will be loaded onto trucks or into roll off dumpsters for hauling to recycling centers or landfills. Discuss the options of salvaging and recycling demolition materials with your hired demolition contractor.