Replacing windows or exterior glass doors in Miami-Dade usually involves more than choosing a product and scheduling installation. The permit package needs to connect the proposed product to the actual openings in the building.
Miami-Dade County’s current windows-and-doors guidance lists permit application information, elevations showing opening locations and sizes, and product-approval information among the items used for replacement projects.
First: determine who issues the permit
Miami-Dade County is not the permitting authority for every address in the county. For property in unincorporated Miami-Dade, the county handles building permits. Incorporated cities have their own building departments or permitting arrangements.
Before preparing a package, confirm the correct jurisdiction for the property address.
What information should be prepared?
A practical project file should be ready to document:
- Property and permit applicant information
- Existing opening locations and approximate sizes
- Window and door type
- Product approval numbers
- Mullion information when applicable
- Glass configuration
- Design pressures when required by permit review
- Installation details and anchors
- Contractor information when applicable
Exact requirements can vary by project scope and permitting jurisdiction.
Does Miami-Dade require only a Miami-Dade NOA?
Do not make that assumption. Miami-Dade County’s current windows-and-doors permitting page states that applicable Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance or Florida Building Commission product approvals can be used as product-approval documentation.
The correct approval must still match the exact product, configuration, size, pressures, glass, and installation conditions.
Our Miami-Dade NOA vs Florida Product Approval guide explains the distinction.
What about HVHZ requirements?
Miami-Dade is part of Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. HVHZ-specific provisions can affect product approval and installation.
See our HVHZ vs Wind-Borne Debris Region guide for context.
What happens after the permit is issued?
Inspections are part of the permit process. Miami-Dade’s inspection guidance tells permit holders to have approved plans and the permit card available at the site and to keep work accessible for inspection before required elements are covered.
The exact sequence depends on scope and jurisdiction. Our Florida permit overview covers the broader statewide question.
A homeowner checklist before installation
Before the first window is removed, verify:
- Correct permitting jurisdiction.
- Permit status and approved plans.
- Manufacturer and exact product series.
- Approval number and approved configuration.
- Opening dimensions.
- Design pressures and glass option where applicable.
- Installation details, anchors, and substrate.
- Required inspections.
- Who schedules each inspection.
- What is needed for final permit closeout.
Keep copies of the approved documents with the project records.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Miami-Dade?
Replacement windows and glass doors generally fall within the county’s published permitting process. Confirm the exact requirements with the building department that has jurisdiction over the address.
Can a Florida Product Approval be used in Miami-Dade?
Miami-Dade’s current published guidance says applicable Florida Building Commission approvals are acceptable, along with Miami-Dade approvals. The exact approval still has to be valid for the proposed use.
Is the county permit office responsible for every Miami-Dade address?
No. Incorporated municipalities can have their own building departments. Confirm permit authority by property address.
Should I order the windows before permit review?
Coordinate ordering with the contractor and permitting plan. If product, size, pressure, or approval information changes, the permit documents may also need to change.
Authoritative sources
- Miami-Dade County — Windows, Shutters, Doors and Security Bars
- Miami-Dade County — Inspections
- Miami-Dade County — Homeowner General Permit Information
- Florida Building Commission — Product Approval Search
- Florida Statutes §553.842 — Product evaluation and approval
The bottom line
Confirm the permitting authority, map every opening, verify the exact product approval, follow the issued plans, and complete required inspections before treating the project as closed.
AA Glass & Windows serves Miami-Dade from our Doral / Miami location. Request a free estimate to discuss your replacement project.
