Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater in Miami-Dade County?
Depends on the unit
Miami-Dade's answer depends on the unit: like-for-like replacement of an electric water heater (4,500 watts or less, up to a 50-gallon tank) is exempt from permits — but gas water heater replacement requires a permit, and so does any electric replacement that exceeds the original wattage.
| Permit type | plumbing / gas (when required) |
|---|---|
| Inspection | Required |
| Published fees | Not published — ask the authority |
| Who pulls it | Where a permit is required, licensed contractors pull it; Florida also has owner-builder provisions with restrictions. |
| Verified | 2026-08-24 |
What to know
- Electric, ≤4,500W, ≤50 gallons, same or lower wattage: exempt under the county's permit exemptions (Section 105.2.2).
- Gas water heaters: the county's gas-appliance exemption explicitly excludes water heaters — permit required.
- Upsizing electrical capacity beyond the original unit voids the exemption.
- Municipalities inside the county (City of Miami, Miami Gardens, etc.) can have their own stricter rules — check the city if you're not in unincorporated Miami-Dade.
Official source
Miami-Dade County Permitting & Inspection Center — this is the authority for Miami-Dade County; their published rules govern, not this page.
Verified 2026-08-24 against the official source linked above. Permit rules change without notice — confirm with the authority before starting work. Spotted a change? Tell us and we'll re-verify.