Miami Gardens, FL

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Code Enforcement & Business Licensing Department

1. What documentation must be submitted with my Local Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use applications?: If the business entity is a corporation, the Local Business Tax Receipt and the Certificate of Use Applications must be submitted along with the Division of Corporation documents with $24.00 application fee. The applications must be signed and notarized by one of the Officers of the Corporation.

If the business is at a commercial location, a Miami Dade Fire Inspection is required. Miami Dade Fire Department can be reached at 786-331-4800. Please call the Code Enforcement & Business Licensing Department before submitting the applications; since the type of business you are trying to open, will determine the documents that are required.

2. Can I apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use online?: No. The applications must be submitted in person.
However, if it is a home based business that has not previously registered but has been contacted to do so, then the registration can be done online by using the link provided in the correspondence.

3. Does my business get inspected in order to receive the licenses?: Yes. An inspection of the physical business location will be conducted; approximately one (1) week after the applications has been submitted. The purpose of the inspection is to assure that the type of business that is applied for is the type of business that is being conducted.

4. What happens after the inspection?: Once the inspection is completed, the Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use file goes to our Planning & Zoning Department for review. That process takes approximately one (1) week. Once the Planning & Zoning approval is granted, the Business Tax Receipt and the Certificate of Use Applications are returned for the Permit & Licensing Supervisor for approval. This process takes about one (1) week. If the application is approved, the customer will be contacted to pay the remaining balance and to receive the licenses.

5. When do I need to apply for a Landlord Permit?: If you are in the business of renting residential properties in the City of Miami Gardens, you are required to obtain a landlord permit. This permit must be renewed each year.

6. What documents are required in order to obtain a Landlord Permit?: All Landlords are required to provide the following to the Code Enforcement & Business Licensing Division:
- A completed Landlord permit application form to include the names and birth-dates of all individuals who will be occupying the unit
- A copy of a National Background 850-410-8109 for all occupants 15 years of age and older
- Renewal application and renewal fees are due April 1 of each year

7. When is a special event permit required?: A special event permit is required when the City Manager or his/her designee believes that the intended activity has the potential of becoming a threat to public safety, constitute a danger to the normal flow of traffic, or constitute a potential disturbance of the peace of persons outside the premises where the event or activity is located. This does not include family events at your home that does not impact the rest of the community. The purpose of a special event permit is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the city's citizens and to ensure the proper coordination of city, county and other agencies services when necessary.

Special event permit means written, signed authorization by the city to hold the event. For further information, please see Article II -Special Event Regulations under the City’s codes and ordinances.

8. What is a Re-Occupancy Certificate?: A re-occupancy certificate is a document indicating a property is in livable condition and it's structure has not been altered to negatively affect the health, safety and welfare of the occupant. This certificate is required when the property changes ownership.

9. How do I apply for a Re-occupancy Certificate?: To apply for a Re-occupancy Certificate you may visit our office at 18605 NW 27 Ave Miami Gardens, Florida 33056 and submit the application in person or mail in your application along with the $175.00 application fee.

10. Does a re-occupancy certificate require an inspection?: Yes. The Housing Inspector will inspect the property, take photos according to the zoning guidelines, and complete the courtesy inspection checklist. If the property passes inspection the certificate will be issued.

11. What happens if a property fails a re-occupancy certificate inspection?: If the property fails inspection, the Housing Inspector will inform the applicant. The City then enters into a stipulation agreement with the buyer to correct the violations within a specific time frame.

12. How do I make an anonymous complaint?: You may do any of the following:
(1) Call 305-622-8020
(2) Walk-in the office and fill out a complaint form
(3) Mail in the complaint to:
18605 NW 27 Ave
Miami Gardens, Florida 33056

13. Who complained about my property?: Complaints come from a number of sources: internal referrals, outside agencies, and the general public, however most are anonymous. Also, officers go to their respective zones daily and generate cases.

14. If I receive a Warning Notice and I need more time to fix the problem, what should I do?: Contact the officer at (305) 622-8020 or visit the Code Enforcement & Business Licensing Department at 18605 NW 38 Ave before the deadline, to request an extension.

15. My neighbors have violations too, why aren't you citing them?: The property may have been cited in the past for violations you observe and may be accruing fines or has liens places against the property. If you suspect that a violation exists on a property, please call (305) 622-8020 and provide us the property address so that we can investigate and cite if needed.

16. Can I cut a tree or remove it?: Please call Miami-Dade DERM at (305) 468-5900 to find out the requirements for trimming, cutting and/or removing a tree.

17. Who is responsible for maintaining the easement in the back of my property?: All property owners that abut an easement are responsible for cutting and maintaining it.

18. How do I know if my property is in the City of Miami Gardens?: To be sure, please visit Miami-Dade Property Appraiser's website at:
http://www.miamidade.gov/pa/property_search.asp
Search for property by the address. All folio numbers within the City of Miami Gardens begin with 34-xxxx-xxx-xxxx.

19. Who is responsible for maintaining the swale and right of way adjoining my property?: The property owner is responsible for grass maintenance, tree trimming, and diseased tree and plant removal from the swale area. Property owners are also responsible for the removal of dirt and grime from the sidewalk as well as keeping the area free of any clutter and litter.

20. Who is responsible for maintaining the easement?: Property owners bordering or adjoined to the easement area are responsible for grass cutting, removal and maintenance of shrubs and trees as well as accessibility for utility services.