Homeowners understand that an addition needs a permit. What surprises people is that the water heater, the panel upgrade, the new circuit for the EV charger, and the re-pipe each need permits too — trade permits, pulled by licensed electricians and plumbers, with their own inspections. Here is how trade permitting works in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach, and which common projects trigger it.
Electrical: The Usual Suspects
Projects that routinely require an electrical permit include panel replacements and service upgrades, new circuits (EV chargers, pool equipment, appliances, generators), rewiring, and standby generator installations with transfer switches. The pattern: replacing a like-for-like device is often minor; adding capacity, circuits, or equipment is permitted work. Licensed electrical contractors pull these permits — a red flag is anyone proposing panel work “without bothering with the permit.”
Plumbing: More Than You’d Think
Water heater replacement is the classic surprise — permitted in South Florida jurisdictions, with an inspection verifying safe installation (relief valves, connections, and for tankless conversions, gas and venting). Re-pipes, sewer line repairs, new fixtures where none existed, and backflow preventers all carry permits as well. Like-for-like faucet or toilet swaps generally do not.
Gas Work: Always
Gas lines — new runs for ranges, dryers, grills, generators, tankless heaters — are permitted, inspected work performed by licensed contractors, full stop. Pressure tests are part of the inspection. This is one category where the permit is inseparable from basic safety.
Why It Matters Beyond the Rules
Trade permits create the paper trail that protects you later: insurance claims after a water heater failure or electrical fire go smoother with permitted, inspected work; home sales stall on open or missing permits; and wind mitigation and four-point inspections — which drive Florida insurance pricing — lean on documented systems. The permit costs little; its absence can cost the claim.
The Homeowner’s Role
Your contractor pulls the trade permit under their license, but you should verify it exists — most South Florida jurisdictions let you look up permits by address online. Confirm the final inspection happened and the permit closed; open trade permits are among the most common surprises we untangle during property sales. If you have inherited a house full of undocumented work, an after-the-fact review is cheaper before listing than during closing.
Stuck in review, or want the paperwork handled right the first time? IG Permit Expeditors prepares, submits, and tracks permits across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Request a quote through our website or email info@igpermitexpeditors.com.