Florida city permit guide
A Miami restaurant usually needs state food-service licensing plus City of Miami and Miami-Dade business tax layers. Most City of Miami businesses need a Certificate of Use before getting a Business Tax Receipt.
Last reviewed May 2026. This guide is informational and is not legal advice.
Permit checklist
The exact checklist depends on the address, business model, operating details, and whether the site is new, remodeled, changing use, or changing ownership.
Also seen as: CU, BTR, occupational license
The City of Miami says every business needs a Business Tax Receipt to operate, and most businesses need a Certificate of Use before they can get the BTR.
Also seen as: Seating Food Service (2010), DBPR restaurant license
Florida DBPR licenses many public food service establishments. Restaurants should verify plan review, license class, posting, and renewal requirements before opening.
Also known historically as: occupational license
Miami-Dade requires local business tax receipts, and businesses located inside municipalities can need both city and county receipts.
Also connected to: DOR registration, ABT license, 2COP, 4COP, SRX/SFS
Restaurants making taxable sales should verify DOR registration. Restaurants selling alcohol also need the correct DBPR Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco license.
Why it gets missed
Most City of Miami businesses need the Certificate of Use before finalizing the Business Tax Receipt.
The City process does not replace Miami-Dade County local business tax obligations.
The posted DBPR license may use a class name that differs from checklist language.
Tenant improvements can add building, fire, grease, hood, and zoning approvals.
PermitWatchdog workflow
PermitWatchdog turns a Miami restaurant address into a state, county, and city permit checklist with renewal dates and document storage.
Create a free account