Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Completion (CC): Miami restaurant guide

City of Miami — Building Department

What it is

Final building approval. A CO is issued for new construction or a change of use (for example retail to restaurant). A CC is issued for remodels of existing space.

When a restaurant needs it

After every final inspection on your permits passes. The City requires a CO or CC for new or renovated spaces before it will issue a Certificate of Use.

How to apply

Submit the CC/CO application online and print the certificate from the iBuild 'certificates' tab, or request it in person at 444 SW 2nd Ave, 4th floor.

Documents you’ll need

Permit number
Full address including unit
All final inspections approved
Any revisions or change-of-contractor requests closed out

Fee

Varies — CO fees are charged per square foot with minimums per the Building Permit Fee Schedule.

Processing time

3–5 business days online; same day in person if information verifies.

Renewal

One-time.

Who files

The permit holder (usually the GC) or the owner/agent may request it once finals pass.

Good to know

If you take over a space with no construction, you still need its existing CO or CC (request it from Building records/microfilm) for the CU application.

Official source

City of Miami — get a CO or CC

Get your personalized Miami permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.