Florida city permit guide
Miami Beach restaurants can need a state DBPR food-service license, Florida tax registration, Miami-Dade County receipt, and a Miami Beach business license package that includes Certificate of Use, Annual Fire Fee, and 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: Seating Food Service (2010), public food service establishment
Most seated restaurants need a DBPR Hotels and Restaurants license before operating. The posted license may use DBPR language like Seating Food Service or Permanent Food Service.
Also seen as: CU, BTR, business license, annual fire inspection
Miami Beach says businesses operating in the city need a business license package including Certificate of Use, Annual Fire Fee, and Business Tax Receipt. The CU process can include planning review and a fire inspection before the BTR is issued.
Also known historically as: occupational license
Miami-Dade requires a local business tax receipt for each place of business and each separate classification. Businesses inside municipalities may need both city and county receipts.
Also connected to: DR-1, DR-11, Annual Resale Certificate
Restaurants making taxable sales should verify Florida Department of Revenue registration, certificate display, and filing requirements.
Why it gets missed
A restaurant can need Miami Beach local items and a Miami-Dade County receipt at the same time.
The CU path can include a fire inspection before the BTR is issued.
Defined square footage and location can trigger Miami-Dade DERM review.
ABT licensing, valet checklists, outdoor seating, and special uses can change the stack.
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