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Guide · Short answer

Certificate of Use in Hialeah and Miami:
when you need it to open a business

You need it before you open. Miami-Dade County states that before opening any business you must obtain a Certificate of Use (CU) or the department's approval, and, in unincorporated areas, operating without one may bring fines to both the business and the property owner. A CU cannot be transferred: each new occupant must get its own.

Order matters: a Certificate of Occupancy is a prerequisite for the CU, and if the space needs a remodel or a change of use, the building permit comes first. In Hialeah, every business must also have the City's Business Tax Receipt before it starts operating.

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Guide

Step by step

  1. Confirm the use of the spaceIf the new business is a different use or the space needs work, the building permit comes first (and, if the use changes, the change of use).
  2. Certificate of OccupancyThe County requires the Certificate of Occupancy as a prerequisite for the Certificate of Use.
  3. Start with your city if you are in a municipalityOn the County's municipal application, section 2 is completed by a city official. In unincorporated areas you apply directly to the County (portal or in person).
  4. File the CU applicationBusiness name and address, square footage, business type, owners and folio number. A non-refundable upfront fee is due; some businesses require an inspection.
  5. Business Tax ReceiptIn Hialeah every business needs the Business Tax Receipt before operating; the City says it typically takes 10 to 15 business days, followed by the County Local Business Tax.

What the official sources say

  • Before opening a business in unincorporated Miami-Dade a CU must be obtained; without it there may be fines for the business and the property owner. [1]
  • A Certificate of Occupancy is a prerequisite for the CU; remodels or a change of use need a building permit first. [1]
  • A CU cannot be transferred or used at another location; each new occupant applies for its own. Most are permanent; some are renewed annually. [1]
  • On the municipal CU application, the municipal information section is completed by a city official. [2]
  • Hialeah: every business must obtain a Business Tax Receipt before beginning operations; typically 10–15 business days. [3]

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Frequently asked questions

Certificate of Use in Hialeah & Miami

Is the Certificate of Use the same as the Business Tax Receipt?
No. The CU authorizes the use of the space; the Business Tax Receipt is the local tax to operate the business. In Hialeah you need both.
I bought a business that already had a CU. Does it carry over?
No. According to the County, a CU cannot be transferred: the new occupant must apply for a new one.
Do I have to renew it?
Most CUs are permanent, but some are renewed every year (for example, home occupation CUs).

Official sources

Checked on October 29, 2026. Rules change: always confirm with your city or the County. This guide is informational and is not legal advice.

  1. Miami-Dade County · Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Use
  2. Miami-Dade County · Municipal Application for Certificate of Use (PDF)
  3. City of Hialeah · Who needs a Business Tax Receipt?

Other guides

Legalize unpermitted workGuide →Code violation in Miami-DadeGuide →Stop Work Order in MiamiGuide →Close open permits before sellingGuide →Permits in HialeahGuide →
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