Prepared by GreaseTrapLocator · Fact review: August 17, 2026
Separate the City from the County program
Miami-Dade County requires a FOG Discharge Control operating permit for covered non-residential FOG generators. A facility in the City of Miami first begins the municipal occupational-license or Certificate-of-Use process, then completes the County permit process.
Miami is one municipality within Miami-Dade County. Confirm the exact address, facility scope, sewer requirements, and any additional approvals before opening, changing ownership, relocating, or altering the operation.
Maintain the actual device and permit
The County permit is annual and non-transferable. Current County guidance says to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance and clean-out schedule along with the facility's permit conditions. Do not substitute a generic calendar or percentage rule for the actual device and permit.
Keep access clear for inspection and maintenance, use a permitted or certified liquid-waste hauler, and retain pump-out and maintenance receipts.
Use County-supported operating practices
Dry-wipe cookware and equipment before washing, use drain screens, keep food and grease out of sinks, and train staff on the facility's FOG practices. These steps reduce FOG entering the system but do not replace device maintenance or permit conditions.
Compare Miami service quotes
Miami-Dade does not publish a citywide contractor price. Compare written quotes for the device and access, cleaning scope, current hauler status, written service documentation, disposal handling, after-hours work, exclusions, and total price. Verify the hauler and permit requirements with the County program.
A practical facility checklist
- Confirm the municipality and wastewater authority for the exact address.
- Keep the current annual, non-transferable Miami-Dade FOG permit.
- Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and the facility's permit conditions.
- Use a permitted or certified liquid-waste hauler and keep service receipts.
- Keep device access clear and train staff on County-supported FOG practices.
Frequently asked questions
Do Miami food-service businesses need a FOG permit?
Miami-Dade requires a FOG Discharge Control operating permit for covered non-residential FOG generators. Confirm the requirements for the exact address and facility with the County.
What happens if the business is in a municipality?
Miami-Dade says facilities in a city or municipality first begin that municipality's occupational-license or Certificate-of-Use process before submitting the complete County FOG application. Other permits may also apply.
How often should a Miami device be cleaned?
The County says to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance and clean-out schedule and the facility's permit conditions. Do not assume a monthly or quarterly interval from restaurant size alone.
What should I ask for in a Miami service quote?
Ask the provider to identify the device, cleaning scope, access conditions, written service documentation, current hauler status, disposal handling, and after-hours terms. The County advises using permitted haulers and keeping maintenance receipts.
Official sources
- Miami-Dade County — FOG Discharge Control Operating Permit
- Miami-Dade County — FOG fact sheet
- Miami-Dade County — FOG permit application and guidelines
- Miami-Dade County — Municipalities
Fact-checked August 17, 2026. Local rules, permits, and official guidance can change; confirm current requirements for the service address. General information only, not legal, plumbing, engineering, environmental, health, or safety advice.
Author: Grease Trap Locator Editorial Team
The Grease Trap Locator editorial team covers FOG compliance, grease trap maintenance, and commercial kitchen regulations across the US and Canada. Our guides are written for restaurant owners, facility managers, and food service operators who need practical, accurate information without the fluff.
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