Microfilm & Plan Library

What is Microfilm?

Miami-Dade County keeps records of all permits and plans for properties located in unincorporated areas, so buyers and owners may obtain a building's full history.

How do I acquire Microfilm?

Plans that have already been digitized may be downloaded from E-Microfilm. To view or obtain copies of building plans that have yet to be digitized, meaning they are on film, you must schedule an appointment by calling 786-315-2340.

All records are filed by permit number. In most cases, the permit number can be located by the address or the folio number of the property. If your property is in Miami-Dade County your folio number will start with "30." If not, you need to inquire with the appropriate municipality.

The Microfilm Unit will perform an initial preliminary search over the telephone to determine if the research is warranted and the property is in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. You will have the option to request an in-person appointment (for printed documents/plans) or email-out appointment (for documents/plans to be provided via email PDF format).

If you are requesting plans for a commercial recertification, send your request to RER's Microfilm Section at RER-MICROFILM@miamidade.gov, or call 786-315-2340.

- Properties built AFTER 1990 are available
- Residential and commercial properties built between 1979 and 1989 may be available
- Residential (single-family residences) built between 1961 and 1972, and portions of 1973 through 1978 are not available. Condominiums and multi-family units (more than two units) are commercial properties and if built during these years, may be available.
- Properties built BEFORE 1938 are not available.
Step 1. Ensure the property is in unincorporated Miami-Dade County

If your property is in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, your folio number will start with "30". Check the Property Appraiser website to determine which municipality your property is located in.

Step 2. Gather your information

We will need some basic information about the property you are searching to give you the correct records:
- Address or permit number
- Folio number
Step 3. Review the fees

There is a fee for search and reproduction of building plan records. We encourage you to ask for only what you need to avoid unnecessary charges.

Please note: there is a non-refundable $18.75 fee research fee that must be paid prior to the appointment that can be paid online. In addition, records in film format require to be printed prior to being scanned and provided in PDF format. Therefore, customers will need to pay a fee for the copies of $6.25 per page for 11x17 copies, $0.15 per page for 8½x11 copies, and $1 per page to certify your copies.

If you are reissuing a permit, canceling a permit, or replacing a lost set of plans to be placed at a job site, those plans must be certified.

Step 4. Access E-Microfilm or Make Your Appointment

Plans that have already been digitized may be downloaded from E-Microfilm using the address or permit number.

To schedule an appointment to view or obtain copies of the building plans, you can request up to one address or three permits.

If you require multiple permits for the same address, enter only the address and list the permit numbers in the “Other” section to avoid multiple research fees being charged.

You may also cancel an appointment or retrieve images for a paid appointment using E-Microfilm.

Please schedule your appointment by using one of the following methods:
- Online
- Calling 786-315-2340
- In-person Permitting and Inspection Center
  11805 SW 26 Street, Room 201
  Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Step 5. Pay Search Fees

We will process your search request and you will receive an invoice for your non-refundable search/processing fees via email. Complete your payment using the ePayment Services or in person using cash, personal checks and major credit cards.

Step 6. Pay Final Invoice for Reproductions

This fee applies if you wish to have your request emailed, printed and/or certified. If so, complete your payment using the ePayment Services or in person using cash, personal checks and major credit cards.

For your email-out appointment, once your fees have been paid, respond to the email from your Micrographic Record Clerk to show proof of payment. Your plans will then be provided via email in PDF format as an attachment.

Step 7. Retrieve Files

For plans and documents that are in digital format and do not require certification, you will:
1. Receive a no-reply email that contains an invoice/process number and two links
2. Use the invoice/process number on the first link to pay and obtain access
3. Use the second link to view/print your plans using by your invoice/process number and selecting "Retrieve Images for Paid Appointment"
4. The link to view/print will be available for 30 days after payment.
For in person appointments, provide the proof of payment at the reception area to retrieve your plans in paper format.

For email-out appointments, once your final invoice has been paid, respond to the email from your Micrographic Record Clerk to show proof of payment. Your plans will then be provided via email in PDF format as an attachment.

A Note on Exempt Records

Some properties are exempt from the release of records without proper authorization. You will be notified if your requested property falls under this provision and given instructions on how to proceed (per 119.07 Florida Statutes.)