Do I need condo board approval before my Miami condo remodel?

Yes — for nearly every alteration inside a Miami condo unit, association approval is mandatory before Miami-Dade Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) or the City of Miami Building Department will issue a permit. The legal basis is Florida Statutes Chapter 718, the Condominium Act, particularly Section 718.113(2), which gives the association exclusive authority over "material alterations or substantial additions" affecting common elements, limited common elements, and structural components.

Miami-Dade has approximately 9,500 registered condominium associations governing more than 800,000 units, the highest concentration in Florida. The typical approval workflow:

• Submit an Alteration Request Package (also called an Architectural Modification Application). Most boards require sealed drawings, a contractor license and insurance certificate naming the association as additional insured, a project schedule, work-hour acknowledgment, and a refundable damage/elevator deposit (commonly $1,000-$10,000).
• Architectural Review Committee (ARC) or Board review at the next noticed meeting. Section 718.112(2)(c) sets a 14-day notice floor. Realistic calendar is 4-12 weeks.
• Issuance of a written approval letter that the City or County permit clerk will require at intake.

Recurring scope items with hard association rules:

• Hurricane-impact windows and doors must match the building's pre-approved Florida Product Approval (FBC HVHZ NOA). Section 718.113(5) lets the association set uniform exterior standards.
• Hardwood flooring above the ground floor is restricted in most towers; required IIC-rated underlayment ranges 50-72.
• Plumbing riser modifications, in-wall electrical demo, and any work that pierces the demising slab need both engineer's letter and association sign-off.
• Balconies, terraces, and railings are typically limited common elements — never owner-modifiable without board approval, and post-SB 4-D usually subject to Phase 2 hold.

Skipping board approval triggers a Section 718.303 right of action: forced restoration at owner expense, attorney's fees, and a recordable lien against the unit. Closing attorneys catch this on the estoppel certificate. Always pull the Declaration, Bylaws, and current Rules & Regulations before drawing scope.