What are the grease trap requirements in Miami, FL?

Food service establishments in Miami must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Miami?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Gravity grease interceptors: minimum 750-1,000 gallons depending on establishment size and fixture count. Hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs/under-sink): rated per GPM of connected fixtures per Florida Building Code. Sizing determined per FOG Control Device Guidance Manual formulas.. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Miami, FL

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Miami?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Miami. Fee: Initial FOG-1 permit application fee approximately $200; annual renewal fee approximately $65. Fees subject to update per Miami-Dade fee schedule..

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Miami, Florida. Serving 6,089 food service establishments.

As specified in FOG permit con

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Florida Building Code, which is based on the International codes)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency As specified in FOG permit conditions; typically every 30-90 days depending on establishment volume. Must be pumped before grease and solids accumulate to 25% of the wetted depth of the interceptor.

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Initial FOG-1 permit application fee approximately $200; annual renewal fee approximately $65. Fees subject to update per Miami-Dade fee schedule.

Max Fine Up to $15,000 per day per violation under Miami-Dade County Code. Civil penalties and administrative enforcement actions including cease-and-desist orders.

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Gravity grease interceptors: minimum 750-1,000 gallons depending on establishment size and fixture count. Hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs/under-sink): rated per GPM of connected fixtures per Florida Building Code. Sizing determined per FOG Control Device Guidance Manual formulas.
Pumping Frequency	As specified in FOG permit conditions; typically every 30-90 days depending on establishment volume. Must be pumped before grease and solids accumulate to 25% of the wetted depth of the interceptor.
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Initial FOG-1 permit application fee approximately $200; annual renewal fee approximately $65. Fees subject to update per Miami-Dade fee schedule.
Maximum Fine	Up to $15,000 per day per violation under Miami-Dade County Code. Civil penalties and administrative enforcement actions including cease-and-desist orders.
Inspections	Inspections conducted by Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) on a routine basis; typically annually for compliant FSEs, more frequently for high-risk or non-compliant establishments. Unannounced inspections authorized.
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Florida Building Code, which is based on the International codes)
Ordinance Ref.	Miami-Dade County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24 (Environmental Protection), Article IV (Wastewater); FOG Control Device Guidance Manual; Florida Administrative Code 62-625 (Pretreatment)
Authority	Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department (WASD), Environmental Compliance Section; Miami-Dade Permitting and Inspection Center

Additional Notes

Miami-Dade operates a formal FOG Control Program requiring all FSEs to obtain a FOG-1 permit before commencing operations. The county provides a detailed FOG Control Device Guidance Manual (available as PDF) specifying interceptor sizing, installation, and maintenance requirements. All grease waste must be removed by licensed and permitted grease haulers. Maintenance records must be retained for a minimum of 5 years. Miami-Dade enforces under both county code and Florida DEP pretreatment standards.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.