Structural Engineer & Architect — Miami-Dade County, Florida

The ASCE 7 design wind speed for Miami-Dade County is 185 mph (3-second gust, Risk Category II). As part of the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, Miami-Dade County requires product approval for all windows, doors, and roofing materials per the Florida Building Code. All structural connections must be designed for HVHZ wind loads, which are among the highest in the nation. All new construction and substantial improvements in Miami-Dade County must be designed for this wind speed. Pineland Engineering performs wind load analyses per ASCE 7 and the Florida Building Code for all project types — from single-family homes to commercial buildings. Use our WindCheck FL calculator to verify the design wind speed for your specific Miami-Dade County address.

Miami-Dade County is in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) and has extensive coastal flood zones along Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Coast. Pineland Engineering designs elevated foundations, flood-resistant construction details, and provides the engineering documentation required for FEMA flood zone compliance in Miami-Dade County. We prepare Elevation Certificates, design pile foundations for AE and VE zones, and coordinate with the Miami-Dade County Building Department on flood zone permit requirements. Use our FloodMark FL and ElevationCalc FL calculators to determine your Miami-Dade County property's flood zone and required finished floor elevation.

Building permits in Miami-Dade County are issued by the Miami-Dade County Building Department. The permit process requires submission of construction documents prepared and sealed by Florida-licensed professionals. Pineland Engineering prepares complete permit packages — architectural drawings, structural drawings and calculations, energy code compliance documentation, and permit application forms — and manages the plan review process with the Miami-Dade County Building Department. Typical plan review times in Miami-Dade County range from 4–12 weeks depending on project type and current workload. Pineland Engineering has experience navigating the Miami-Dade County Building Department's specific requirements and can advise on the most efficient path to permit issuance.

Unpermitted construction is common throughout Florida, and Miami-Dade County is no exception. Pineland Engineering handles after-the-fact permits for unpermitted structures in Miami-Dade County — including additions, garages, screen enclosures, lanais, and accessory structures. The process requires as-built drawings, structural calculations, and permit application submission to the Miami-Dade County Building Department. Contact us at (239) 233-5133 for a free assessment of your unpermitted structure in Miami-Dade County.

Pineland Engineering provides a full range of architectural and engineering services for Miami-Dade County projects: structural engineering (PE 39202), architectural design (AR102594), complete permit sets, coastal and flood zone design, after-the-fact permits, and construction administration. We serve residential and commercial clients throughout Miami-Dade County. Contact us at (239) 233-5133 or visit our website to request a free project assessment.