[IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER: Commercial kitchen grease interceptor installation diagram showing hydromechanical vs gravity grease trap comparison with labeled components for Miami-Dade FOG compliance]
Last Updated: June 2026 | Applies to: All Food Service Establishments in Miami-Dade County
If you own or operate a restaurant, café, hotel kitchen, cafeteria, or any food service establishment in Miami-Dade County, grease trap compliance is not optional — it is a legal requirement with real financial and operational consequences. Non-compliance can result in fines, permit revocation, and forced business closure.
Miami-Dade County requires all covered food service establishments to install a grease interceptor — either a hydromechanical or gravity type — that meets the sizing and efficiency standards in the FOG 2.5 Control Device Guidance Manual published by DERM. Whether you are opening your first restaurant or managing an existing operation, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Miami-Dade grease trap compliance in 2026.
Table of contents
- What Is the Miami-Dade FOG Ordinance?
- Who Must Comply?
- Grease Trap vs. Grease Interceptor: Key Differences
- Step-by-Step Compliance Requirements
- The Role of Miami-Dade DERM
- Common Violations and Penalties
- Best Practices for Ongoing Compliance
- Cost Breakdown
- 2026 Compliance Checklist
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the miami-dade FOG ordinance?
FOG stands for Fats, Oils, and Grease — the byproducts of everyday commercial cooking that, when discharged into the sewer system, cause blockages, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and serious environmental damage. Miami-Dade County's FOG Control Program was established to address exactly this problem.
Miami-Dade County and its municipalities are required under a federal court order to correct past and current issues relating to grease discharge in the county. One requirement under that order is that Miami-Dade County implement a new FOG control program and local law (ordinance), which became effective on March 5, 2018.
Every food service establishment operating in Miami-Dade County must hold a valid Grease Discharge Operating (GDO) Permit under Section 24-42.6 of the Miami-Dade County Code, Ordinance No. 18-22, effective March 5, 2018.
2026 regulatory update
The FOG program has been under active legislative review in 2026. In February 2026, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. R-128-26, directing the County Mayor to study whether the county's FOG regulations can be implemented or enforced in a manner that is less financially burdensome on local businesses, and whether the FOG regulations should be amended for that same purpose. This resolution was co-sponsored by multiple commissioners who recognized that the foregoing requirements may impose financial hardship on local businesses and particularly on small businesses.
While this study is ongoing, all existing FOG regulations remain fully in force. Restaurant owners should monitor updates from DERM, as amendments to the compliance framework may follow the county's review.
Who must comply?
The scope of Miami-Dade's FOG program is broad. Any nonresidential facility that introduces food waste or other substances like vegetable or animal product used in, or a byproduct of cooking, food preparation, or cleaning processes, into the sanitary sewer system is required to have a GDO permit.
This includes restaurants, bakeries, hotel and cafeteria kitchens, commercial kitchens, kitchens serving hospitals, nursing homes, daycares, assisted living facilities and other healthcare facilities, and food processing plants.
In short: if your facility cooks food and connects to the public sewer system, you must comply.
Grease trap vs. grease interceptor: key differences
Understanding the distinction between a grease trap and a grease interceptor is essential for proper compliance.
| Feature | Hydromechanical Grease Trap (HGT) | Gravity Grease Interceptor (GGI) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Indoors, under-sink | Outdoors, in-ground |
| Size | Smaller (rated in GPM) | Larger (750–1,250+ gallons) |
| Cleaning Frequency | Monthly | Every 60–180 days |
| Best For | Lower-volume operations | High-volume commercial kitchens |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, lower per-service |
| Efficiency Required | 99% FOG removal | 99% FOG removal |
All compliant systems must achieve 99% FOG removal efficiency and include a solids interceptor before the grease interceptor and a sampling port on the discharge side, per Section 24-42.6(9) of the County Code and Section 24-18.
Florida uses a dual system: hydromechanical grease traps (HGTs) inside the building and gravity grease interceptors (GGIs) outside, with FAC 64E-6 setting a minimum 750-gallon volume for any gravity unit and capping a single chamber at 1,250 gallons.
Sizing requirements
DERM's two-step sizing method considers both flow rate and grease production to design the appropriate third-party certified system. The size and capacity of your required interceptor depend on:
- Square footage of your kitchen and dining area
- Seat count (indoor and outdoor)
- Number of plumbing fixtures connected to the drain system
- Type and volume of cooking (fried foods generate significantly more FOG)
Important: Interceptor plans must be prepared by a Florida Professional Engineer and submitted to DERM for review before installation begins.
Step-by-step compliance requirements
Step 1: obtain your GDO permit
Any non-residential facility that handles, prepares or processes food (hot or cold), discharges or has the potential to discharge fats, oils or grease (FOG) to the public sanitary sewer system, requires a FOG Discharge Control operating permit.
FOG Discharge Control operating permits are renewed annually and are non-transferable. Notification shall be provided to the department upon sale, relocation or legal transfer of the permitted facility. New business owners are required to secure a new FOG operating permit.
If the facility is located within a city or municipality, you must first apply for the Municipal Occupational License and/or a Certificate of Use (CU) from the city prior to submitting a complete FOG Discharge Control operating permit application.
Step 2: install a compliant grease interceptor
Miami-Dade County requires permits for grease trap installation, professional installation by licensed contractors, compliance with commercial wastewater regulations, health department inspection and approval, proper trap sizing based on flow rates, and regular maintenance documentation.
Step 3: follow the mandatory maintenance schedule
Section 24-42.6 sets cleaning intervals by device: monthly for automatic and manual hydromechanical interceptors, every 60 days for gravity interceptors, and up to 180 days for gravity interceptors with a functional monitoring device.
The 25% Rule overrides all scheduled intervals. The 25% Rule, established under Section 24-42.6 of the Miami-Dade County Code, requires pump-out whenever the combined depth of floating FOG and settled solids reaches 25% of total liquid depth. This threshold overrides any scheduled cleaning interval — if the 25% limit is reached before the next scheduled service, immediate pump-out is required.
Step 4: maintain mandatory records
Miami-Dade food service establishments must retain a complete set of FOG compliance records on-site and available for immediate inspection at all times. Florida Statute § 403.0741 and Section 24-42.6 of the County Code together define the minimum documentation requirements.
Miami-Dade requires three years of records. You must also retain maintenance logs, cleaning invoices, and repair documentation. Inspectors can request these records during unannounced visits, and missing or incomplete manifests can result in fines of $100 to $250 per missing form.
Step 5: report every pump-out electronically
Miami-Dade restaurants and food service establishments must obtain annual GDO permits and adhere to grease management rules. The county operates an electronic reporting portal for all pump-outs.
The role of miami-dade DERM
The Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) is the department that regulates, among other things, grease traps. It does so through its Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program.
DERM's responsibilities include:
- Plan Review: Reviewing and approving grease interceptor engineering plans before installation
- Permit Issuance: Issuing GDO permits and processing renewals
- Unannounced Inspections: Conducting surprise compliance checks at food service facilities
- Enforcement: Issuing fines, civil penalties, and permit suspensions for violations
- Portal Administration: Managing the electronic pump-out reporting system
The actual operating permit document that must be posted at the facility is usually mailed within 30 days of processing and approval of the complete application.
The FOG operating permit is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the same year. Permit renewal forms are sent to the facility operators at least 45 days before the expiration of the permit.
DERM Contact: 701 NW 1st Court, 7th Floor, Miami, Florida 33136 | Phone: 305-372-6600
Common violations and penalties
[IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER: Infographic compliance checklist showing Miami-Dade grease trap violation types and corresponding fine amounts under Florida Statute 403.0741 and Miami-Dade County Code Section 24-42.6]
Restaurants and commercial kitchens that discharge fats, oils, and grease into the county sewer system face fines ranging from $100 per missing manifest to $5,000 or more for repeat disposal violations under Florida Statute § 403.0741, with permit suspension and forced closure for ongoing noncompliance.
Fine structure at a glance
| Violation | Authority | Fine Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Missing or unretained service manifest | FL Stat. § 403.0741(5)(a)1 | Up to $100 per failure |
| Failure to clean grease interceptor | FL Stat. § 403.0741(5)(a)2 | Up to $250 per failure |
| Pump-out log exceeds 90 days (portal) | Miami-Dade DERM FOG Portal | $250 automatic administrative fee |
| First-offense unlawful grease disposal | FL Stat. § 403.0741(5)(a)3 | Minimum $2,500 |
| Second or subsequent unlawful disposal | FL Stat. § 403.0741(5)(a)4 | Minimum $5,000 |
| Operating without a valid GDO permit | Miami-Dade County Code § 24-42.6 | $300–$1,200 first offense; $2,500+ repeat |
| Using an unlicensed hauler | Miami-Dade DERM | Enforcement action; potential permit revocation |
Both frameworks apply simultaneously — a single violation can generate fines under both Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 8CC civil penalties enforced by DERM, and Florida Statute § 403.0741 administrative fines enforced by the Florida DEP and authorized inspecting entities.
Most common compliance failures
- Expired GDO Permit — Failing to renew by December 31
- Missing Service Manifests — Not retaining records for the required 3-year period
- Exceeding the 25% Rule — Not pumping out when FOG and solids reach the threshold
- Using an Unlicensed Hauler — Only DERM-permitted haulers are authorized
- Delayed Electronic Reporting — Failing to log pump-outs in the county portal promptly
- Ownership Transfer Without New Permit — Permits are non-transferable; new owners must apply
⚠️ Critical Warning: Ongoing non-compliance can result in permit revocation and forced business closure. Inspections are unannounced, and DERM inspectors can demand to see three years of manifests on the spot.
Best practices for ongoing compliance
Choose a DERM-licensed hauler
Only use grease haulers that hold a valid DERM permit. Using an unlicensed hauler — even if cheaper — can trigger enforcement action and potential permit revocation. Always request a signed service manifest after every pump-out and file it immediately.
Train your kitchen staff
Your front-line defense against FOG violations is your kitchen team. Implement these practices:
- Dry-wipe pots, pans, and fryers before washing to reduce grease entering drains
- Never pour cooking oil or grease down floor drains or sinks
- Use drain screens on all sink and floor drains to capture food solids
- Dispose of fryer oil properly through a licensed used-cooking-oil collection service
- Post FOG compliance reminders in staff areas and during onboarding
Use digital compliance tracking
GDO permits expire December 31, and inspectors can ask for three years of manifests at any visit. Digital tools that log service dates, store manifests, and send renewal reminders can eliminate the most common compliance gaps. Several platforms now integrate directly with the Miami-Dade DERM electronic reporting portal.
Schedule proactive maintenance
Don't wait for the 25% threshold to trigger a pump-out. High-volume kitchens — particularly those serving fried foods — should schedule monthly service regardless of the minimum requirement. Proactive maintenance costs far less than a single DERM fine.
Cost breakdown
Understanding the full cost of compliance helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Installation costs
For Miami-Dade commercial restaurants, small setups typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, while large in-ground gravity grease interceptors for bigger kitchens typically run $5,000 to $15,000 installed, with excavation and concrete work driving costs upward.
For large-capacity systems, costs can be significantly higher: a 1,500-gallon grease trap installation typically costs between $18,000 and $35,000, with the unit itself approximately $8,000–$12,000.
Ongoing maintenance costs
| Service | Frequency | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hydromechanical trap pump-out | Monthly | $150–$400/service |
| Gravity interceptor pump-out | Every 60–180 days | $300–$800/service |
| Annual GDO permit renewal | Annually | Per DERM fee schedule |
| Compliance record management | Ongoing | $0–$50/month (software) |
| Emergency pump-out | As needed | $400–$1,200 |
Budget planning tips
- Factor compliance costs into your lease negotiation — confirm whether an existing interceptor is installed and permitted
- Request the prior GDO permit and service manifests when purchasing or leasing an existing food service space
- Budget for annual permit renewal before December 31 each year
- Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected pump-outs triggered by the 25% rule
2026 compliance checklist
Use this checklist to assess your current compliance status:
- ☐ Valid GDO Permit posted at the facility (renewed before Dec 31)
- ☐ Grease interceptor installed and sized by a Florida Professional Engineer
- ☐ Interceptor achieves 99% FOG removal efficiency
- ☐ Solids interceptor installed upstream of grease interceptor
- ☐ Sampling port installed on discharge side
- ☐ Pump-out schedule established (monthly/60-day/180-day as applicable)
- ☐ 25% Rule monitored and documented
- ☐ DERM-licensed hauler under contract
- ☐ Signed service manifests retained on-site for 3 years
- ☐ All pump-outs reported in the DERM electronic portal
- ☐ Staff trained on FOG best practices
- ☐ Permit renewal reminder scheduled for Q4
Chiffres clés
📊 99% FOG removal efficiency required for all grease interceptors in Miami-Dade County under Section 24-42.6 of the County Code
💡 $5,000+ minimum fine for a second or subsequent unlawful grease disposal violation under Florida Statute § 403.0741
🗂️ 3 years of service manifests must be retained on-site and available for immediate inspection by DERM
⚠️ 25% — the maximum combined FOG and solids depth allowed before mandatory pump-out, regardless of scheduled service date
📊 December 31 annually – GDO Permit Renewal Deadline
📊 $2,000–$35,000 depending on size – Grease Interceptor Installation Cost Range
"Every food service establishment operating in Miami-Dade County must hold a valid Grease Discharge Operating (GDO) Permit under Section 24-42.6 of the Miami-Dade County Code"
— Miami-Dade County DERM
Frequently asked questions
How often must grease traps be cleaned in miami-dade?
Section 24-42.6 sets cleaning intervals by device: monthly for automatic and manual hydromechanical interceptors, every 60 days for gravity interceptors, and up to 180 days for gravity interceptors with a functional monitoring device. However, the 25% Rule always applies — if the combined FOG and solids depth reaches 25% of total liquid depth before your scheduled service date, you must pump out immediately.
What happens during a DERM grease trap inspection?
DERM inspectors conduct unannounced visits and will check that your GDO permit is valid and posted, your grease interceptor is properly installed and functioning, your service manifests are on-site and cover the last three years, your pump-out logs are current in the electronic reporting portal, and your interceptor has not exceeded the 25% threshold. Inspectors may also take samples from the discharge sampling port to verify FOG removal efficiency.
Can i handle grease trap maintenance in-house?
In Miami-Dade County, grease interceptor pump-outs must be performed by a DERM-permitted hauler — this cannot be done by restaurant staff. What your team can manage in-house are preventive kitchen practices (dry-wiping, proper oil disposal, drain screen maintenance) that reduce FOG buildup and extend the time between required pump-outs.
What if i'm opening a new restaurant in miami-dade?
If the facility is located within a city or municipality, you must first apply for the Municipal Occupational License and/or a Certificate of Use (CU) from the city prior to submitting a complete FOG Discharge Control operating permit application. You will also need to have engineering plans prepared by a Florida Professional Engineer, submit them to DERM for review, obtain installation permits, and complete a construction inspection before receiving your GDO permit. Start this process early — plan review and permitting can take several weeks.
What happens if i buy or lease a restaurant that already has a grease trap?
FOG Discharge Control operating permits are non-transferable. Notification shall be provided to the department upon sale, relocation or legal transfer of the permitted facility. New business owners are required to secure a new FOG operating permit. Additionally, all sellers or lessors of properties containing FOG generators are required to disclose the presence of the FOG generator at the time of conveyance or lease. Always verify that the existing interceptor meets current 99% efficiency standards before assuming it is compliant.
Conclusion: compliance is non-negotiable in miami-dade
Miami-Dade County enforces some of the strictest grease trap regulations in Florida, backed by a federal consent decree, active DERM enforcement, and a robust electronic reporting system. For restaurant owners and operators, the message is clear: compliance is not a one-time task — it is an ongoing operational responsibility.
The good news is that staying compliant is straightforward when you have the right systems in place. Secure your GDO permit, install a properly sized and certified interceptor, partner with a DERM-licensed hauler, train your staff, and maintain your records. These steps protect your business from fines, protect Miami-Dade's sewer infrastructure, and protect your license to operate.
Your next steps:
- 📋 Download our compliance checklist and audit your current setup
- 📞 Schedule a consultation with a DERM-licensed grease trap service provider
- 🔔 Set a permit renewal reminder for Q4 2026 (deadline: December 31)
- 📧 Contact DERM directly at 305-372-6600 or visit 701 NW 1st Court, 7th Floor, Miami, FL 33136 for permit questions
For the most current requirements and fee schedules, always consult the official Miami-Dade DERM FOG program resources at miamidade.gov.
