Miami-Dade County enforces some of the strictest grease trap regulations in Florida. All food service establishments (FSEs) must comply with the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program, which goes beyond state baseline requirements under Chapter 62-705 F.A.C..
Local Ordinance Details
Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 24, administered by DERM, governs grease waste management. The FOG Program requires every FSE to obtain a Grease Discharge Obligation (GDO) permit before operating. DERM inspectors conduct routine and complaint-driven inspections to verify compliance. The enforcement agency is the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), and the program is formally known as the DERM FOG Program.
Pump-Out Frequency
Miami-Dade uses the 25% capacity rule rather than a fixed schedule. Grease traps and interceptors must be pumped before accumulated grease and solids reach 25% of the unit's total capacity. In practice, most restaurants need service every 30 to 60 days for interior traps and every 60 to 90 days for exterior interceptors. Facilities with high grease output may require more frequent service. DERM may set a specific frequency on your GDO permit based on your establishment type and inspection history.
Documentation Required
During inspections, DERM expects the following documentation:
- Active GDO permit (renewed annually)
- Grease waste service manifests for every pump-out
- Maintenance log showing cleaning dates, hauler name, and volume removed
- Proof that only permitted grease waste haulers are used
- Best Management Practices (BMP) plan on file
Penalties
Non-compliance in Miami-Dade carries significant consequences. DERM can issue Notices of Violation (NOVs) with fines starting at $500 per day per violation. Repeated violations can escalate to $1,000 or more per day. Failure to obtain or renew a GDO permit can result in permit revocation and forced closure until compliance is achieved. Sewer blockages caused by FOG can result in additional liability for cleanup costs.
How to Stay Compliant
- Obtain and renew your GDO permit annually — applications are submitted through DERM and must be renewed before expiration.
- Schedule regular pump-outs before grease reaches 25% capacity — do not wait for inspections to trigger service.
- Use only Miami-Dade permitted grease waste haulers — unauthorized haulers can void your compliance status.
- Keep all manifests and maintenance logs organized and accessible for at least three years.
- Train kitchen staff on BMPs including scraping plates, using drain screens, and proper oil disposal.
Find a Service Provider
Browse verified grease trap service companies in Miami-Dade County to find permitted haulers near your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 25% capacity rule in Miami-Dade?
The 25% rule means your grease trap or interceptor must be pumped before accumulated fats, oils, grease, and solids reach 25% of the unit's total liquid depth. This is stricter than many other Florida counties that use fixed-interval schedules.
Do I need a GDO permit for a food truck in Miami-Dade?
Food trucks that discharge to the county sewer system are generally required to have grease management in place. Contact DERM directly to determine if your mobile food operation requires a GDO permit based on your discharge method.
How often does DERM inspect grease traps?
DERM conducts inspections on a routine basis, typically annually for compliant facilities. However, facilities with a history of violations or those generating complaints may be inspected more frequently, including unannounced visits.