TL;DR
Florida has no state-level solid waste transporter license for non-hazardous waste haulers. But local counties have extensive permit systems of their own. Miami-Dade stands out here. It requires one of two permits. The Small Hauler Permit covers a single vehicle and needs $300,000 insurance. The General Hauler Permit covers multiple vehicles. It needs $1,000,000 insurance plus a 15% franchise fee on gross revenue.
What permits do I need to haul dumpsters in Florida?
State-level requirements
Florida does not require a state-level transporter license if you haul non-hazardous solid waste.[1] The Florida DEP oversees solid waste facilities. It does this under F.S. §403.707 and Chapter 62-701 F.A.C.[4]
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade has two permit tiers for waste haulers:
Small Hauler Permit — This one is for small hauling businesses with one vehicle.[2] You need $300,000 CSL general liability insurance. You must also mark both sides of the vehicle. The marks must be permanent. They must show your company info, phone, permit number, and Local Business Tax Receipt.[2]
General Hauler Permit — This one is for larger operations with multiple vehicles.[3] You need $1,000,000 CSL per occurrence. You also pay a Disposal Facility Fee. It is 15% of gross monthly revenue within the franchise area.[3]
Important
Miami-Dade's franchise fee (15% of gross revenue) takes a big bite out of your profits.[3] Factor it into your pricing when you bid on work in unincorporated Miami-Dade County.
What are the environmental compliance requirements?
You must take all waste to DEP-permitted facilities.[1] Florida has specific rules for C&D debris recycling and disposal. They sit under Chapter 62-701.[4] Yard waste cannot go into Class I landfills. It must go to permitted composting or yard waste processing facilities.
What insurance do I need in Florida?
| Coverage Type | Miami-Dade Small Hauler | Miami-Dade General Hauler |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Auto Liability | $300,000 CSL[2] | $1,000,000 CSL[3] |
| General Liability | $300,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Workers' Compensation | Required (4+ employees) | Required (4+ employees) |
Florida exempts some employers from workers' compensation. The exemption applies outside construction, to employers with fewer than 4 employees. Construction employers need coverage once they have 1+ employees.
Official References
| # | Resource | Agency | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FDEP Solid Waste Section | Florida Department of Environmental Protection | website |
| 2 | Miami-Dade Small Hauler Permit | Miami-Dade County | website |
| 3 | Miami-Dade General Hauler Permit | Miami-Dade County | website |
| 4 | Chapter 62-701 F.A.C. — Solid Waste Management Facilities | Florida Administrative Rules | regulation |