• maintain significance in the historical, cultural, archeological, aesthetic, or architectural heritage of the city, state, or nation.
• possess integrity of design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
• meet one or more of the specific criteria for significance detailed in Section 23-4(a) of the HP Ordinance, which include association with important people, events, or community developmental patterns or trends; representation of distinctive architectural styles, periods, or methods of construction; notable illustration of a prominent architect or builder's work; representation of outstanding quality or significant innovation or adaptation to the South Florida environment; and ability to yield information important in prehistory or history.

The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB), a property owner, or a neighborhood association may initiate requests for designation. The HEPB conducts a preliminary evaluation as to whether the property appears to meet the criteria for designation. If it appears that the criteria have been met, the HEPB will direct City staff to prepare a designation report, which describes the property and how it meets the criteria for designation. The HEPB may require that the person initiating the request for designation conduct the necessary research to document the history and significance of the property. Once the designation report is complete, the HEPB will conduct a public hearing. The HEPB may then designate the property as either a historic site, an archeological zone, or in the case of a concentration or linkage of properties, a historic district.

For more information about the designation process, refer to the Historic Preservation Ordinance.