Do I need a permit?
Pick the job and see whether it usually needs a permit in Florida, why, who pulls it, and what changes in Broward and Miami-Dade. Already done or cited? It covers what to do next. It runs in your browser: nothing you choose is sent anywhere.
Florida Building Code · general information
Pick the closest match. Already done or cited? Pick it anyway: the answer covers what to do next.
Broward and Miami-Dade have extra rules for roofs, windows, doors and structures.
Choose a job above. Whether it usually needs a permit in Florida, why, and who pulls it appear here.
How this works
Florida has one statewide building code. Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code requires a permit before most construction, alteration, repair and demolition work, and before work on electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems. Section 105.2 lists what is exempt statewide, and that list is short, though some cities add a few local exemptions of their own. Each job here is checked against those two sections and the rules that matter for it: the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone in Broward and Miami-Dade, the roof repair rule, product approvals for windows, doors, shutters and roofing, pool safety features, and the newer state exemption you can ask for on lower-value work.
“Usually needs a permit” means the code calls for one for that work. “Depends” means the answer turns on the details or on your building department's call. “Usually no permit” means the work is exempt or isn't the kind of work the permit rule covers, and it still has to meet the code. Your city or county building department makes the call for your property.
It runs in your browser and nothing you enter is sent anywhere. It is general information about how code enforcement usually works in Florida, not legal advice. Your notice, your city or county’s code and the code office named on the notice are what count. For legal questions, talk to a Florida attorney.
Questions people ask
- What work needs a permit in Florida?
- Under section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code, a permit is needed before building, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving or demolishing a building or structure, and before installing or changing its electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems or its impact-resistant coverings, such as shutters. Section 105.2 lists the statewide exceptions, and the list is short: portable heating, cooling and ventilation equipment, replacement parts that don't change a piece of equipment's approval, and small plumbing repairs such as stopping a leak. Some cities add a few local exemptions in their own administrative code, such as for small sheds or finish work, so your building department decides for your job.
- Is there a permit exemption for small jobs?
- Two things can apply. Section 105.2.2 of the Florida Building Code lets the building official approve ordinary minor repairs without a permit, as long as they don't touch the structure, exits, wiring, piping or mechanical equipment. And since July 1, 2026, section 553.79(1)(g) of the Florida Statutes lets the owner of a single-family home, or the owner's contractor, ask the building department in writing to exempt lower-value work, with a copy of the contract. That exemption doesn't cover electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work, or property in a flood hazard area. Both are the building department's call.
- Who pulls the permit, me or the contractor?
- Usually the licensed contractor doing the work. When 360 Home Improvements does the work, we pull the building permit under our Certified Building Contractor license (CBC1267336), and electrical, plumbing and AC permits are pulled by our Florida-licensed subcontractors in those trades. Florida law also lets some owners pull a permit for their own one- or two-family home, when it isn't offered for sale or lease, as an owner-builder (section 489.103(7), Florida Statutes): the owner signs the application in person and has to supervise the work directly. Your building department explains the conditions.
- What's different in Broward and Miami-Dade?
- The Florida Building Code defines Broward and Miami-Dade as the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). There, structures are designed to the code's own HVHZ sections; outside doors, windows and skylights have to pass the code's impact tests for wind-borne debris or be protected by shutters that do; and roof repair and maintenance work needs a permit on the HVHZ Uniform Roofing Permit Application, apart from what section 105 of the code allows.
- What if the work was already done without a permit?
- It is usually resolved with an after-the-fact permit: a licensed contractor applies for the work as it was built, the building department inspects it, sometimes after walls or ceilings are opened so covered work can be seen, and anything that doesn't meet the code is corrected. Sometimes removing the work is the answer instead. The after-the-fact permit checklist on this site walks through the steps.
- Is anything I choose saved or sent anywhere?
- No. The answer is worked out in your browser, and nothing you choose is saved or sent.
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Have 360 Home Improvements look at it
360 Home Improvements is a licensed Florida contractor: Florida Certified Building Contractor CBC1267336 · Certified Roofing Contractor CCC1335340. Tell us what the notice says and request a free estimate for the work it calls for.