Florida Building Permit Guide
From application to approval.
A practical guide for residential builders, contractors, and homeowners pulling building permits in Florida — covering permit types, requirements, fees, and timelines.
Common Florida permit types.
Most residential projects need one or more permits. Know which ones apply before you break ground.
Building Permit
Required for new construction, additions, structural changes, and most residential remodels.
- Room additions
- Garages
- Structural modifications
- Window/door enlargements
Electrical Permit
Covers new wiring, panel upgrades, generator connections, and electrical service changes.
- Panel upgrades
- New circuits
- EV charger installation
- Generator hookups
Plumbing Permit
Required for water heater replacement, repiping, fixture relocation, and sewer line work.
- Water heater replacement
- Bathroom remodels
- Repiping
- Sewer connections
Mechanical (HVAC) Permit
For new HVAC systems, ductwork modifications, and air handler replacements.
- AC replacement
- Ductwork changes
- Air handler upgrades
- Ventilation systems
Roofing Permit
Required for roof replacements, recover projects, and structural roof changes in most jurisdictions.
- Full roof replacement
- Roof-over projects
- Structural roof changes
- Skylight installation
Specialty Permits
Includes pool/spa permits, driveway/sidewalk, fences, and demolition permits.
- Swimming pools
- Driveways
- Fences over height limits
- Demolition
The permit process in 6 steps.
Follow this sequence to keep your Florida project on track and avoid costly rework.
Confirm your jurisdiction
Florida permits are issued by the city or county where the work takes place. Check whether your property is inside municipal limits or under county jurisdiction before applying.
Verify your contractor license
Most residential work requires a Florida-licensed contractor. Use the DBPR license lookup to confirm the license is active, in good standing, and covers the project scope.
Prepare plans and documents
Gather site plans, floor plans, elevations, energy calculations, product specifications, and any engineering or truss drawings required by your jurisdiction.
Submit the application
Apply online through the jurisdiction's portal or in person. Pay permit fees, which are typically based on project valuation or square footage.
Schedule inspections
Once approved, inspections are required at key milestones (foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, final). Schedule each through the jurisdiction.
Close the permit
After final inspection passes, the jurisdiction issues a Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy. Do not start using the space until the permit is closed.
Required documents
Exact requirements vary by jurisdiction and project scope, but most applications include the following:
- Completed permit application
- Site plan or survey
- Construction plans (floor plans, elevations, sections)
- Engineering calculations or sealed drawings (if required)
- Energy compliance forms (Florida Energy Code)
- Contractor license and insurance information
- Owner authorization or contractor affidavit
- Product specifications and manufacturer data
Typical timelines & fees
Timelines and costs depend on workload, project complexity, and completeness of plans.
Avoid these common mistakes.
Small oversights can delay a permit by weeks. Here's what Florida builders miss most often.
Pulling a homeowner permit when a licensed contractor is required.
Starting work before the permit is issued.
Missing required inspections or calling for final before rough inspections.
Using out-of-date Florida Building Code editions.
Failing to verify license status with DBPR before application.
Incomplete plans or missing energy calculations.
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