State building permit guide
Florida building permits — complete guide (2026)
Florida's high permit volume is driven by rapid population growth, storm damage repairs, and one of the strictest hurricane building codes in the nation. Miami-Dade has its own enhanced High-Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements.
Avg cost: $150–$800
Processing: 3–8 weeks
~165,000 permits/year
67 counties
$150–$800Average permit cost
3–8 weeksProcessing time
~165,000Permits issued/year
PartialADU-friendly
Florida has mandatory statewide building code requirements among the strictest in the nation due to hurricane risk. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have additional High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requirements. Unpermitted work is rigorously enforced — never skip the permit.
Permit costs by type — Florida
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | $75–$175 | 1–3 days | AFCI/GFCI requirements strictly enforced |
| Plumbing | $55–$175 | 1–3 days | Water heater replacement always required |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $80–$250 | 1–5 days | Hurricane-rated equipment required in some counties |
| Roofing | $150–$400 | 1–5 days | Full replacement always requires permit |
| Pool | $300–$800 | 3–6 weeks | Barrier fence legally mandated — strict enforcement |
| Room Addition | $450–$1,100 | 3–7 weeks | Wind load calculations required |
| New Construction | $1,000–$3,000 | 4–10 weeks | Wind zone compliance mandatory |
| Solar | $100–$280 | 1–5 days | Wind uplift rating required for panels |
| Fence | $60–$140 | 1–5 days | Hurricane-rated posts required in HVHZ |
| Deck / Patio | $150–$450 | 2–5 weeks | Wind load design required near coast |
How to get a building permit in Florida
1
Find your county building department
Florida has 67 counties each with its own building department. Many participate in the state ePermitting system. Miami-Dade and Broward have separate portals with HVHZ-specific requirements.
2
Understand hurricane zone requirements
Your property wind zone (110–180 mph design speed) affects structural requirements, fastener specifications, and product approvals. Coastal properties face the strictest requirements.
3
Submit plans with wind load calculations
Structural additions and new construction require signed-and-sealed engineering plans showing compliance with Florida Building Code wind provisions.
4
Product approval verification
Building products (windows, doors, roofing) must be Florida Product Approved. Contractors must provide product approval numbers at permit submission.
5
Required inspections
Florida requires inspections at each phase. Roofing requires a dry-in inspection before final shingles. Pool permits require 5 or more inspections.
6
Certificate of Completion
Florida issues Certificates of Completion for most projects. New buildings require a Certificate of Occupancy before any use.
Permit costs by county — top Florida counties
Miami-Dade County
$200–$800
4–10 weeks
Broward County
$175–$650
3–8 weeks
Palm Beach County
$175–$600
3–7 weeks
Hillsborough (Tampa) County
$150–$500
2–6 weeks
Orange (Orlando) County
$150–$500
2–6 weeks
Pinellas County
$150–$475
2–5 weeks
Duval (Jacksonville) County
$125–$400
2–5 weeks
Lee (Fort Myers) County
$150–$500
2–6 weeks
Polk (Lakeland) County
$125–$400
2–5 weeks
Brevard (Space Coast) County
$140–$450
2–5 weeks
Frequently asked questions — Florida permits
What is the HVHZ and does it affect my project?
The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone covers Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. It has the strictest building requirements in the continental US, with mandatory product approvals, enhanced wind uplift resistance, and specific fastener requirements for all construction.
Can I do my own work as a Florida homeowner?
Florida's owner-builder exemption allows homeowners to build or improve their primary residence, certifying personal supervision. Electrical and plumbing still require licensed contractors in most counties.
Why did my roof permit take longer than expected?
Florida roofing permits often require a dry-in inspection before final shingles can be installed, adding a required wait. In storm-busy seasons, inspection backlogs can extend timelines significantly.
Does Florida require a permit for hurricane shutters?
Yes, in most Florida jurisdictions. Hurricane shutters are considered a structural protection system and must be permitted and approved. This applies to accordion shutters, panel systems, and impact windows and doors.
Data sources: US Census Bureau BPS 2024 · Florida Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation · Shovels.ai permit aggregator