Florida Building Permits — Complete Guide (2026)
The definitive resource for building permits across Florida's counties and cities
Florida has no single statewide building permit portal. Permits are issued by counties, cities, and municipalities — each with their own system. Most projects require separate permits for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC. The Florida Building Code (FBC) is one of the strongest hurricane-resistant codes in the world.
How building permits work in Florida
Florida's 67 counties and 400+ municipalities each issue their own permits. The Florida Building Code (FBC) sets minimum standards statewide, but local jurisdictions can adopt stricter requirements — especially in hurricane-prone coastal areas. If you're inside city limits, apply to the city. If outside, apply to the county.
Learn the step-by-step permit process →Not sure where to apply?
Enter your city or address to find your permit office.
Permit costs by type — Florida
| Permit Type | Fee Range | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $500–$3,500+ | 4–12 weeks | FBC compliance; wind-resistant design required statewide |
| Roofing | $150–$600 | 1–5 days | Most common permit in FL; requires wind mitigation inspection after |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $100–$350 | 1–5 days | Separate mechanical permit required; high demand from AC failures |
| Electrical | $100–$350 | 1–5 days | Separate electrical permit; panel upgrades, EV chargers growing |
| Plumbing | $100–$300 | 1–5 days | Separate plumbing permit; includes water heater replacements |
| Pool / Spa | $300–$1,200 | 3–8 weeks | Barrier fence required; electrical + plumbing sub-permits needed |
| Room Addition | $400–$1,800 | 3–8 weeks | Wind load + impact glass requirements in coastal areas |
| ADU | $300–$1,000 | 3–8 weeks | FL ADU law (SB 1586) limits local restrictions — passed 2023 |
| Windows / Doors | $75–$300 | 1–5 days | Impact-rated required in HVHZ (Miami-Dade, Broward); NOA required |
| Fence | $50–$200 | 1–3 days | Height limits; setback requirements vary by municipality |
| Solar | $100–$400 | 1–2 weeks | FL has strong solar incentives; wind uplift requirements for panels |
| Demolition | $150–$600 | 1–2 weeks | Asbestos survey required pre-1980; disconnect utilities first |
Florida permit portals — verified links (2026)
Florida has no single statewide system. Use your county or city portal below. Each trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) typically requires a separate permit application.
Florida county permit guides
Click a county for its full permit guide — costs, timelines, local requirements, HVHZ zones, and department contact info.
Florida Building Code & hurricane requirements
🌀 Florida has the strongest hurricane-resistant building code in the US
The Florida Building Code (FBC), 8th Edition, is adopted statewide. Local jurisdictions can be stricter. Key requirements:
- High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ): Miami-Dade and Broward counties only. Requires NOA (Notice of Acceptance) approved products for windows, doors, and roofing. Strictest standards in the US.
- Wind-borne debris regions: Most of coastal Florida. Impact-rated windows and doors, or hurricane shutters, required for all openings.
- Substantial Improvement rule: If repairs/renovations exceed 50% of a structure's value, the entire building must be brought into full FBC compliance. Critical for post-storm repair.
- Roofing: Permits required for all re-roofing. Wind mitigation inspection after completion affects homeowner insurance rates significantly.
- Flood zones: Extensive FEMA flood zones statewide. Elevation certificates required in AE/VE zones. Lowest Floor Elevation requirements affect first-floor finished floor height.
How to get a building permit in Florida
Are you inside city limits or in unincorporated county?
This determines which department you apply to. Inside city limits → apply to the city. Outside (unincorporated area) → apply to the county. In Miami-Dade, even incorporated cities have complex jurisdiction lines — confirm via the county GIS portal.
Check your wind zone and flood zone
Florida has three key zones: HVHZ (Miami-Dade + Broward — strictest), Wind-borne debris region (most coastal areas), and inland standard zone. Check FEMA flood maps for your property — flood zones require elevation certificates and affect finished floor heights.
Plan for separate permits per trade
Unlike many states, Florida typically requires separate permit applications for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical (HVAC). Budget for multiple permit fees and separate inspection schedules. All trade permits must be finaled before the building permit can close.
Verify Florida contractor license
Florida requires state-licensed contractors for most permitted work. Verify licenses via DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) at myfloridalicense.com. General contractors, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical each have separate license categories. Owner-builders can pull permits for their primary residence.
Submit plans and pay fees
Most major counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Orange) have online permit portals. Simple permits (re-roof, HVAC, water heater) are often approved within 1–5 days. New construction and room additions take 4–12 weeks for plan review.
Schedule inspections — including wind mitigation
Required inspections include foundation, framing, rough-in trades, and final. For roofing projects, schedule a wind mitigation inspection after final — this report can reduce homeowner insurance premiums by 10–40%. Keep copies permanently.
Frequently asked questions — Florida permits
Find a licensed Florida contractor
Florida requires state-licensed contractors for most permitted work. Always verify DBPR license before hiring — unlicensed contractor work voids warranties and can create liability for homeowners.
General Contractors
Find pre-screened, state-licensed Florida general contractors. Compare quotes and hire with confidence.
Find a Contractor →Verify DBPR License
Verify any Florida contractor's license via the Dept of Business and Professional Regulation. Takes 30 seconds.
DBPR License Search →Permit Type Guides
Step-by-step guides for roofing, pool, HVAC, ADU, electrical, plumbing, and all other Florida permit types.
Browse Guides →Ready to get started? Browse verified, DBPR-licensed contractors serving Florida homeowners and get free quotes on your project.
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