Roof Replacement Permit in Lee County, Florida
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Replacing, repairing, or re-covering a roof
Issued byLee County Community Development, Building and Permitting Services
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Lee County requires a Roof permit to replace, repair, or re-cover a roof on an existing structure, and tile roofing requires engineering approval when placed on a structure that did not previously have tile. Houses built before 1995 with a value of $300,000 or more may have additional requirements. HB 803 (chapter 2026-63), effective July 1, 2026, added s. 553.79(1)(g) F.S., which requires local exemption of work on a single-family dwelling valued at less than $7,500 upon written request outside flood hazard areas; the statute excludes structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work, does not name roof covering work, and Lee County guidance does not yet reflect it.
Typical threshold: Under s. 553.79(1)(g) F.S., effective 2026-07-01, the county must exempt work on a single-family dwelling valued at less than $7,500 upon written request, but the exemption does not apply to structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work or to property in a flood hazard area.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
Hire it out
Sponsored
Roofers handle the permit in most localities when one is required. Comparing bids before you sign is the useful next step.
Compare roofing quotes on Angi
Sponsored link. PermitNotebook may earn a fee if you request quotes through it. Partners never influence our permit data.
When a permit is usually needed
Replacing, repairing, or re-covering a roof
What a roof replacement permit costs in Lee County
How Lee County compares in Florida
Across the Florida jurisdictions we have verified, the same threshold runs from 1500 to 7500, so a project that is exempt here may still need a permit one county over.
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Broward County | It depends | under F.S. 553.79(1)(g) (HB 803, ch. 2026-63, effective 2026-07-01), work valued at less than $7,500 on a single-family dwelling qualifies for exemption upon a written exemption request with documentation of the nature and value of the work; the exemption excludes electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work and any property in a flood hazard area; the statute does not name roofing, so a non-structural reroof under that value can qualify; confirm with Broward County Building Code Division. |
| Collier County | Permit required | Collier County's locally adopted building code amendment exempts from permit only the repair of any roof covering not exceeding $1,500.00 in value of materials and labor, or repair work not exceeding two roofing squares (200 square feet) in extent; this exemption is for roof repair, not for roof replacement/reroofing (removing and replacing the covering), which requires a standard Reroof permit. |
| Lee Countythis page | It depends | Under s. 553.79(1)(g) F.S., effective 2026-07-01, the county must exempt work on a single-family dwelling valued at less than $7,500 upon written request, but the exemption does not apply to structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work or to property in a flood hazard area. |
| Miami-Dade County | It depends | under F.S. 553.79(1)(g) (HB 803, ch. 2026-63, effective 2026-07-01), work valued at less than $7,500 on a single-family dwelling qualifies for exemption upon a written exemption request with documentation of the nature and value of the work; the exemption excludes electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work and any property in a flood hazard area; the statute does not name roofing, so a non-structural reroof under that value can qualify; confirm with Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources. Much of Miami-Dade County lies in flood hazard areas where this exemption does not apply. |
| Orange County | It depends | under F.S. 553.79(1)(g) (HB 803, ch. 2026-63, effective 2026-07-01), work valued at less than $7,500 on a single-family dwelling qualifies for exemption upon a written exemption request with documentation of the nature and value of the work; the exemption excludes electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work and any property in a flood hazard area; the statute does not name roofing, so a non-structural reroof under that value can qualify; confirm with Orange County Division of Building Safety. |
| Palm Beach County | It depends | Non-structural roof work (e.g. roof covering only, not sheathing or framing) valued under $7,500 on a single-family home outside a special flood hazard area may qualify for a written permit-exemption request under F.S. 553.79(1)(g); electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work are excluded regardless of value; structural roof work or any project at or above $7,500 requires a standard Type 1 Building Permit ('Reroofing') with dry-in and final inspections. |
| Pasco County | It depends | Under F.S. 553.79(1)(g) effective 2026-07-01, work valued at less than $7,500 on a single family dwelling that is not structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work is exempt outside flood hazard areas after a written exemption request with documentation; Pasco separately exempts roof repairs of 1.5 squares or less and liquid roof coatings. |
Closest roof replacement permit thresholds outside Florida
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Lee County's 7500 USD.
- Greensboro, North Carolina, cost of the construction, installation, repair, replacement or alteration
- Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, no permit for like-for-like roof covering replacement costing $40,000 or less on a single-family home; a permit is required above that cost, for structural changes, or when the roof classification changes
How to apply in Lee County
In Lee County, a residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- For Lee County, a recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- For Lee County, the materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. Lee County Community Development, Building and Permitting Services sets the exact checklist for Lee County.
Where to apply in Lee County:
Lee County Community Development, Building and Permitting Services
- 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: 239-533-8329
- Email: econnect@leegov.com
Roof Replacement Permit in Lee County compared with nearby Florida localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each Florida schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee County | It depends | Under s. 553.79(1)(g) F.S., effective 2026-07-01, the county must exempt work on a single-family dwelling valued at less than $7,500 upon written request, but the exemption does not apply to structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work or to property in a flood hazard area. | Fee schedule effective 2026-04-15: $50 application fee and $35 technology fee per... | |
| Alachua County | It depends | area of roof repair or replacement | Flat fee: Roof: New Residential $220.00, Roof: Repair Residential $220.00, per the... | |
| Brevard County | Permit required | Not specified | Brevard's Residential Reroof Permit Application fee table lists a Building Code Review... | |
| Broward County | It depends | under F.S. 553.79(1)(g) (HB 803, ch. 2026-63, effective 2026-07-01), work valued at less than $7,500 on a single-family dwelling qualifies for exemption upon a written exemption request with documentation of the nature and value of the work; the exemption excludes electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work and any property in a flood hazard area; the statute does not name roofing, so a non-structural reroof under that value can qualify; confirm with Broward County Building Code Division. | Structural permit with a roofing-specific minimum: the greater of a $250 minimum base... | |
| Charlotte County | Permit required | Roof repairs less than 100 square feet (one square) where the work does not include repairs to trusses or rafters do not require a permit. | At application: building fee of 0.004 x ICC valuation (if valuation is $50,000 or more)... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Lee County, most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- In Lee County: where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- In Lee County: an overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- In Lee County: flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- In Lee County: a final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In Lee County: in some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- In Lee County: reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Lee County permit portal or by phone at 239-533-8329.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Lee County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: Under s. 553.79(1)(g) F.S., effective 2026-07-01, the county must exempt work on a single-family dwelling valued at less than $7,500 upon written request, but the exemption does not apply to structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work or to property in a flood hazard area. Usually needed: Replacing, repairing, or re-covering a roof.
- Budget the fee. Fee schedule effective 2026-04-15: $50 application fee and $35 technology fee per application plus an operational support fee; roofing plan review $25 initial, structural inspection $100, roofing fees assessed per structure. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Lee County, a residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the Lee County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Lee County Community Development, Building and Permitting Services. Phone: 239-533-8329. Address: 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
- Plan for inspections. In Lee County, most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Lee County?
- Lee County requires a Roof permit to replace, repair, or re-cover a roof on an existing structure, and tile roofing requires engineering approval when placed on a structure that did not previously have tile. Houses built before 1995 with a value of $300,000 or more may have additional requirements. HB 803 (chapter 2026-63), effective July 1, 2026, added s. 553.79(1)(g) F.S., which requires local exemption of work on a single-family dwelling valued at less than $7,500 upon written request outside flood hazard areas; the statute excludes structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work, does not name roof covering work, and Lee County guidance does not yet reflect it. Under s. 553.79(1)(g) F.S., effective 2026-07-01, the county must exempt work on a single-family dwelling valued at less than $7,500 upon written request, but the exemption does not apply to structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work or to property in a flood hazard area. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Lee County?
- Fee schedule effective 2026-04-15: $50 application fee and $35 technology fee per application plus an operational support fee; roofing plan review $25 initial, structural inspection $100, roofing fees assessed per structure. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Lee County?
- You can apply through the Lee County permit portal or contact the Lee County Community Development, Building and Permitting Services directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in Lee County?
- Under Florida law (F.S. 489.103(7)(a)-(c)): Florida lets you pull your own permit as an owner-builder under section 489.103(7), Florida Statutes, which exempts property owners from the contractor licensing law when they act as their own contractor and provide direct, onsite supervision of all work not performed by licensed contractors. The exemption covers building or improving a one-family or two-family residence or a farm outbuilding for your own occupancy or use, and commercial buildings only up to a $75,000 cost, and the property may not be built or improved for sale or lease. If you sell or lease the property within 1 year after completing the work, the law presumes it was built for sale or lease, which violates the exemption. To qualify, you must personally appear and sign the building permit application and sign a state-prescribed disclosure statement acknowledging that you are the party legally and financially responsible for the construction, that you must provide direct, onsite supervision, and that unlicensed people you use must be your own employees, bringing federal tax withholding and workers' compensation obligations. You may not hire an unlicensed person to act as your contractor and may not delegate supervision to anyone who is not licensed for the work being done; if these requirements are violated, the local permitting agency shall withhold final approval, revoke the permit, or pursue unlicensed-activity remedies. A separate narrow branch of the exemption also lets an owner take over and complete a permit on a one-family or two-family residence when the original contractor substantially completed the project. Confirm how Lee County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Lee County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
Fee schedule effective 2026-04-15: $50 application fee and $35 technology fee per application plus an operational support fee, for every permit type below. The fee column shows what differs by project.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential accessory structure plan review $35 to $50 initial, regulatory review $25... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Electrical trade plan review $35 initial, inspections $75 per record covering up to 2... |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential fence plan review $35 initial, regulatory review $25, structural inspections... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Portable HVAC equipment and replacement of any part that does not alter the equipment's approval or make it unsafe are exempt per Florida Building Code section 105.2. | Residential mechanical plan review $25 initial, inspections $75 per record covering up... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, or repair a structure, including structural slabs, unenclosed structures, porches, and screen, glass, or vinyl rooms; the county refers residents to Florida Building Code 105.2 and Land Development Code 6-117 for work not requiring a permit. | Fees follow the residential accessory structure table when the patio is permitted as an... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential plumbing plan review $25 initial, inspections $75 per record covering up to... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | All in-ground pool construction or renovation requires a permit; an above-ground pool requires a permit when its water depth is 24 inches or more. | Residential pool plan review $35 initial, regulatory review $25, structural, electrical... |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential accessory structure plan review $35 to $50 initial, regulatory review $25... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Solar plan review $25 initial, regulatory review $25, ground or roof mounted PV... |
Roof Replacement Permit in other Florida localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Lee County documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this roof replacement permit page for Lee County was verified. 5 official sources: leegov.com, leegov.com, leegov.com, flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with Lee County Community Development, Building and Permitting Services. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across Florida localities
Permit office
Lee County Community Development, Building and Permitting Services
239-533-8329Permit portalFlorida rule changes
- Broward County, FL updates building permit fee schedule (Ordinance 2025-038)
Ord. 2025-038 ·
- Florida waives permits for small single-family jobs under $7,500 (HB 803)
ch. 2026-63 (HB 803), F.S. 553.79 ·