Florida · Penalties if you skip one

What you can build without a permit in Florida

By Mario Bailey Last checked · 179 official sources

Quick answer

Across the 28 Florida jurisdictions we have verified, 3 of 271 project rules need no permit at all, 81 turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and 187 require a permit regardless. Shed work is where the answer most often comes with a published condition rather than a flat yes: 16 of the 28 jurisdictions that answer publish one. The numbers are not statewide: shed thresholds alone run from 36 to 600 sq ft depending on the jurisdiction.

How to read this page

"No permit" means the jurisdiction publishes that the work needs no building permit. "Depends" means it publishes a size, height, depth, cost or scope condition that decides the answer, quoted in its own words in the last column; the number beside it is the figure that condition turns on, and which side of the number is exempt is stated by the condition, not by us. Exempt from a building permit is not exempt from zoning, setbacks, height limits, flood rules, an HOA, or a separate electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit, and several of the conditions below say exactly that.

Shed

16 of 28 make the shed answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and the 19 that state a number publish figures from 36 to 600 sq ft. 12 require a permit for shed work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Alachua County Depends 150 sq ft area of a single storage shed, exemption available once per property.
Brevard County Depends 100 sq ft A permit is required for an accessory structure (shed) over 100 square feet.
Charlotte County Depends 68 sq ft A building permit is not required for plastic or rubber manufactured type sheds 68 square feet or less in area, though they must comply with zoning setbacks and be moved and secured if there is the threat of a tropical storm.
Escambia County Depends 120 sq ft A portable, skid-mounted utility shed under 120 square feet does not require a permit; any utility shed with a poured slab or a post installed into the earth requires a permit regardless of size.
Hernando County Depends 120 sq ft Sheds with impervious roof coverings of 120 square feet or less do not require a Zoning permit, provided other county regulations (setbacks, floodplain rules, one detached accessory building per parcel, etc.) are met.
Hillsborough County Depends 150 sq ft sheds under 150 sq ft are exempt; 150 sq ft or larger require a building permit.
Lake County Depends 120 sq ft A shed built by the property owner on the owner's own personal residence, with no electrical, HVAC, fuel gas, or plumbing, is exempt from a building permit up to a 120-square-foot footprint.
Leon County Depends 100 sq ft Sheds over 100 square feet in area require a building permit; sheds of any size are still subject to Development Services and Environmental Services review for location, setbacks from boundary lines, easements, and floodplain.
Manatee County Depends 120 sq ft A prefabricated shed used as a tool/storage shed or playhouse is exempt from a building permit if its floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and it is not over 8 feet high, measured from mean roof height; zoning and flood regulations still apply regardless. Sheds exceeding that size, or not used for tool/storage/playhouse purposes, require a permit.
Marion County Depends 100 sq ft The county's shed permit fee category applies to pre-manufactured sheds of 100 square feet and larger.
Pasco County Depends 150 sq ft Sheds of 150 square feet or less are exempt only if approved by and on file with the Florida DBPR Manufactured Building Program, with tie-downs installed and setbacks met, and not in a special flood hazard area.
Pinellas County Depends 100 sq ft sheds under 100 sq ft and no taller than 10 ft, not connected to utilities, need no permit; sheds 100 sq ft or larger, taller than 10 ft, or connected to utilities require a building permit.
Polk County Depends 50 sq ft Prefabricated reach-in storage structures of closet use are exempt only up to 5 ft mean height, 50 sq ft area and 250 cubic ft with no electrical or plumbing; all larger or walk-in structures require a permit.
Santa Rosa County Depends 600 sq ft gross floor area, plus all covered area, of a residential storage accessory building, for eligibility to request the no-permit exemption under Ordinance 2010-17.
Sarasota County Depends 65 sq ft Plastic or rubber storage containers less than 7 feet tall and less than 65 square feet that meet any applicable setback requirements do not need a building permit; all other storage or utility sheds require a permit.
Volusia County Depends 480 sq ft A building permit is not required for sheds 480 square feet or smaller; sheds larger than 480 square feet require a permit.
Broward County Permit required A building permit is required for sheds in unincorporated Broward County.
Clay County Permit required Clay County's own step-by-step guide for shed permits, 'How to Apply for a Pre-Fabricated Shed,' walks applicants through the Citizens Access Portal application and does not describe any small-shed size exemption from permitting.
Collier County Permit required Collier County treats a shed as an accessory structure and requires a building permit for it, filed under the Carport/Shed (PRCP) application category with construction plans and a site plan.
Jacksonville Permit required A building permit is required for a residential shed of any size. Sheds 150 square feet or larger (or with a job cost of $5,000 or more) additionally require structural design drawings signed and sealed by a Florida-licensed design professional and a plans-examiner review before the permit is issued; sheds under that size and cost, with no final inspection required, can often be issued the same visit.
Lee County Permit required Lee County requires a Residential Accessory Structure permit for utility sheds, both pre-manufactured and site-built.
Miami-Dade County Permit required 400 sq ft only one utility shed up to 400 sq ft permitted per residential lot under County Code Section 33-20(k).
Orange County Permit required 120 sq ft structures 120 sq ft or less require a zoning permit; structures over 120 sq ft require a full building permit with engineered plans.
Osceola County Permit required Osceola County's Permit Information page lists 'Shed or storage building' among the residential examples that require a building permit, with no size-based exemption stated.
Palm Beach County Permit required 36 sq ft Accessory storage enclosures (sheds) up to 6 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft high, for single-family dwellings only, qualify for a Type 1 Site Plan Review Permit (zoning review only, no Building Code plan review or inspection); sheds larger than that footprint or height require a standard Type 2(A) Building Permit with plan review and inspections.
Seminole County Permit required Seminole County's Storm Damage Repair guidance lists building a barn, metal building, shed, or detached garage among the work that requires a building permit, and the Building Division publishes shed anchoring guidelines used during shed permitting.
St. Johns County Permit required St.
St. Lucie County Permit required St.

Fence

Escambia County, Jacksonville and Santa Rosa County require no fence permit at all. 11 of 28 make the fence answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and the 2 that state a number publish figures from 6 to 8 feet. 14 require a permit for fence work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Escambia County No permit Escambia County's Building Services Department does not require a building permit to install a fence anywhere in unincorporated Escambia County or the Town of Century, which Escambia County Building Services also permits directly (subject to a separate Town of Century approval step).
Jacksonville No permit The City of Jacksonville, consolidated with Duval County, does not require a building permit to install a residential fence.
Santa Rosa County No permit Santa Rosa County's rules below cover only unincorporated areas, which include the population centers of Navarre and Pace; the incorporated cities of Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Jay run their own building departments and are not covered here.
Brevard County Depends Permit not required for repair or replacement of less than 50% of an existing fence using the same size and material in the same location.
Clay County Depends 7,500 USD value of repair or replacement work to existing wood fence pickets or panels, not including fence posts.
Hillsborough County Depends PVC wood and chain-link fences are exempt; electrical or concrete fences require a permit.
Lake County Depends 6 feet Masonry or concrete fences 4 feet or less in height, and fences of any other material 6 feet or less in height, are exempt from a building permit under the county's Chapter 6 building-code amendment.
Leon County Depends Traditional fences (chain link, wooden, etc.) do not need a building permit; a solid wall does.
Manatee County Depends Masonry fences, walls, and columns (residential and commercial) always require a building permit. Non-structural residential fences such as wood, chain link, and vinyl are exempt from a building permit when located on a one or two family lot that is not in a flood hazard area.
Pasco County Depends A permit is required only when the fence is supported by brick, block, or concrete columns; ordinary residential fences are exempt but setbacks must be checked with Development Code Review.
Pinellas County Depends chain-link, wood, and vinyl fences generally need no building permit, though a zoning clearance may be required in certain conditions such as pool safety barriers or corner-lot sight triangles; masonry fences, retaining walls, seawalls, and fences over 6 ft are handled as separate building-permit types.
Polk County Depends 8 feet Solid fences over eight feet high and all masonry walls or fences with masonry pilasters require a permit; chain link fences of any height and stockade fences up to eight feet high are exempt.
Sarasota County Depends A chain link, wood, or vinyl fence does not need a building permit when it meets the county's standards for height, placement, and finished side facing the neighbor or right-of-way; fences and walls that do not meet those standards require a permit. A permit is also required when the property is in a flood zone or the fence is part of a larger project scope.
Volusia County Depends In unincorporated Volusia County, a building permit is no longer required to install a residential fence, following a county ordinance change effective June 5, 2025.
Alachua County Permit required Alachua County's general rule requires a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, or erect any building or structure.
Broward County Permit required A building permit is required for fences in unincorporated Broward County.
Charlotte County Permit required A permit is not required for fence enclosures of garbage containers or mechanical equipment with three panels or less and one gate.
Collier County Permit required Collier County requires a building permit before erecting, replacing, or altering a fence or wall on a property in unincorporated Collier County.
Hernando County Permit required Fence permits are required in all commercial, industrial, and residential zoning districts; agricultural zoning districts (AG, AR, AR1, AR2, PDP(RUR)) are exempt from the Fence Ordinance.
Lee County Permit required Lee County requires a Residential Fence or Wall permit to install or replace a fence or wall.
Marion County Permit required Marion County's building permit fee schedule includes a specific charge for fences, walls, and entrance-ways, and the county's general permitting rule requires a permit before erecting, enlarging, or altering any structure.
Miami-Dade County Permit required A permit is required for all residential fences in Miami-Dade County.
Orange County Permit required A zoning permit is required for all residential fences up to 6 feet in height in unincorporated Orange County.
Osceola County Permit required Osceola County's Permit Information page lists Fence among the residential work examples that require a building permit, under the general rule that any regulated structural work requires a permit.
Palm Beach County Permit required A permit is required for new residential fence construction in unincorporated Palm Beach County.
Seminole County Permit required Seminole County's Storm Damage Repair guidance lists installation or replacement of a residential fence among the work that requires a building permit, and the county's fee schedule includes a specific Fences line item plus a separate zoning permit review fee that names residential fence permits.
St. Johns County Permit required St.
St. Lucie County Permit required Minor repair or exact replacement of an existing permitted fence of up to 2 panels, excluding pool barriers, does not require a permit; installing a new fence, larger repairs, or any pool barrier fence requires a permit.

Patio

14 of 20 make the patio answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. 6 require a permit for patio work regardless of size. 8 publish no answer we could verify.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Collier County Depends Permits shall not be required for the enclosure of an existing covered patio, balcony, or porch with screening only; a permit is required to build a new patio cover, screen enclosure, or other patio structure.
Hernando County Depends Sand-set pavers that are not part of a pool or spa deck do not require a building permit; other patio construction methods are not separately addressed by name.
Hillsborough County Depends open concrete slabs may be exempt; screen enclosures and covered patios require a permit.
Jacksonville Depends The City of Jacksonville's consolidated Duval County Building Inspection Division puts a plain patio slab on its official list of work that does not require a permit.
Lee County 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.
Leon County Depends Patio covers, sunrooms, and screen or pool enclosures are handled as aluminum structures requiring a permit; a plain open, unroofed, at-grade patio slab is not separately addressed in any published county page found.
Manatee County Depends A non-structural concrete or paver patio does not require a building permit. A concrete slab with footers requires a permit.
Miami-Dade County Depends open concrete slabs and pavers outside the building do not require a building permit; roofed or screened patio enclosures require a permit.
Palm Beach County Depends Patio permitting in unincorporated Palm Beach County depends on material and pool proximity.
Pasco County Depends 500 sq ft Non structural concrete flatwork under 500 square feet per parcel that will not be built on is exempt outside special flood hazard areas; slabs intended for a future structure require a permit with sealed plans.
Polk County Depends Permit requirement depends on location and function: concrete slabs adjacent to a principal or accessory structure, slabs intended to support a structure, elevated slabs, and pavers within required setbacks or adjacent to structures require a permit.
Sarasota County Depends No permit is required for a residential patio placed directly on grade without footings, in any material; a permit is required for patios that involve footings, are part of a larger project scope, or are on commercial or multi-family property.
St. Lucie County Depends Sand-set pavers that are not a pool or spa deck and are not within five feet of a pool do not require a permit, for 1 and 2 family dwellings; pavers used as a pool deck, pavers within five feet of a pool, or other patio construction requires a permit.
Volusia County Depends Volusia County's building code requires a permit for anyone who intends to construct, enlarge, or alter a structure in unincorporated areas, and the county's local list of work exempt from permitting (which covers only minor gas, mechanical, and plumbing items) does not name patios.
Broward County Permit required A building permit is required for patio slabs in unincorporated Broward County.
Charlotte County Permit required Charlotte County does not have a permit type called Patio; concrete and paver patios in unincorporated areas are permitted under the county's Residential Slab permit, which covers all concrete flatwork, structural or not, including pavers.
Escambia County Permit required Escambia County does not name 'patio' as a standalone permit category on any official page found.
Orange County Permit required A permit is required for concrete pads, driveways, walkways, and paver installations in unincorporated Orange County.
Pinellas County Permit required A permit is required for patio construction in unincorporated Pinellas County.
St. Johns County Permit required St.

Roof Replacement

12 of 28 make the roof replacement answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and the 10 that state a number publish figures from 500 to 7,500 USD. 16 require a permit for roof replacement work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Alachua County Depends 100 sq ft area of roof repair or replacement.
Broward County Depends 7,500 USD 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.
Escambia County Depends 2 squares A Re-Roofing Permit is required for re-roofs exceeding 2 squares (1 square equals 100 square feet, so 2 squares equals 200 square feet); roof repair work under two squares does not require a permit.
Hillsborough County Depends 25 percent permit required when more than 25 percent of total roof area is replaced or recovered in a 12-month period; separately, 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 Hillsborough County Development Services.
Lee County Depends 7,500 USD 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 Depends 7,500 USD 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 Depends 7,500 USD 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 Depends 7,500 USD 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 Depends 7,500 USD 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.
Pinellas County Depends 7,500 USD non-structural roof work (e.g. roof covering only, not sheathing or framing) with a total project value under $7,500 on a single-family home outside a flood hazard area may qualify for a written permit-exemption approval from the County Building Official instead of a standard permit; structural roof work, any work on a flood-zone property, or any project at or above $7,500 requires a standard roofing permit.
Polk County Depends 7,500 USD From July 1, 2026, F.S. 553.79(1)(g) requires exemption of work valued at less than $7,500 on a single-family dwelling if the work is not electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work, the property is not in a flood hazard area, and a written exemption request with value documentation is submitted; Polk County separately exempts minor roof repairs affecting less than 25 percent.
St. Lucie County Depends 25 percent A permit is required for any reroof work exceeding 25% of the existing roof area within a 12-month period.
Brevard County Permit required Brevard County requires a Residential Reroof permit for the repair or replacement of roof covering such as shingles, tiles, metal, or skylights, with no permit required for reroofing work on mobile homes or tiny houses on wheels.
Charlotte County Permit required 100 sq ft 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.
Clay County Permit required Clay County's HB 803 minor-work exemption guidance lists 'Roofing' under structural work that does not qualify for the exemption regardless of project cost, so reroofing always requires a standard building permit rather than any owner-requested exemption.
Collier County Permit required 1,500 USD 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.
Hernando County Permit required 100 sq ft Roof repairs covering less than 100 square feet of existing roof are exempt from a building permit; this exemption does not extend to a full roof replacement.
Jacksonville Permit required The City of Jacksonville's consolidated Duval County Building Inspection Division lists re-roofs under Alterations on its official list of work that requires a building permit, and it publishes a separate roofing permit fee tier that excludes only the original roof installed with brand-new construction.
Lake County Permit required Lake County's fee schedule prices residential roofing by square footage, and the Office of Building Services publishes a dedicated Re-Roof/Roof Over checklist (CL16) requiring a permit application, a notarized Reroof Scope of Work/Roofing Affidavit (BF61), and progress photographs of sheathing and underlayment for the final inspection.
Leon County Permit required Leon County requires a building permit to replace or re-cover a roof, processed as a Reroof permit and billed as a flat fee on the county's fee schedule.
Manatee County Permit required In unincorporated Manatee County, a new roof or re-roof always requires a building permit, and residential re-roofs can use the county's Roof Express option, which needs no documents before permit issuance beyond the required Florida Product Approval NOAs.
Marion County Permit required 100 sq ft Roofing repair of 100 square feet or less does not require a permit.
Osceola County Permit required Osceola County's Permit Information page lists 'Re-roofs & Structural roofing repair' among the residential examples that require a building permit.
Santa Rosa County Permit required Santa Rosa County requires a building permit for new roofs, full roof replacement (tear-off/re-roof), and recovering an existing roof, subject to Florida Building Code criteria on when recovering (versus full tear-off) is allowed.
Sarasota County Permit required 500 USD A building permit is not required for repair of a small, incidental roof leak limited to one roofing square and $500 or less in cost; a permit is required for roof replacement and for repair or replacement of structural roof components such as sheathing.
Seminole County Permit required 100 sq ft Roof repairs not exceeding 100 square feet do not require a permit; roof repairs exceeding 100 square feet do require one.
St. Johns County Permit required St.
Volusia County Permit required Replacing or re-covering a roof on a home in unincorporated Volusia County requires a building permit, and the county publishes a specific minimum roofing permit fee.

Pool

9 of 28 make the pool answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and the 12 that state a number publish figures from 24 to 42 inches. 19 require a permit for pool work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Brevard County Depends 24 inches Permits are issued for in-ground pools and spas, and for above-ground pools with a depth of 24 inches or greater.
Hernando County Depends 24 inches Manufactured pools less than 24 inches deep are exempt from a building permit.
Lake County Depends 42 inches Storable swimming or wading pools capable of holding water to a maximum depth of 42 inches, or pools with nonmetallic molded polymeric or inflatable fabric walls regardless of dimension, are exempt from a building permit except for non-cord-and-plug electrical work.
Lee County Depends 24 inches 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.
Manatee County Depends 24 inches Swimming pools require a building permit, including above ground pools that exceed 24 inches in height.
Palm Beach County Depends 24 inches Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep need no permit; all in-ground pools, larger above-ground pools, and spas require a Building Permit (Type 3(E) for 1 and 2 unit dwellings) plus applicable electrical, plumbing, and pool-barrier sub-permits, and must satisfy Florida's residential pool safety-feature requirements under F.S. 515.27 before final inspection.
Polk County Depends 24 inches In-ground pools and spas always require a permit; above-ground pools and spas require one only when more than 24 inches deep.
Seminole County Depends 24 inches Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools accessory to a one- or two-family home that are less than 24 inches deep and hold 5,000 gallons or less are exempt from permit.
St. Lucie County Depends 24 inches Portable or manufactured pools or spas less than 24 inches deep do not require a permit; in-ground pools, permanent spas, and portable or manufactured pools or spas 24 inches deep or more require a permit.
Alachua County Permit required Alachua County requires a building permit for both in-ground and above-ground residential pools, billed at flat fees of $380.00 and $205.00 respectively.
Broward County Permit required A building permit is required for all residential pools and spas in unincorporated Broward County.
Charlotte County Permit required 24 inches This residential pool/spa permit type includes spas, swim spas, and above-ground pools that are 24 inches or greater in depth.
Clay County Permit required Clay County's Building Division FAQ walks through the pool safety requirements a homeowner must choose from when installing a pool: a barrier (fence, wall, or screen at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate whose latch sits at least 54 inches high), a safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346-91, exit alarms on doors and windows, self-closing/self-latching doors, or a pool alarm meeting ASTM F2208.
Collier County Permit required Collier County requires a building permit for both inground and aboveground residential pools and spas, filed under the Pools (PRSPL) application category.
Escambia County Permit required Escambia County's Permits Required list names a Swimming Pool Permit for in-ground vinyl and concrete pools.
Hillsborough County Permit required A Residential Miscellaneous Building permit is required for all residential pools in Hillsborough County.
Jacksonville Permit required Swimming pools are explicitly listed as requiring a building permit on the City of Jacksonville's consolidated Duval County Building Inspection Division site, which also publishes a dedicated Swimming Pool and Spa checklist for one- and two-family properties.
Leon County Permit required 24 inches Applies to private residential swimming pools, hot tubs, or non-portable spas containing water over 24 inches deep.
Marion County Permit required 24 inches Pools larger than or equal to 24 inches in depth, above ground or in ground, require a permit.
Miami-Dade County Permit required A building permit is required for all residential swimming pools and spas in Miami-Dade County.
Orange County Permit required A building permit is required for all residential pools in unincorporated Orange County, plus electrical, plumbing, and gas sub-permits as applicable.
Osceola County Permit required Osceola County's Permit Information page lists 'Pool, pool screen enclosure' among the residential examples that require a building permit.
Pasco County Permit required Only residential pool resurfacing is exempt; new pool or spa construction requires a building permit.
Pinellas County Permit required A building permit is required for all residential pools, spas, and hot tubs in unincorporated Pinellas County; Pool/Spa Above Ground and Pool/Spa Inground are listed permit types in the Access Portal, plus electrical, plumbing, and gas sub-permits as applicable.
Santa Rosa County Permit required Santa Rosa County requires a building permit application for all residential and commercial pool and spa installations, along with an engineered lot grading plan (for lots in unincorporated areas), a site plan or city approval, a pool layout drawing, and a notarized Barrier/Alarm Acknowledgment Form documenting compliance with Chapter 515, F.S. barrier or alarm requirements.
Sarasota County Permit required Sarasota County's building permit application requires applicants to acknowledge that a separate permit must be secured for pools, in addition to any building permit covering pool decking or a screen enclosure.
St. Johns County Permit required 150 sq ft pool surface area per the LDC regulated-pool definition, which also uses a 2 foot depth test.
Volusia County Permit required Installing an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool in unincorporated Volusia County requires a building permit, with separate fee amounts for public pools, private in-ground pools, and private above-ground pools.

Deck

6 of 28 make the deck answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and the 2 that state a number publish figures from 18 to 30 inches. 22 require a permit for deck work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Lake County Depends 30 inches A deck built by the property owner on the owner's own personal residence is exempt from a building permit if it does not exceed 30 inches above grade and a 120-square-foot footprint.
Leon County Depends 100 sq ft Decks greater than 100 square feet in area, or more than 30 inches above grade on any side, require a building permit (either condition alone triggers it).
Manatee County Depends 120 sq ft All attached decks require a building permit regardless of size. A detached deck requires a permit if it is over 30 inches high or over 120 square feet; a detached deck under 30 inches high and under 120 square feet does not require a permit.
Marion County Depends 1 step The county's deck permit fee applies to decks over 1 step in height.
Miami-Dade County Depends 18 inches wood deck 18 inches or less above ground is exempt; decks higher than 18 inches require a building permit.
Sarasota County Depends A permit is required to construct a raised residential deck (one with footings) and for all decks on commercial property; no permit is required for a residential deck placed directly on grade without footings, in any material.
Alachua County Permit required Alachua County requires a permit to construct or enlarge any structure, and its published exemption list (minor repairs under $500, finish work, playground equipment, retractable awnings, small movable fixtures, one qualifying storage shed) does not include decks.
Brevard County Permit required Brevard County has no separate 'deck' permit type; a deck that changes a home's footprint or adds height is filed under the county's Residential Addition permit category, which covers exterior additions and accessory structures.
Broward County Permit required A building permit is required for decks in unincorporated Broward County.
Charlotte County Permit required Installing a raised or flat deck at a residential property in unincorporated Charlotte County requires a building permit, with reviews from the Building, Natural Resources, Right-of-Way, Tree, and Zoning divisions as applicable.
Clay County Permit required an elevated deck, as distinct from other deck work.
Collier County Permit required Collier County does not publish a standalone 'deck' application code, but its official Aluminum Structures page refers to decks as separately permitted structures, indicating a deck permit process exists independent of any screen enclosure or pool built on it.
Escambia County Permit required Escambia County names deck installation, alongside swimming pools and spas, as one of its listed project types on the county's Building Guide, which routes an applicant through the standard zoning check, a site plan/Development Order where applicable, and a Building Permit at the Building Inspections Division before construction begins.
Hernando County Permit required Hernando County's Development Services FAQ lists decks among the projects that require a permit, and the Building Division's fee schedule includes a specific Deck permit fee.
Hillsborough County Permit required A building permit is required for deck construction in Hillsborough County.
Jacksonville Permit required A deck in the City of Jacksonville's consolidated Duval County jurisdiction is permitted as an Addition or Accessory Structure type of improvement under the Building Inspection Division's New Building checklist, which requires flashing, weather-resistance barrier, structural load path, and stair or guardrail details specifically for decks as part of the plan review.
Lee County Permit required Lee County requires a Residential Accessory Structure permit to build, add to, or remodel a deck.
Orange County Permit required A building permit is required for decks in unincorporated Orange County.
Osceola County Permit required Osceola County's Permit Information page lists 'Wood deck' among the residential examples that require a building permit.
Palm Beach County Permit required A Building Permit is required for residential deck construction in unincorporated Palm Beach County; 'Deck' is listed as its own priced line item (by value, $75 minimum) in the Building Division's fee schedule.
Pasco County Permit required No exemption threshold applies because decks are absent from the county exemptions list and structural work is excluded from the state exemption for work valued at less than $7,500.
Pinellas County Permit required A building permit is required for residential deck and porch construction in unincorporated Pinellas County.
Polk County Permit required All decks, walkways, platforms, stairs and landings require a permit regardless of size and must meet setbacks without encroaching into easements.
Santa Rosa County Permit required Santa Rosa County treats a deck as new construction under its general rule that building permits are required for new construction or structural changes, and its Development Services fee schedule prices decks under a dedicated Building Inspection Division line item alongside docks, seawalls, retainer walls, and boathouses.
Seminole County Permit required Seminole County's building permit fee schedule names wood decks as an example of a 'structure other than a building' that falls under the county's general building permit fee category, and the county's general permitting rule requires a permit before constructing, enlarging, or altering any structure.
St. Johns County Permit required St.
St. Lucie County Permit required Minor replacement of existing decking (walking surface only) under $1,000 in value, for 1 and 2 family dwellings, does not require a permit; new deck construction, structural work, or higher-value decking replacement requires a permit.
Volusia County Permit required Building or attaching a deck to a home in unincorporated Volusia County requires a county building permit.

HVAC

6 of 28 make the HVAC answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. 22 require a permit for HVAC work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Hernando County Depends A window air conditioning unit using an existing electrical outlet, and repair of existing mechanical equipment, do not require a building permit; installing a new central/ducted system or changing out equipment does.
Jacksonville Depends A permit is required for mechanical work such as installing or replacing air conditioning and heating equipment. It is not required for connecting portable heating, ventilation, cooling, or evaporative-cooling equipment; for replacing a part within a single existing piece of equipment; or for a self-contained refrigeration system with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant run by a motor of 1 horsepower or less.
Manatee County Depends Replacement and new installation of air conditioners and ductwork require a mechanical permit. Replacement of a window air conditioning unit, and portable heating or cooling appliances, do not require a permit.
Marion County Depends 3 tons Installing an A/C unit under three tons that is cord-and-plug connected to an existing electrical outlet and not connected to ductwork does not require a permit.
Pasco County Depends Air conditioning repair of existing equipment is exempt; equipment change outs and new installations require a mechanical permit and mechanical work is excluded from the state exemption for work valued at less than $7,500.
Seminole County Depends 10 lbs refrigerant A self-contained refrigeration system with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant, actuated by a motor of 1 horsepower or less, does not require a permit; portable heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment is also exempt.
Alachua County Permit required Alachua County treats HVAC replacement as a Level 1 alteration under the Florida Building Code and issues a permit for it, backed by a dedicated HVAC Change Out Inspection Checklist and affidavit provided to applicants at permit issuance.
Brevard County Permit required Brevard County requires a Residential HVAC/Mechanical permit for installing a new or replacement heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit, with or without duct work.
Broward County Permit required A mechanical permit is required for HVAC and air conditioning installation or replacement in unincorporated Broward County.
Charlotte County Permit required In unincorporated Charlotte County, replacing heating and air conditioning equipment at a residential location requires a mechanical permit.
Clay County Permit required Clay County calls this permit type a 'Mechanical Permit' (Section 208.4 of its fee schedule), which covers HVAC and related equipment such as boilers and gas burners.
Collier County Permit required This is a self-issuing permit available on the portal, unless any of the criteria listed below apply. If they do, the permit will follow the standard permitting and plan review process: Greater than 5 tons (single family); Located on the roof of a building; Adding concrete slab; Changing size of equipment; Moving location of equipment; Any changes to duct work; Adding a new mini-split; If owner-builder; In a trailer or manufactured home; If commercial building; If multi-family building.
Escambia County Permit required Escambia County requires an Air Conditioning Permit for installing or changing an existing air conditioning or mechanical system, filed through the county's Mechanical Permit Application.
Hillsborough County Permit required A mechanical permit is required in Hillsborough County for all HVAC work including like-for-like equipment replacement.
Lake County Permit required Lake County charges a Residential Trades fee covering mechanical (HVAC) work alongside electric, plumbing, and gas, and the Office of Building Services publishes a dedicated Mechanical Changeout Residential Checklist (CL10) requiring a Building Permit Application and the Mechanical System Change Outs form (BF65).
Lee County 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.
Leon County Permit required Leon County requires a building permit for HVAC and mechanical work, including equipment replacements, billed either as part of the square-footage-based Mechanical plan review and inspection fee or as a standalone Mechanical trade permit.
Miami-Dade County Permit required A mechanical permit is required for HVAC and air conditioning work in Miami-Dade County including equipment replacement.
Orange County Permit required A mechanical permit is required for all permanently installed HVAC and air conditioning equipment in unincorporated Orange County, including replacements.
Osceola County Permit required Osceola County's Permit Information page lists 'New & replacement HVAC system' among the residential examples that require a building permit, consistent with the brief's expectation that trade permits are usually required.
Palm Beach County Permit required A mechanical permit is required in unincorporated Palm Beach County for new HVAC and air conditioning installations and equipment replacements; 'A/C Change-Out' (Type 1) and 'Air Conditioning, New System' (Type 2(A)) are listed permit types for 1 and 2 unit residences in the county's Permit Application Types guide.
Pinellas County Permit required A mechanical permit is required in unincorporated Pinellas County for new HVAC and air conditioning installations and replacements, including like-for-like equipment swaps; New A/C System and New Minisplit with Electric are listed Mechanical permit subtypes in the Access Portal.
Polk County Permit required Only minor mechanical repairs with no extensions or modifications are exempt; installation, alteration, replacement, extension or repair of mechanical systems, including A/C equipment change outs, requires a permit.
Santa Rosa County Permit required Santa Rosa County lists Mechanical among the permit types on its Obtain a Permit guidance page, and its Development Services Fee Schedule prices HVAC work (heating, ventilation, duct, A/C, and refrigeration, including repairs, alterations, and additions) as its own Mechanical Permits category.
Sarasota County Permit required Sarasota County's Building Permit Guidelines list alteration, addition, or removal of air conditioning systems as work that requires a building permit.
St. Johns County Permit required St.
St. Lucie County Permit required Installing or replacing an HVAC or air conditioning system in unincorporated St.
Volusia County Permit required Changing out, adding, or reconfiguring air conditioning or heating equipment in unincorporated Volusia County requires a mechanical permit.

Plumbing

4 of 28 make the plumbing answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. 24 require a permit for plumbing work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Brevard County Depends Permits are required for the installation or replacement of water, sewer, or gas piping and systems; this does not include changing like-for-like water heaters or fixtures such as sinks.
Jacksonville Depends A permit is required for plumbing work such as fixture installation, water heater replacement, and sewer or water-service connections. It is not required for replacing plumbing fixtures after the stop (excluding water heaters), stopping leaks, or clearing drain stoppages, provided the repair does not involve or require replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures.
Manatee County Depends New plumbing work such as re-piping, a new water service, a new or replacement sewer, and most water heater replacements require a permit. An electric to electric water heater changeout of the same size in the same location, and replacement of a plumbing fixture such as a toilet or faucet where no rough plumbing is changed, do not require a permit.
Pasco County Depends Replacement of existing faucets, sinks, or toilets and French drains not tied into public sewer are exempt; other plumbing work requires a permit and plumbing work is excluded from the state exemption for work valued at less than $7,500.
Alachua County Permit required Alachua County's general permit rule covers erecting, installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing any plumbing system, and the E-Permitting system lists plumbing repair (re-piping), water heater replacement, central water/sewer hookup, and solar water heaters as plumbing permit categories available online.
Broward County Permit required A plumbing permit is required in unincorporated Broward County for new plumbing fixture additions and line modifications.
Charlotte County Permit required Installing new plumbing or replacing existing plumbing elements at a residential property in unincorporated Charlotte County requires a plumbing permit.
Clay County Permit required Clay County's HB 803 minor-work exemption guidance explicitly excludes 'Plumbing work' from the exemption regardless of project cost, so plumbing work always requires a standard building permit rather than being eligible for the new $7,500 owner-requested exemption.
Collier County Permit required Permits shall not be required for the following: ... Plumbing: 1. Repair work performed by licensed plumbing contractors that does not exceed $1,500.00 in value of materials and labor. [Followed by 16 specific exempted repairs/replacements, e.g. faucets, water closets, sinks, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and like-for-like electric water heaters up to 52-gallon capacity.].
Escambia County Permit required Escambia County requires a plumbing permit for relocating a fixture, replacing a bathtub with a shower or a whirlpool tub or shower pan, replacing any water heater, replacing a water service line, and connecting an existing septic tank to sewer service.
Hernando County Permit required Hernando County's Development Services FAQ lists plumbing work among the projects that require a permit, and the Building Division's fee schedule includes a Plumbing, Other (Res) line item.
Hillsborough County Permit required A plumbing permit is required in Hillsborough County for new plumbing installations, fixture additions, and line modifications.
Lake County Permit required Lake County charges a Residential Trades fee covering plumbing work alongside electric, mechanical, and gas, and the Office of Building Services publishes a dedicated Plumbing Residential Permit Checklist (CL14) requiring a Building Permit Application and a one-line diagram, with engineering required for scopes meeting the threshold in F.S. 471.003(h).
Lee County Permit required Lee County requires a Plumbing permit for the installation, replacement, or relocation of plumbing fixtures or the sewer connections.
Leon County Permit required Leon County requires a building permit for plumbing work, billed either through the square-footage-based Plumbing plan review and inspection fee or as a standalone Plumbing trade permit.
Marion County Permit required Marion County requires a permit to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, or replace any plumbing system regulated by the Florida Building Code, and the county's fee schedule includes a specific Res Plumbing Scope permit fee.
Miami-Dade County Permit required A plumbing permit is required for plumbing and gas work in Miami-Dade County including new fixtures, line modifications, and water heater replacements.
Orange County Permit required A plumbing permit is required in unincorporated Orange County for new plumbing, alterations, additions, re-pipes, and water heater replacements.
Osceola County Permit required Osceola County's Permit Information page lists 'Plumbing: New & replacement fixtures, water heaters, re-piping' among the residential examples that require a building permit.
Palm Beach County Permit required A plumbing permit is required in unincorporated Palm Beach County for new water and sewer service connections, site work, and other plumbing installations and modifications. 'Water Service Connection' and 'Sewer Connection' are listed as their own Type 1 Building Permits for 1 and 2 unit residences in the county's Permit Application Types guide.
Pinellas County Permit required A plumbing permit is required in unincorporated Pinellas County for new water and sewer service, site work, and other plumbing installations, listed as its own Plumbing permit category with multiple subtypes in the county's Access Portal.
Polk County Permit required Only minor plumbing repairs with no extensions or modifications are exempt; installation, alteration, replacement, extension or repair of plumbing, including re-pipes and water heater change outs, requires a permit.
Santa Rosa County Permit required Santa Rosa County's Forms & Documents page describes its Plumbing Permit Application as covering all new and existing plumbing-related work, and the county lists Plumbing among the permit types required for construction work generally.
Sarasota County Permit required Sarasota County's Building Permit Guidelines list alteration, addition, or removal of plumbing systems as work that requires a building permit, and the county's building permit application separately confirms plumbing work needs its own permit.
Seminole County Permit required Seminole County's Storm Damage Repair guidance lists replacement of a water heater among the work that requires a building permit, backed by the fee schedule's dedicated plumbing permit fee.
St. Johns County Permit required St.
St. Lucie County Permit required Plumbing changes in unincorporated St.
Volusia County Permit required Adding or replacing a plumbing system, including water heaters, piping, and fixtures, in unincorporated Volusia County requires a plumbing permit.

Electrical

3 of 28 make the electrical answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. 25 require a permit for electrical work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Brevard County Depends Permits are required for the installation or replacement of electrical wiring, meter cans, and breaker panels; this does not include changing fixtures that do not require moving or changing wiring.
Manatee County Depends Any alteration of electrical wiring requires a permit. Residential low voltage (wired or wireless) work does not require a permit unless its cost exceeds $5,000 within any 12-month period. Repair or replacement of a wall switch or outlet device rated 20 amps and 120 volts or less does not require a permit.
Pasco County Depends Replacement of existing light fixtures or switches and garage door openers on existing electrical are exempt; other electrical work requires a permit and electrical work is excluded from the state exemption for work valued at less than $7,500.
Alachua County Permit required Alachua County's general permit rule covers erecting, installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing any electrical system.
Broward County Permit required An electrical permit is required in unincorporated Broward County for new wiring service upgrades and electrical modifications.
Charlotte County Permit required Adding new electrical service or wiring, or replacing existing service or wiring, at a residential property in unincorporated Charlotte County requires an electrical permit.
Clay County Permit required Clay County's HB 803 minor-work exemption guidance explicitly excludes 'Electrical work' from the exemption regardless of project cost, so electrical work always requires a standard building permit rather than being eligible for the new $7,500 owner-requested exemption.
Collier County Permit required Permits shall not be required for the following: ... Electrical: 1. Repair work performed by licensed electrical contractors that does not exceed $1,500.00 in value of materials and labor. 2. Repair or replace existing light fixtures and ceiling fans. 3. Repair or replace electrical wall switches and wall outlet devices of 20 amps or less and 120 volts. 4. Repair/replace low voltage (under 77 volts) devices.
Escambia County Permit required Escambia County requires a permit for electrical work under two named categories: Electrical - Basic Work (changing or adding to existing circuits, adding load to the panel, or wiring new equipment or appliances) and Electrical Service Change (changing a panel from fuses to breakers or upgrading to a larger rating).
Hernando County Permit required Hernando County's Development Services FAQ lists electrical work among the projects that require a permit, and the Building Division's fee schedule includes Electric, Other and Low Voltage Electric line items.
Hillsborough County Permit required An electrical permit is required in Hillsborough County for new wiring, circuit additions, panel upgrades, and other electrical work.
Jacksonville Permit required The City of Jacksonville's consolidated Duval County Building Inspection Division lists new electrical service and rewiring among the repairs that require a building permit, and separately states electrical work must be done only by contractors and craftsmen certified in that trade and requires its own permit.
Lake County Permit required Lake County charges a Residential Trades fee covering electrical work alongside plumbing, mechanical, and gas, and the Office of Building Services publishes a dedicated Electrical Residential Permit Checklist (CL6) requiring a Building Permit Application and a one-line diagram, with engineering required for scopes meeting the threshold in F.S. 471.003(h).
Lee County Permit required Lee County requires an Electric Trade permit when any new electrical circuits are added or extended or when service is changed.
Leon County Permit required Leon County requires a building permit for electrical work, billed either through the square-footage-based Electrical plan review and inspection fee or as a standalone Electrical trade permit.
Marion County Permit required Marion County requires a permit to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, or replace any electrical system regulated by the Florida Building Code, and the county's fee schedule includes a specific Res Electrical Scope permit fee.
Miami-Dade County Permit required An electrical permit is required for new wiring, circuit additions, panel upgrades, and other electrical work in Miami-Dade County.
Orange County Permit required An electrical permit is required in unincorporated Orange County for all electrical construction including new wiring, panel upgrades, and new or relocated outlets.
Osceola County Permit required Osceola County's Permit Information page lists 'New electrical services: Adding fixtures, meters, upgrading, or repairing existing service' among the residential examples that require a building permit.
Palm Beach County Permit required An electrical permit is required in unincorporated Palm Beach County for new wiring, electric service changes, and other residential electrical work. 'Electric Service Change' and low-voltage electric work are listed as their own Type 1 Building Permits for 1 and 2 unit residences in the county's Permit Application Types guide, with general 'Electrical, General' work listed as a Type 2 permit for larger projects.
Pinellas County Permit required An electrical permit is required in unincorporated Pinellas County for new wiring, service-panel upgrades, generators, and other electrical work, listed as its own Electrical permit category with multiple subtypes in the county's Access Portal.
Polk County Permit required Only minor electrical repairs with no extensions or modifications are exempt; all installation, alteration, replacement or extension work, service changes and added outlets or circuits require a permit.
Santa Rosa County Permit required Santa Rosa County's Forms & Documents page describes its Electrical Permit Application as covering all new and existing wiring work, and the county lists Electrical among the permit types required for construction work generally.
Sarasota County Permit required Sarasota County's Building Permit Guidelines list alteration, addition, or removal of electrical systems as work that requires a building permit, and the county's building permit application separately confirms electrical work needs its own permit.
Seminole County Permit required Seminole County's Storm Damage Repair guidance lists electrical repairs among the work that requires a building permit, backed by the fee schedule's dedicated electrical permit fee.
St. Johns County Permit required St.
St. Lucie County Permit required Electrical work in unincorporated St.
Volusia County Permit required Adding electrical receptacles or lighting, upgrading an electrical service, or otherwise altering wiring in unincorporated Volusia County requires an electrical permit.

Jurisdictions not in the tables

Osceola County and St. Johns County publish no exemption for any project we checked: every answered rule there requires a permit.

If the work is already built

Building without a required permit is illegal under Florida state law: section 553.79(1)(a), Florida Statutes, makes it unlawful to construct, erect, alter, modify, repair, or demolish any building without first obtaining a permit, and section 489.127(1)(h) separately prohibits any person from starting permit-required work before the permit is in effect. For an unlicensed person, and a homeowner doing the work personally is unlicensed under chapter 489, violating that prohibition is a first degree misdemeanor under section 489.127(2)(a), punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 under sections 775.082(4)(a) and 775.083(1)(d).

Florida penalties, the after-the-fact path, and what the statute actually says

9 of the 280 rules we hold for Florida are unresolved because the jurisdiction publishes no answer; they are counted nowhere above. The 271 answered rules come from 179 official sources, each linked from the permit page behind every jurisdiction name. See the full picture for the state on the Florida permit requirements page, or the national view of which projects need a permit at all on Do you need a building permit?

This page compiles what each Florida jurisdiction publishes, with a last checked date. It is not legal advice, and a project that is exempt from a building permit can still need zoning approval or a trade permit. Confirm with the office linked from the jurisdiction's page before you build.