Building Permits in Florida

We cover 100 cities in Florida. Select a city below to see local permit requirements.

100 Cities Covered

9,843 Permit Rules

IRC Building Code Base

Building Codes in Florida

Building permit requirements in Florida are enforced at the local level, each city and county building department sets its own rules, fees, and timelines. Most cities in Florida follow the FBC 8th Edition IRC, though 27 cities are still on the 2021 edition.

We cover 100 cities in Florida with 9,843 specific permit rules. That's real, locally researched data, not generic advice. Each city page shows exactly what triggers a permit, what's exempt, estimated fees, and how to apply.

The bottom line: don't assume your city follows the same rules as the one next door. A fence that's exempt in one town might need a full permit two miles away. Always check your specific city.

Permit Fees Across Florida

Across the 100 cities we cover in Florida, permit fees range from $25 – $6,500. The average sits around $180 – $753.

Fees vary a lot by city and project type. A simple fence permit might run you $50, while a full room addition could be $2,000+. Most cities calculate fees based on your estimated project value, typically 1–2% of construction cost. Check the specific city page for accurate numbers.

Common Permit Exemptions in Florida

These are the most common projects that don't require a permit across cities in Florida. Keep in mind, "exempt from a permit" doesn't mean "exempt from code." You still have to build to code even without a permit.

Tree Removal: Exempt in 191 of our 100 covered cities

Fence: Exempt in 146 of our 100 covered cities

Windows and Doors: Exempt in 120 of our 100 covered cities

Siding: Exempt in 100 of our 100 covered cities

Patio: Exempt in 100 of our 100 covered cities

Exemptions vary by city. Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

Contractor Licensing in Florida

If you're hiring a contractor in Florida, make sure they're properly licensed. You can verify credentials through the Florida DBPR – Construction Licensing.

Two rules of thumb: never pay a contractor in full upfront, a third down is standard. And if a contractor tells you "we don't need a permit for this," that's a red flag. Use PermitMint to verify before you sign anything.