One of the most common questions we get from Florida homeowners is: "Do I need a permit for this?" The short answer: if you're doing anything beyond cosmetic changes, you probably do. In this guide, we'll explain Florida's permitting requirements, what happens if you skip them, and how Lozano Construction handles the entire process for you.
What Requires a Permit in Florida?
Florida building code requires permits for most construction work that goes beyond surface-level cosmetic changes. You **do need a permit** for structural modifications (moving or removing walls, adding rooms), electrical work (new circuits, panel upgrades, rewiring), plumbing work (moving or adding fixtures, re-piping), HVAC installation or replacement, roofing (new roof or re-roof), window and door replacement (especially impact-rated), swimming pool construction, and fences over 6 feet tall.
What Doesn't Require a Permit?
You generally **don't need a permit** for interior painting, wallpaper, and trim work, replacing kitchen and bathroom hardware, installing new flooring (no subfloor modifications), replacing fixtures in the same location (like-for-like), landscaping (with some exceptions), and minor repairs that don't affect structural, electrical, or plumbing systems.
Why Skipping Permits Is a Costly Mistake
We've seen it too many times — a homeowner hires an unlicensed contractor who doesn't pull permits, and the consequences are serious. **Safety risks** are the biggest concern — permits exist to ensure work meets Florida's building code, which is designed to protect you and your family from structural failures, electrical fires, and hurricane damage. **Insurance problems** can arise because unpermitted work may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance. **Selling difficulties** occur because when you sell your home, unpermitted work must be disclosed and can kill a deal or reduce your sale price. And **fines and forced removal** are real — if the county discovers unpermitted work, they can fine you and require you to tear it out.
How the Permitting Process Works
The basic process in most Florida counties follows these steps. First, your contractor submits plans and an application to the local building department. Then the building department reviews the plans (this can take days to weeks depending on complexity). Once approved, the permit is issued and posted at the job site. During construction, inspections are scheduled at key stages (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final). After passing final inspection, the permit is closed — this is your proof that the work was done to code.
How Lozano Construction Handles Permits
At Lozano Construction, permitting is included in every project. We prepare all required documents and drawings, submit applications to the appropriate building department (Sarasota County, Manatee County, Charlotte County, or specific city offices), schedule and attend all inspections, and ensure the permit is properly closed upon completion. You never have to visit the permit office or worry about code compliance. That's our job.
The Bottom Line
When in doubt, get a permit. The cost of a permit is minimal compared to the cost of problems from unpermitted work. And when you hire a licensed general contractor like Lozano Construction (CGC1532629), the entire process is handled for you. Call us at (941) 300-0770 or request a free estimate — we'll tell you exactly what permits your project needs.
