Effective July 1, 2026, a new state law (HB803) exempts owners and contractors of single-family dwellings from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work valued at less than $7,500, when exemption eligibility requirements are met.
In order for your project to be considered exempt, you must submit an exemption request to the City after confirming all exemption criteria are met.
The following types of work are not eligible for exemption, regardless of cost:
- Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work
- Structural work, including railings, guards, pool barriers or fences, windows and doors, siding and soffits, roofing, and elevated decks
- Any work on a property located partially or entirely within a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code
A construction project may not be divided into multiple smaller projects for the purpose of staying under the $7,500 threshold to qualify for this exemption. The exemption applies only to complete single projects valued under $7,500.
Applicable land development, planning, civil-related permits are not included in the exemption and may require approval from those applicable disciplines.
This law also provides an exemption to voluntary temporary flood panel and barrier installation permit requirements for hurricane and flood protection, which must meet all five required conditions.
This exemption applies only to properties not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If your property is located within a designated SFHA, permit requirements remain in effect.
All five of the conditions must be met to qualify for the exemption:
- The wall or barrier is non-load-bearing and non-habitable.
- The wall or barrier is installed on the residential property of a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or townhouse.
- The wall or barrier is constructed to mitigate or prevent storm surge or floodwaters from entering a structure or property.
- The wall or barrier is installed by a contractor licensed under Part I of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.
- The wall or barrier complies with all applicable local zoning, drainage, easement, and setback requirements.
Applicable land development, planning, civil-related permits are not included in the exemption and may require approval from those applicable disciplines.
Before requesting an exemption, check whether your property is located in a flood zone.
Am I in a Flood Zone?
If you meet all applicable exemption criteria, return to the service page to submit your exemption request.
Request an Exemption