The State of Florida has adopted legislation that establishes required timelines for reviewing certain construction permit applications. These timelines apply to both the City and the applicant.
If these deadlines are not met, outcomes may include permit denial, resubmittal requirements, or adjustments to certain permit fees. The permit applicant may waive these timelines by submitting the Review Time Limit Waiver form.
To meet statutory timelines, a permit application must be complete at the time of submission. Applications are reviewed in accordance with Florida Statutes s. 553.79(16) and s. 553.792.
These timelines apply to certain permit applications reviewed under Section 553.792, Florida Statutes.
- Residential permits, including single-family residential dwellings, accessory structures, alarms, electrical, irrigation, landscaping, mechanical, plumbing, and roofing
- Non-residential buildings less than 25,000 square feet
- Sign permits
- Multifamily residential projects not exceeding 50 units
- Site-specific permits associated with a Master File permit
Permits that do not qualify will proceed through the standard review process.
- A permit application must be complete at the time of submission to begin the review timeline.
- The City will review the application for completeness within 5 business days.
A complete application consists of:
- Permit number assigned.
- Upfront fees paid.
- The permit application form and all drawings and supporting documents have been submitted.
- Prescreen approved.
Applicant responsibilities
- For permit applications which fall under the permit types affected, applicants must provide corrections to rejection comments within 10 business days. Failure to comply shall result in the denial of the permit application and require resubmission including any associated fees.
- The permit applicant may waive these timelines by submitting the Review Time Limit Waiver form.
Single-family homes less than 7,500 sq ft
- The City will respond with approval or comments within 30 business days of receiving a complete application.
- Applicants must provide corrections to rejection comments within 10 business days. Failure to comply shall result in the denial of the permit application, requiring resubmittal of the permit application, plans, and any associated fees.
- Applicants have the option to waive the deadlines by either selecting the waiver option within ProjectDox or by submitting a Review Time Limit Waiver form.
Single-family homes greater than 7,500 sq ft
Existing single-family residence - value of work is less than $15,000
Commercial Projects less than 25,000 sq ft
This includes multifamily residential projects up to 50 units, site plans, subdivision plats not requiring public hearing or public notice, and lot grading or site alteration. This does not apply to swimming pools, fences and low-voltage stickers.
- The City will respond with approval or comments within 60 business days after receiving a complete application.
- Applicants must provide corrections to rejection comments within 10 business days. Failure to comply shall result in the denial of the permit application, requiring resubmittal of the permit application, plans, and any associated fees.
- Applicants have the option to waive the deadlines by either selecting the waiver option within ProjectDox or by submitting a Review Time Limit Waiver form.
- Single-family residential dwelling: A detached one- or two-family residential property.
- Complete application: A submission that includes all required documents, drawings, attachments, and fees.
- Denial: Refusal to issue a permit. A denied application may require a new submission.
For questions about building permit review timelines or waiver requirements, contact buildingofficial@orlando.gov.