When do I need a Permit?
Required Building Permits
Applications for building permits are required to be submitted for installations regulated by Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code (FBC) if any owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure and/or erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system. The following are some items that do require a permit:
- Yard fences and pool barrier fences
- Screen enclosures and screened patios/porches
- Accordion shutters
- Stand-by (permanent) generators
- Rooftop solar panels
- Pools and spas
- Adding a gas line, such as for an outdoor grill or pool heater
Permit Exemptions
Although a building permit is required for most construction-related work, various improvements of real property may not require a building permit. The work exempted must still be constructed in accordance with minimum code standards. The following are items that do not require a permit:
- Air conditioning repair
- Air conditioning window unit replacement with existing electrical
- Carpet installation
- Ceiling fan replacement using existing outlet box and wiring
- Door replacement for any interior, residential door within the individual unit
- Gutters and leaders
- Heating unit repair
- Installation of floor/wall ceramic tile
- Painting/wallpaper
- Plumbing fixture replacement
- Repair of existing single family home roof less than 2 squares (200 square ft)
- Residential appliance replacement
- Residential drywall repairs that are not fire-related and are for small areas that do not exceed 2 sheets of drywall
- Residential playground equipment
- Residential replacement of existing countertops and sinks that are going back in the same location (bathroom vanity and kitchen cabinetry replacement does require a permit)
- Window repair
- Installation of drywall in a detached garage without habitable space
If you have any questions, just ask. If you don’t need a permit, we'll be happy to let you know. In the event of a conflict between this document and a specific rule or regulation, all applicable codes shall apply. For more information, contact (561) 530-5880 ext. 202 or email building@westlakegov.com .
