Do I Need A Building Permit?

My last blog entry was about work without a permit, and since a large number of people end up at the Permit Source website using the search string; “Do I need a permit?”, I figured it would be helpful to offer information on this subject. Please understand this only relates to Florida and specifically South Florida.

The answer to the question is, almost always, yes. All mechanical, electrical and plumbing work requires a permit. Roof repair or replacement requires a permit. Exterior window and or door replacement requires a permit. Driveways, fences, screen rooms and sheds. Believe it or not, in some municipalities, the Zoning Gestapo police might cite you with a civil violation if you do not get a permit to paint your house. They need to make sure you are using an approved color. Every municipality has their own local Code and Ordinances which can supersede State or County Code if it is more stringent.

As always, call your local Building Department to get an answer your question, “Do I need a building permit?”. It is better to be safe than sorry. They can double the permit fees for work “without a permit” and asses daily fines until the permit is issued. Make note! That is issued not applied for. Checked out the Permit Source Helpful Links page for the listings of the South Florida building departments.