Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
Which Florida bathroom remodel jobs need a permit, from tub-to-shower conversions to new circuits, and who issues them in Melbourne and Brevard County.
Updated October 26, 2026 · 14 min read
Permits & Regulations
Florida Building Permit Guide
The Florida Building Code applies across the state, but permits are issued, reviewed and inspected locally: by your county in unincorporated areas and usually by your city inside city limits. Each one publishes its own checklists, and some details, such as which fences need a permit, differ from place to place.
State law adds its own layer: hurricane product approvals, the Notice of Commencement, owner-builder rules and, since July 2026, a permit exemption for some small projects. Zoning, flood rules and HOA approval can apply even where no permit is needed. These guides explain how it fits together in plain English and link to the official sources.
Permit rules by county
How the same project is treated in different Florida counties, with links to each county's official pages.
Interior projects
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
Which Florida kitchen remodel jobs need a permit, from new circuits and moved sinks to wall removal, and how Melbourne and Brevard County handle them.
Updated October 26, 2026 · 11 min read
Do I need a permit to remove a wall?
When removing or opening an interior wall needs a permit in Florida, how load-bearing and concrete block walls differ, engineering, inspections and costs.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Electrical permits in Florida
When home electrical work needs a permit in Florida, certified vs. registered electricians, the owner exemption, generators, and how to check a license.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Florida permit basics
Building permits in Florida explained
How building permits work in Florida, who issues them, which projects need one, the new $7,500 exemption, permit timelines, inspections and closing out.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 3 min read
The $7,500 permit exemption explained
How Florida's 2026 law exempts some small single-family projects under $7,500 from building permits, what it doesn't cover, and how to request it.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
What is a Notice of Commencement?
What a Florida Notice of Commencement is, when it's required, how to record it, and how it protects you from paying twice under the construction lien law.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder?
When Florida homeowners can act as their own contractor: the disclosure statement, the one-year sale rule, hiring workers and the risks of owner-builder work.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
How building inspections work in Florida
How permit inspections work during a Florida remodel, common inspection stages, failed inspections, closing out a permit and using a private provider.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Roofs, windows & hurricane rules
Roof permits and the 25% rule
When a Florida roof replacement or repair needs a permit, how the 25% rule and the 2022 change work, reroof code upgrades, inspections and county differences.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Do I need a permit to replace windows?
When replacing windows, sliding doors, entry doors and garage doors needs a permit in Florida, product approvals, impact requirements and county differences.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Hurricane codes and product approval
How Florida hurricane rules affect a remodel: the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, the wind-borne debris region, Miami-Dade NOAs and product approval.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Outdoor projects
Do I need a permit for a pool cage?
When a screen enclosure, pool cage or screened lanai needs a Florida permit, the engineering involved, pool barrier rules, rescreening and county differences.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Do I need a permit for a fence?
When a fence or wall needs a permit or zoning approval in Florida, how counties differ, pool barrier requirements under state law, and HOA rules.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Do I need a permit for a deck?
When a deck needs a building permit in Florida, which small decks may be exempt, wind and flood requirements, beachfront rules and how to apply.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Do I need a permit for a shed?
When a backyard shed needs a building permit in Florida, how size limits differ by county, wind anchoring, product approval for prefab sheds and setbacks.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Flood zones & storm repairs
The FEMA 50% rule explained
How the FEMA 50% rule works for Florida renovations and storm repairs in flood zones, how market value is set, and how to plan around it.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read
CCCL permits for beachfront homes
Which beachfront remodels, additions, pools, decks and seawalls need a Florida DEP CCCL permit, how to find the line and how it fits with local permits.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 6 min read
Local permit guides
Renovation permits in Brevard County
Which renovations need a permit in Brevard County, whether the county or your city issues it, and what Melbourne, Palm Bay and the beach towns require.
Updated October 26, 2026 · 15 min read
Building permits in Volusia County
Who issues building permits in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange and the rest of Volusia County, the online portals, inspections and licensing.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Window permits in Melbourne, FL
When Melbourne, FL requires a permit to replace windows and doors, what the application needs, who files it and how the $7,500 exemption request works.
Updated October 26, 2026 · 11 min read
Building permits in Indian River County
Who issues permits in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere and the rest of Indian River County, the online portals and what work needs a permit.
Updated October 12, 2026 · 6 min read
Fence permits in Brevard County
When a new or replacement fence needs a permit in unincorporated Brevard, Melbourne, Palm Bay and West Melbourne, plus the 50% repair rule.
Updated October 26, 2026 · 11 min read
Deck, patio and pergola permits in Brevard
Who permits decks, pergolas, patio covers and paver patios in Brevard County and its cities, what is confirmed, and what to ask before you build.
Updated October 26, 2026 · 12 min read
Planning a project?
Many contractors handle drawings and permit applications as part of the job. Tell us about your project and we may be able to connect you with one serving your area.