Does my project need a permit?

Permit questions

Who decides whether my project needs a permit?

Your local building department — the county's, or your city's if you live inside a city that runs its own. They apply the Florida Building Code and their local rules, so they have the final word.

What is the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?

It's the part of the Florida Building Code that covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with stricter requirements for roofs and openings. Products used there must be approved for HVHZ use. The rest of Florida uses Florida Product Approval for those products.

What does it mean to close out a permit?

After the final inspection passes, the building department marks the permit as finaled or closed. Until then it shows as open on the property record, which can come up when you sell, refinance or file an insurance claim.

I bought a house with an open permit. What now?

Open permits generally stay with the property. The usual path is to find out what the permit covered and what inspections are outstanding, then complete or correct the work and get it inspected and closed. A certified contractor can take that over.

Is this checker a substitute for asking the building department?

No. It gives general Florida guidance so you know what to ask. Always confirm with your building department before starting work.