Most construction requires approval and permits from Building Services
Most construction in Hillsborough County requires approval and permits from Building Services to make sure that the work meets proper safety codes. You can do the construction on your own and pull your own permits. If you hire a contractor, they will obtain all of the necessary permits.
What to look for when hiring a contractor
- Before hiring a professional, make sure the individual holds a valid contractor license and is insured to work in Hillsborough County. Check out our Selecting a Contractor in Hillsborough County page to see all the tips for what you need to look for.
- Search records on the HillsGovHub portal or visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation to search for a contractor
Can I request a permit if I am doing work on my own home
- Generally, homeowners are able to pull their own permit and act as their own contractor under Florida Statute 489.103(7)
- The property must be in the homeowner's name, and it must be the homeowner's primary residence. (If the property was recently purchased and does not reflect the current owner, a recorded certified copy of the deed must be provided.)
- The statute provides for specific exemptions and requirements in order to obtain a permit
- An Owner Builder Disclosure Statement must be provided, and the property cannot be sold for one year from the date the work was completed
What work is exempt from permits
Work that does not require a permit is typically cosmetic, such as:
- Cabinet Work
- Fencing, depending on materials used and restrictions or requirements fo your area
- Floor coverings including carpet, vinyl, wood, and more.
- Painting*
- Shelving
- Tile*
- Wall papering
For a detailed list, view Work Exempt from Permits.
Certain projects, such as bathroom or kitchen remodels, may require permits depending on the type of work being performed. For instance, a bathroom remodel where plumbing work is involved would likely require a permit. However, a bathroom remodel involving only tile installation and cabinet work would likely not require one.
*You do not need a permit for painting or tiling, but if you hire a contractor to do the work, they must have a license.
How to get a permit
Get the property folio number with legal description.
The type of additional information you will need to provide is dependent upon the type of permit you are requesting. Please take a look at our checklists of the various permits. This will include a detailed process of what is required to obtain each permit
Submission of a permit application does not constitute the issuance of a permit. The permit is not issued until the application and the accompanying documentation has been reviewed and approved and applicable permit fees paid.
Search for your permit on the HillsGovHub portal for the status of your permit.
If you have already started your project before obtaining the proper permit and it is still under construction, stop the work immediately and contact permitting@hcfl.gov for information on how to obtain an After-The-Fact permit. If you don't stop the work immediately, it will be more costly to resolve the problem and you may be issued a citation of up to $500 per violation.
Where can I go to get a permit
Apply for permits through our online permitting portal.
- Visit HillsGovHub for help with how to use the portal, including Getting Started with HillsGovHub, which has many guides with instructions for navigating your way through the system
How do I check my permit status
Visit the HillsGovHub portal and search for your record to check the status of your permit. You must be logged in to view select details and use the My Records function. View the user guide for assistance.
Resources for permits
- Applications & Forms
- Permit Fees
- Inspections
- Wind Borne Debris Map Viewer
- Find My Flood Zone
- Development Services Records(how to locate past and present permit documents and records)
- Owner Builder Common Residential Inspections
- Owner Builder Permits - Process
Contact
For more information, contact Development Services at (813) 272-5600.