Below is a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
When do I need a permit?
Required for any new construction, additions, alterations, or repairs with an estimated cost of labor and material greater than $2500 or is structural (to include installing, removing, or repairing any wall or partition). Replacement of a window(s) and/or a door(s) is considered structural and will require a permit. An environmental permit is required when development activity exceeds 1000 square feet of disturbed area. For projects less than 1000 square feet of disturbed area, a permit exemption shall be posted at the job site. You may review a sample copy of a residential permit application as a PDF, which also includes submittal requirements.
Roofing Permit:
Required for any repairs or installation of roofing which exceeds 100 square feet of area. View PDF.
Electrical Permit:
Required when any new electrical circuits are added, extended or service is changed. View PDF.
Plumbing Permit:
Required when any new piping, re-piping, fixtures are added, including backflow devices. View PDF.
Mechanical Permit:
Required when any heating or air conditioning equipment is being extended, relocated or changed out, including ductwork. No permit is required for the installation of window A/C units. View PDF.
Gas Permit:
Required for any new gas piping, extending existing gas piping, or the installation or replacement of gas appliances. View PDF.
PLEASE NOTE: Each construction trade requires its own permit. Additional forms, checklists and affidavits may be found on our Applications and Forms page
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Where do I get a permit?
Building Inspection Division
Renaissance Center
435 N. Macomb Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
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How much does a permit cost?
Please refer to the Growth Management Fee Schedule (PDF).
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Do I need a contractor?
A Florida licensed contractor is required for the construction of new buildings, alteration, repairs and additions to existing buildings. Permits are issued to Florida licensed contractors and qualifying owner builders as described below. To check to see if a contractor is licensed in Florida please contact the Building Inspection Division office or visit the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp
You can obtain permits for and construct your own residence as long as the following criteria as stated in Florida Statute, Chapter 489, Section 489.103(7) as follows:
Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors, when building or improving farm outbuildings or one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease, or building or improving commercial buildings, at a cost not to exceed $75,000, on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease. In an action brought under this part, proof of the sale or lease, or offering for sale or lease, of any such structure by the owner-builder within 1 year after completion of same creates a presumption that the construction was undertaken for purposes of sale or lease. This subsection does not exempt any person who is employed by or has a contract with such owner and who acts in the capacity of a contractor. The owner may not delegate the owner's responsibility to directly supervise all work to any other person unless that person is registered or certified under this part and the work being performed is within the scope of that person's license. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "owners of property" includes the owner of a mobile home situated on a leased lot. To qualify for exemption under this subsection, an owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application. The local permitting agency shall provide the person with a disclosure statement in substantially the following form.
Disclosure Statement:
State law requires construction to be done by licensed contractors. You have applied for a permit under an exemption to that law. The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own contractor with certain restrictions even though you do not have a license. You must provide direct, onsite supervision of the construction yourself. You may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence or a farm outbuilding. You may also build or improve a commercial building, provided your costs do not exceed $75,000. The building or residence must be for your own use or occupancy. It may not be built or substantially improved for sale or lease. If you sell or lease a building you have built or substantially improved yourself within 1 year after the construction is complete, the law will presume that you built or substantially improved it for sale or lease, which is a violation of this exemption. You may not hire an unlicensed person to act as your contractor or to supervise people working on your building. It is your responsibility to make sure that people employed by you have licenses required by state law and by county or municipal licensing ordinances. You may not delegate the responsibility for supervising work to a licensed contractor who is not licensed to perform the work being done. Any person working on your building who is not licensed must work under your direct supervision and must be employed by you, which means that you must deduct F.I.C.A. and withholding tax and provide workers' compensation for that employee, all as prescribed by law. Your construction must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations.
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What are the construction codes enforced by the City of Tallahassee?
Florida Building Codes
The following codes are adopted by the State of Florida and are applicable to all designs for new and altered structures in the City of Tallahassee.
| Effective January 1, 2021 |
| Florida Building Code, Building (FBC-B)* |
7th Edition (2020) |
| Florida Building Code, Mechanical (FBC-M) |
7th Edition (2020) |
| Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas (FBC-FG) |
7th Edition (2020) |
| Florida Building Code, Plumbing (FBC-P) |
7th Edition (2020) |
| Florida Building Code, Existing Building (FBC-EB) |
7th Edition (2020) |
| Florida Building Code Accessibility (FBC-A) |
7th Edition (2020) |
| Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC) |
7th Edition | View |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) |
2017 Edition |
Additional Requirements (PDF)
In addition to the above listed codes, include the information (per FBC-B) on title sheet as found on the attached link.
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What inspections are required?
Listed below are the typical inspections required for residential construction along with inspection codes and the phone numbers to call.
1. Environmental Inspection (850-891-1800):
- First environmental (602): Inspection is made in conjunction with the first building inspection to ensure proper installation of sediment and erosion control barriers.
- Throughout the project sediment & erosion control barriers are monitored. (602)
- Final Inspection (604): Can be made with the final building inspection.
2. Building Inspection (850-891-1800):
- Footing Inspection (100): Required when separate concrete footings are being poured. The inspection should be made after the trenches have been dug and reinforcing steel is in place, and prior to actually pouring the concrete.
- Slab Inspections (105): Required when a concrete slab or a monolithic slab/footing is to be poured. The inspection should be made after all formwork, termite treatment, vapor barriers, reinforcing steel and applicable rough plumbing inspections have been completed, but prior to pouring the concrete slab.
- Exterior Sheathing Inspections (106): To be made during or after the roof and wall sheathing is applied, and before covering with felt or siding.
- Framing Inspection (107): To be made after all the construction is dried in and after all applicable rough electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas inspections have been made. There should be no insulation installed prior to the framing inspection.
- Insulation Inspection (109): To be made once the required insulation is installed. Blown in attic insulation will be inspected during the final inspection.
- Final Inspection (900): To be made after all work is complete. Electrical, plumbing, roofing, driveway, mechanical and gas inspections may be made prior to the final building inspection.
3. Roofing Inspection (850-891-1800):
New, Additions, and Reroofs for Townhouse or Duplex (917): The inspection is to be done, if possible, during the installation of the roofing, but in any case, prior to the final building inspection.
ReRoof for Single Family - Detached only: A Nailing Inspection (115) is required, the spacing pattern should be 6" on center with 8-penny ring shank nails. The Secondary Barrier Inspection (116) is required, using an approved Type 226, type 1 or 2 felt, synthetic underlayment or for flat roofs, base sheet.
NOTE: The Nailing and Secondary Barrier Inspections MUST be inspected and approved prior to the installation of any Final roof covering (917). Once these have been approved the final covering may be installed and a final roof inspection scheduled.
4. Electrical Inspection (850-891-1800):
- Temporary Pole (500): If electrical power from the house cannot be used and temporary construction power is required, the temporary service pole must be inspected prior to the service being connected.
- Rough-In Inspection (200): To be made after all electrical boxes and rough wiring is installed.
- Electrical Release (501): All breakers, circuits and receptacles have been installed and completed. Address must be on building.
- Final Inspection (901): To be made once power is connected to residence and all electrical work has been completed and all electrical trim is installed.
5. Plumbing Inspection (850-891-1800):
- Rough-in Slab Inspection (401): To be made after all underground piping is in place and pressure test is applied, prior to covering of piping under slabs.
- Tub Set Inspection (403): To be made after all rough piping is installed, including tubs, and the system is filled with water or pressure test is applied.
- Sewer Inspection (400): If a new sewer connection is made, piping must be inspected prior to covering.
- Final Inspection (905): To be made after all plumbing work has been completed and all fixtures installed.
6. Mechanical Inspection (850-891-1800):
- Rough-in Inspection (301): To be made after all rough ductwork is installed and after any required condensate lines and exhaust vents are installed.
- Final Inspection (903): To be made after all connections and appliance are installed and complete.
7. Gas Inspection (850-891-7040):
- Rough-in Piping Inspection (300): To be made after all piping is in place and pressure test is applied.
- Gas Meter Set (502): To be requested with the Final Inspection. 24 hr notice for residential
- Final Inspection (902): To be made after all connections and appliance are installed and meter has been set.
8. Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) (850-891-7001 option 2):
After all inspections are finished a C.O. will be issued. A new house or addition cannot be occupied and permanent power cannot be provided without a C.O. This is the final step.
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