The guide provided below is intended for reference purposes only and is not complete or exhaustive. For more information, please email EResQuestions@ocfl.net.
Do I need a permit to build a…
Shed or small structure? Yes, all structures require a permit. Structures of 120 square feet or less may be exempt from the building code but still need to apply for a building permit which may need to be reviewed and approved by other County Agencies. View the
Residential Accessory Building permitting information webpage.
Addition or alteration to my house? Yes, additions and alterations require a building permit. Depending on the scope of work, additional building or sub permits may also be required such as electrical, roofing, mechanical, and possibly plumbing or gas sub-permits.
Fence? Yes, Fence permits are issued by Zoning for all fences 6’ in height or under. Fences over 6’ in height or constructed of masonry require a building permit.
Pool? Yes, you need a building permit and electrical, plumbing and gas sub-permits if applicable.
Driveway, walkway or concrete pad? Yes, anytime you are pouring concrete or placing pavers, a permit is required. Pavers require a Zoning permit only.
Note: For any required permit, at least a final Inspection must be passed to ensure the safety of your construction/installation equipment and compliance with the Florida Building Code. A list of the required inspections for your permit type can be found on the back of your inspection record card.
Do I need a permit to demolish a…
Residential Structure? Yes, a demolition permit is required.
Swimming Pool? Yes, a demolition permit is required. For further questions about residential demolition, please contact
EResQuestions@ocfl.net.
Do I need a permit to replace or change out my…
Air conditioning unit? Yes, you need a mechanical permit for all permanently installed mechanical (air-conditioning/heating) equipment. Plug-in/portable units do not require a permit.
Water heater? Yes, you need a plumbing permit and possibly an electrical permit.
Electrical panel? Yes, you need an electrical permit to change out the panel or upgrade service.
Note: For any required permit, at least a final Inspection must be passed to ensure the safety of your construction/installation equipment and compliance with the Florida Building Code. A list of the required inspections for your permit type can be found on the back of your inspection record card.
Do I need a permit to install…
A replacement roof on my home? Yes, you do need a roof permit. Re-roofs require an in-progress inspection as well as a final inspection. Roof-overs require a permit and final inspection only.
New exterior windows, exterior doors, garage doors? Yes, a building permit is required. A new electrical outlet or move an outlet? Yes, you need an electrical permit.
An appliance that plugs into an outlet? No, if the appliance plugs in to an existing outlet, it does not require a permit.
Irrigation? If you are installing a new or replacement underground irrigation system, yes, you need an irrigation (plumbing) permit.
Note: For any required permit, at least a final Inspection must be passed to ensure the safety of your construction/installation equipment and compliance with the Florida Building Code. A list of the required inspections for your permit type can be found on the back of your inspection record card.
Unlicensed Activity and Unpermitted Work
Why is it important to have a permit? To ensure that all construction activity in Orange County is safe and code compliant. The permitting process also ensures that those performing the work are licensed to complete that work. The permitting and Notice of Commencement process also formalizes the contract and protects all parties involved. Work without a permit may cause challenges during the process of a home sale or obtaining insurance.
What happens if I do work without a permit? If you do work without a permit and a complaint is filed or inspectors notice an unusual or unsafe condition, it is our obligation to investigate and possibly issue a violation. Orange County Neighborhood Services/Code Compliance also investigates unpermitted work or potentially unsafe conditions. Work without a permit may cause challenges during the process of a home sale or obtaining insurance.
Why do I need to hire a Licensed Contractor? If you hire an unlicensed contractor and an injury occurs while doing work at your home or business, you may be held liable. If you wish to sell your home in the future, unpermitted work completed by an unlicensed contractor that is discovered by a home inspector or title company may prevent the sale or cost you thousands of dollars in remediation, as well as code enforcement fines. Unlicensed/unpermitted work also carries a substantial safety risk by failing to adhere to building codes. Whether the intentions are innocent or not, completing work without necessary building permits for repairs and renovations puts current owners, residents, and future owners at risk.
Who may apply for permits? Homeowners may apply for permits only if it is their primary residence. The Homeowner must complete an Owner-Builder Verification and accept all responsibility for adherence to code. Licensed Contractors and Sub-Contractors may apply for permits within the scope of their trade/license.
How to use Fast Track Online Services to Apply for Building Permits
About Fast Track Online Permitting
Orange County Government seeks to enhance customer service in development permitting by establishing a central online permitting destination. Fast Track Online Services provides a one-stop permitting portal to submit permit applications, plans and development documents, make payments, conduct research, manage inspections and more.
Orange County's Planning, Environmental, and Developmental Services Department has streamlined various development processes into one online permitting system, Fast Track.
1. complete training before using fast track
complete one of the required fast track training session(s) for electronic plan submittal using one of the following two options:
for sub-permits, please view the fast track training videos.
once the required training is complete, please use the fast track user guide as a reference document during the application process. for additional questions about permit applications, please contact the fast track customer service team at 407-836-5550 or email eplancom@ocfl.net.
2. register for a fast track account
3. submit a completed building permit application
please follow the overviews below for the residential or commercial building permitting processes. for sub-permits such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas or solar, please watch the fast track training videos.
residential projects consist of single family homes, two family dwellings (duplexes), townhouses and/or their accessory structures (sheds etc.). townhouses follow the residential florida building code, but must be submitted using the commercial permitting process. condominium units and apartment complexes are considered commercial structures.
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