Roofing Permits in Florida: What Homeowners Should Know

Roofing Permits in Florida: What Homeowners Should Know

If you’re a Florida homeowner planning to repair or replace your roof, one thing you can’t ignore is permitting. Whether you live in a coastal zone or an inland suburb, the state’s building codes are strict—and for good reason. Florida is vulnerable to extreme weather, from hurricanes to heavy rain, and the permitting process helps ensure that roofing work meets safety standards.

But permits can also feel confusing or frustrating for homeowners. How do you know if you need one? Who’s responsible for pulling the permit? And what happens if you skip it altogether? What a roofing permit is and why it matters

A roofing permit is an official document issued by a local building department. It gives a contractor permission to perform roofing work at a specific property. The purpose is to make sure the job complies with Florida Building Code, which is updated regularly to reflect lessons learned from past storms and structural failures.

Permits apply to most residential roofing jobs—especially full replacements or major repairs. Once a permit is issued, the city or county building inspector will typically visit the property during or after the work to verify everything was done properly.

Skipping a required permit is never a good idea. If the work isn’t inspected, it could create legal issues, fail to pass future home inspections, or result in fines. You might also run into insurance problems. Some companies won’t cover a roof that was replaced without the proper documentation.

When a permit is required in Florida

In general, most roofing projects in Florida will need a permit. This includes:

• Full roof replacements

• Structural repairs to the decking or trusses

• Reroofing (adding new shingles over existing ones)

• Changing the type of roofing material (e.g., switching from shingles to tile)

• Repairs involving more than a specified percentage of the roof’s total area (often 25% or more)

Smaller repairs may be exempt

Minor patchwork or maintenance—like replacing a few damaged shingles—usually doesn’t require a permit, but it’s best to check with your local building department just to be safe. Each county or municipality may have slightly different rules.

Who is responsible for getting the permit

While homeowners are ultimately responsible for work done on their property, your roofing contractor should be the one pulling the permit. A licensed contractor will know the process and handle the paperwork for you.

Be cautious of contractors who ask you to pull the permit

Avoid any contractor who asks you to pull the permit yourself. This is often a red flag. In Florida, only licensed contractors or property owners acting as their own contractor (with certain restrictions) can apply for a roofing permit. If your roofer isn’t licensed or tries to cut corners, you could be left with liability issues.

When you choose a reputable roofing company, they will include the cost and process of permitting in their service. They’ll also schedule the inspections and keep you informed at each stage.

What the permitting process looks like

Once you hire a licensed roofer, here’s a basic overview of how the permitting process typically works:

• Permit application – The contractor submits the application, along with documentation about your property, the scope of work, and sometimes the proposed materials

• Plan review – The building department reviews the application and may request additional details or corrections

• Permit approval – Once approved, work can legally begin. The permit is usually displayed at the job site

• Inspections – A city or county inspector will visit your property during or after the job to check for code compliance

• Final approval – If the inspector signs off on everything, the permit is closed, and your project is officially complete

Depending on the local workload and the complexity of your project, this process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Your contractor should keep things moving smoothly and communicate any delays.

What happens if you don’t get a permit

Homeowners sometimes wonder if they can save time or money by skipping the permit. The answer is: it’s not worth the risk.

Doing unpermitted work can lead to:

• Code violations and fines

• Insurance denial

• Complications when selling your home

• Safety risks

In short, a permit protects you. It ensures that the job meets state and local standards and that your home remains safe and insurable.

Florida’s high-wind and hurricane requirements

Because Florida is prone to hurricanes, roofing work must meet strict wind resistance guidelines. Depending on your location, you may need extra documentation showing that materials and installation methods are compliant with local wind zone requirements.

Special approvals may be needed

For example, homes in coastal regions often require a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or Product Approval for roofing materials. These documents show that shingles, underlayment, fasteners, and other components have been tested and approved for Florida’s conditions.

Your contractor should be familiar with these standards and include the right products and installation techniques for your region. If they don’t, your roof may not pass inspection—or worse, fail when you need it most.

How to choose the right roofing contractor

Permits are just one part of a safe, successful roofing project. Choosing a reliable contractor is just as important. Look for a company that:

• Is fully licensed and insured in Florida

• Has experience with local building codes and permitting

• Is willing to explain the permit process to you

• Pulls the permit on your behalf

• Has a history of passing inspections

Do your research

You can check a contractor’s license through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Also, ask for references or read reviews from other homeowners in your area.

Conclusion

Roofing permits might not be the most exciting part of your home improvement project, but they’re essential for protecting your investment. They ensure that your new roof meets Florida’s strict safety standards and help you avoid legal, financial, or insurance headaches down the line.

As a homeowner, you don’t have to navigate the permitting process alone. A trustworthy roofing company will handle everything for you and make sure your project is done right from start to finish.

If you’re thinking about a roof replacement or repair, reach out to a local, licensed roofer with experience in Florida’s permitting process. A little planning up front can save you a lot of stress later on.