Does HB 803 mean I never need a permit for work under $7,500?

No. The exemption is narrow. It only removes the building permit for cosmetic work on a single-family home under $7,500. If the work involves electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas components, or the home is in a flood-hazard area, a permit is likely still required.

Do I still have to tell the building department?

Yes. The law requires the owner or contractor to submit a written request for the exemption to the local building department, along with documentation showing the nature and value of the work.

Does the exemption remove the building code too?

No. The exemption removes the permit, not the code. The work must still comply with the Florida Building Code. If it does not, you can still be cited or required to correct it.

Can I break a big project into smaller pieces to stay under $7,500?

No. The law specifically prohibits dividing a larger project into multiple smaller projects to avoid the permit requirement.

Can my HOA still require a permit before approving my project?

No. HB 803 also amended Chapter 720 so a homeowners' association cannot require that you already hold a building permit as a condition of its architectural review.

New Florida law, effective July 1, 2026

Does Florida's new $7,500 permit exemption apply to your project?

As of July 1, 2026, Florida HB 803 exempts work on a single-family home valued under $7,500 from needing a building permit, but only if the work is cosmetic. Electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work are never exempt, and the exemption does not apply in flood-hazard areas. You must still file a written exemption request with documentation, and the work must still meet the Florida Building Code.

Last verified 2026-07-17. General information, not legal advice.

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Step 1 of 5Property type

Is the property a single-family dwelling?

HB 803's exemption applies only to single-family homes. Duplexes, condos, townhomes in some cases, and commercial buildings are not covered.

Often exempt

Interior painting and finishes
Flooring and tile that is not structural
Cabinet and countertop replacement
Drywall repair and finishing
Trim, molding, and non-structural carpentry
Similar cosmetic improvements under $7,500

Not covered by this exemption

Electrical work beyond a simple like-for-like device swap
Plumbing work beyond a like-for-like fixture swap
Any structural work, including load-bearing changes
Any mechanical work, such as HVAC
Any gas work
Work on property in a FEMA flood-hazard area
Any project valued at $7,500 or more
A larger project split into smaller pieces to stay under $7,500

The HB 803 exemption never covers these, but that does not automatically mean you need a permit. Some minor like-for-like repairs, such as swapping a receptacle or switch (typically 20 amps or less) or replacing a faucet without changing the pipes, are often permit-exempt under separate Florida Building Code and local rules. Those are different from the $7,500 exemption and vary by jurisdiction, so confirm the specific work with your building department.

Frequently asked questions

Does HB 803 mean I never need a permit for work under $7,500?: No. The exemption is narrow. It only removes the building permit for cosmetic work on a single-family home under $7,500. If the work involves electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas components, or the home is in a flood-hazard area, a permit is likely still required.
Do I still have to tell the building department?: Yes. The law requires the owner or contractor to submit a written request for the exemption to the local building department, along with documentation showing the nature and value of the work.
Does the exemption remove the building code too?: No. The exemption removes the permit, not the code. The work must still comply with the Florida Building Code. If it does not, you can still be cited or required to correct it.
Can I break a big project into smaller pieces to stay under $7,500?: No. The law specifically prohibits dividing a larger project into multiple smaller projects to avoid the permit requirement.
Can my HOA still require a permit before approving my project?: No. HB 803 also amended Chapter 720 so a homeowners' association cannot require that you already hold a building permit as a condition of its architectural review.

PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.