Do I need a permit for deck construction or replacement in Highland Park?
Highland Park does not issue residential building permits. The Village of Highland Park does not run its own building department. The village states that it must first review and approve any building permit (using its Permit Authorization Form, handled by the City Manager at citymanager@highlandpark-fl.org) before the application is submitted to Polk County, and the Polk County Building Division (330 W. Church St., Bartow, 863-534-6080) then issues the permit through the Polk County Access Portal. The village also contracts with Polk County for code enforcement. The phone and address listed are the village office.
The requirements below come from Florida rules and describe the standard the work must still meet. They are not a statement that Highland Park will issue you a permit.
Yes. In Florida, deck construction or replacement generally requires a permit, and Highland Park is no exception.
Florida did not adopt the model code exemption for small, low decks, so a deck of any size generally needs a building permit. Section 105.2 of the Florida Building Code, Building exempts only listed gas, mechanical and plumbing work, and a deck is structural work, which the $7,500 permit exemption never covers. Expect footing, framing and final inspections, plus added review in a flood hazard area.
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Answer a few questions to see the specific permits, documents, and next steps for your deck construction or replacement in Highland Park.
Check my projectLocal and county notes for Highland Park
Florida did not adopt the model code exemption for small, low decks. The Florida Building Code, Residential reserves its own permit section and uses Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code, Building, whose section 105.2 exempts only listed gas, mechanical and plumbing work. A deck is structural work, so the $7,500 permit exemption in Florida Statutes 553.79(1)(g) does not apply to it. Deck framing must meet section R507 of the Florida Building Code, Residential, and decks in a flood hazard area face added elevation and anchoring review.
Documents you may need
- Building permit applicationRequired
- Site plan or survey showing the deck, setbacks and property linesLikely required
- Framing plan with footing, beam, joist and ledger attachment detailsLikely required
- Flood zone information or elevation certificate (in a flood hazard area)Sometimes required
- Owner-builder disclosure statement or licensed contractor informationSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Footing inspection before concrete is placed
- Framing inspection of posts, beams, joists and ledger connections
- Final inspection including guards and stairs
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for deck construction or replacement in Highland Park?
- Yes. In Florida, deck construction or replacement generally requires a permit, and Highland Park is no exception. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
- Who issues the permit in Highland Park?
- The local building department for Highland Park handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
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.