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Shed or accessory structure on a residential property

Shed or accessory structure permits

Typically: Permit required

Florida has no statewide small-shed exemption. The widely repeated rule that a shed under 120 square feet needs no permit comes from the model International Codes, and Florida did not adopt it: section 105.2 of the Florida Building Code, Building exempts only specified gas, mechanical and plumbing work, with no category exempting detached accessory structures. Where a size threshold exists it is a local ordinance, and it genuinely differs, so ask your building department for the line that applies at your address. Any shed with electricity, plumbing or a permanent foundation needs a permit regardless of size, and zoning setbacks, flood zone rules and wind anchoring apply even when no building permit is required.

Documents you may need

  • Permit or zoning applicationLikely required
  • Site plan showing setbacks and distance to lot linesLikely required
  • Anchoring or tie-down details for wind loadSometimes required
  • Permit applicationLikely required
  • Site plan showing setbacksLikely required
  • Structure dimensions or manufacturer drawingsSometimes required
  • Anchoring or tie-down detailsSometimes required

Possible inspections

  • Foundation or slab inspection
  • Framing and anchoring inspection
  • Final inspection

Shed or accessory structure permits by location

Pick your city or county for local contacts and the specific answer.

Anderson County

Angelina County

Bastrop County

Bell County

Bowie County

Brazoria County

Brazos County

Brown County

Caldwell County

Cameron County

Chatham County

Cherokee County

Chowan County

Clay County

Coffee County

Colquitt County

Columbia County

Columbia County

Columbus County

Comal County

Cooke County

Coryell County

Craven County

Currituck County

Davie County

Dawson County

Decatur County

DeSoto County

Dougherty County

Douglas County

Duplin County

Durham County

Ector County

Edgecombe County

Effingham County

Ellis County

Erath County

Escambia County

Fairfax County

Fannin County

Floyd County

Forsyth County

Forsyth County

Franklin County

Franklin County

Franklin County

Galveston County

Gates County

Gilchrist County

Gillespie County

Gilmer County

Glades County

Glynn County

Gordon County

Grady County

Graham County

Granville County

Grayson County

Greene County

Gregg County

Guadalupe County

Gulf County

Hamilton County

Hardee County

Harnett County

Harris County

Harrison County

Hart County

Hays County

Haywood County

Henderson County

Henderson County

Hendry County

Hernando County

Hertford County

Hidalgo County

Hoke County

Hood County

Hopkins County

Houston County

Howard County

Hunt County

Hyde County

Jackson County

Jefferson County

Jefferson County

Jefferson County

Jim Wells County

Jones County

Jones County

Kaufman County

Kendall County

Kerr County

Kleberg County

Lafayette County

Lamar County

Laurens County

Lee County

Lenoir County

Leon County

Liberty County

Liberty County

Liberty County

Lincoln County

Loudoun County

Lubbock County

Lumpkin County

Macon County

Madison County

Madison County

Martin County

Matagorda County

Maverick County

McDowell County

McLennan County

Midland County

Mitchell County

Monroe County

Montgomery County

Morgan County

Murray County

Navarro County

Northampton County

Nueces County

Oconee County

Okeechobee County

Orange County

Orange County

Osceola County

Palo Pinto County

Pamlico County

Parker County

Pasquotank County

Paulding County

Perquimans County

Person County

Philadelphia County

Pierce County

Pike County

Polk County

Polk County

Potter County

Prince William County

Putnam County

Richmond County

Robeson County

Rockdale County

Rockwall County

Rowan County

Rutherford County

Sampson County

San Patricio County

Santa Rosa County

Scotland County

Spalding County

Stanly County

Stephens County

Stokes County

Sumter County

Surry County

Suwannee County

Swain County

Taylor County

Taylor County

Thomas County

Tift County

Titus County

Tom Green County

Transylvania County

Tyrrell County

Union County

Union County

Upson County

Uvalde County

Val Verde County

Vance County

Victoria County

Wakulla County

Walker County

Walton County

Ware County

Warren County

Washington County

Washington County

Wayne County

Webb County

Whitfield County

Wichita County

Wilkes County

Wilson County

Wise County

Worth County

Yadkin County

Yancey County

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure?
Yes. In Florida, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and your local jurisdiction is no exception. Florida has no statewide small-shed exemption. The widely repeated rule that a shed under 120 square feet needs no permit comes from the model International Codes, and Florida did not adopt it: section 105.2 of the Florida Building Code, Building exempts only specified gas, mechanical and plumbing work, with no category exempting detached accessory structures. Where a size threshold exists it is a local ordinance, and it genuinely differs, so ask your building department for the line that applies at your address. Any shed with electricity, plumbing or a permanent foundation needs a permit regardless of size, and zoning setbacks, flood zone rules and wind anchoring apply even when no building permit is required.
What documents do I need?
Commonly: Permit or zoning application; Site plan showing setbacks and distance to lot lines; Anchoring or tie-down details for wind load; Permit application; Site plan showing setbacks; Structure dimensions or manufacturer drawings; Anchoring or tie-down details. Your jurisdiction sets the exact list.
How do I get an answer for my specific project?
Run the free PermitRoadmap check. It uses your answers and your jurisdiction to return the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its 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.