Florida HB 803: Do I Still Need a Permit?

You may have heard that Florida no longer requires building permits. That's not quite right. For most home projects, a permit is still required— and even when it isn't, you must notify the City first.

New state law in effect July 1, 2026
MYTH
"Florida passed a law, so I don't need permits anymore."
 
REALITY
HB 803 removes the permit requirement for a narrow set of small, non-trade home projects. Most work still needs a permit. And for the projects that are exempt, the law still requires you to file a written exemption request with the City and get it approved before you start.

 

30-Second Self-Check

If every item below is true about your project, you may potentially be exempt from needing a permit.

What This Means

Work that may be exempt from a permit

Single-family · under $7,500 · no trade work · not in a flood zone

  • Interior painting
  • Flooring, tile, and carpet
  • Cabinetry and countertops
  • Drywall finishing and trim
  • Non-structural fences and decking
  • Cosmetic, non-trade repairs

IMPORTANT NOTE: Even if your project is exempt, the statute still requires an exemption request with the City of Kissimmee.

Submit exemption(PDF, 1MB)

Work that still requires a permit

Regardless of cost — these are never exempt

  • Any electrical work
  • Any plumbing work
  • Any structural work (load-bearing, roofing, additions)
  • Any mechanical / HVAC work
  • Any gas work
  • Anything $7,500 or more, or in a flood zone

Even If Your Project Is Exempt — You Must Notify Us First

This is the part most people miss. HB 803 still requires a written exemption request on file with the City. Doing exempt work without it can lead to code enforcement action.

  1. Complete the City of Kissimmee HB 803 Exemption Notification Form. Describe the work and its total value.
  2. Submit it to the Building & Permitting Division for review.
  3. Wait for the Building Official's approval. You'll receive a stamped, approved copy.
  4. Keep the approved form on-site for the duration of the work, in case Code Enforcement asks to see it.

Important Things to Know

  • "No permit" does not mean "no rules." All work must still meet the Florida Building Code.
  • Licensed contractors are still required for the trades. The exemption does not allow unlicensed work.
  • Your insurance may depend on it. Insurers can deny claims for work that wasn't done to code.
  • You must disclose it when you sell. Florida law requires sellers to disclose work that affects the property.
  • You can't split a project to dodge the permit. Breaking one job into pieces under $7,500 is not allowed.
  • Not sure? Ask us first. One quick call can save you a costly mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the permit fee waived too?

If your project qualifies for the exemption, there's no building permit to pay for. You still complete the exemption notification form so the City has a record of the work.

My contractor said I don't need a permit. Is that enough?

No. Whether the work is exempt depends on the law's specific tests — single-family, under $7,500, no trade work, not in a flood zone — and the City still needs the exemption form on file. When in doubt, confirm with us before work begins.

How do I know if I'm in a flood hazard area?

Contact the Building & Permitting Division and we'll confirm your property's flood designation. If any part of the property is in a flood hazard area, the exemption does not apply.

What happens if I do exempt work without filing the form?

The work may be treated as unpermitted, which can trigger code enforcement, complicate an insurance claim, and create disclosure problems when you sell. Filing the form protects you.

Does this change my HOA's review process?

HB 803 says an HOA can't require you to have a City permit before it does its own architectural review. You should still follow your HOA's separate rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need Help?

Permitting Division

407-518-2379
permitting@kissimmee.gov

Related

Apply for Permit Exemption(PDF, 1MB)

File for a Permit

 

 

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