New Permitting Rules go into effect July 1, 2026

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 may need to 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.

Read HB 803

 

Do I Need a Permit?

1. These projects always need a permit

If your project involves any of the following, you must apply for a permit, no exceptions:

  • Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work
  • Structural work (anything affecting the building's frame or load-bearing elements)
  • Windows, exterior doors, siding, and roofing
  • Any project valued at $7,500 or more
  • Any work in a designated flood zone

File a Permit

2. These may be exempt, but you must still file an exemption request first

The following projects can qualify for an exemption if they are under $7,500 and not in a flood zone.

  • Fencing (not including pool barriers)

 

What happens when you request an exemption

  1. Complete the City of Kissimmee Exemption Notification Form(PDF, 1MB). 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.
  • 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. See flood zone map

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?

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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