Permitting FAQs

You generally do not need a permit for minor home improvement projects, such as:

• Interior or exterior residential painting
• Installing portable plug-in heating or cooling units
• Replacing flooring
• Replacing cabinets or countertops in the same location (without changing the layout)
• Residential landscaping (not including irrigation systems)
• Installing a residential satellite dish
• Installing a residential flagpole up to 15 feet tall (or a removable sectional flagpole up to 20 feet tall)

Most construction, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural work does require a permit. If your project involves building, altering, repairing, demolishing, or changing a building or its systems, you'll typically need to obtain a permit before work begins, as required by the Florida Building Code.

If you're not sure whether your project requires a permit, contact Orange County Permitting Services before starting work.

Permit costs vary depending on the type and scope of your project.

Building Safety fees are listed in Section 3 of Orange County's Fee Directory.

For new construction, permit costs may include review and inspection fees from multiple County divisions. The total cost depends on factors such as the size, value, and type of the project, so the final permit fee usually can't be determined until plans have been reviewed.

For mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits, fees are generally based on the estimated cost of the work.

A mechanical permit is always required for HVAC equipment replacement or modification. If the system is an upgrade requiring different size wires or breakers then you need both electrical and mechanical permits.

A permit can be applied for by:

• A Florida-licensed contractor.
• A property owner applying as an owner-builder, if the property is for their own use or occupancy and they qualify under Florida law.

If the property is owned by a corporation, LLC, or trust, the permit must be obtained by a Florida-licensed contractor.

If you're unsure who can apply for your permit, email permittingservices@ocfl.net for assistance.

Permit status can be viewed in real-time on Fast Track Online Services. In the left-hand orange column, click on “Permits, All Types” then click on “Building Permits” and enter the permit number, address or parcel ID. When the Building permit number appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it. Every item in blue is a hyperlink to more information.

Before a building permit can be issued, all required reviews and issuance steps must be completed.

You can check the status of your permit in Fast Track. If any required process is marked Open, your permit is not ready to be issued.

For questions about an open process, contact the appropriate office:

• Utilities Customer Service: 407-836-5503
• Impact Fee Assessment: 407-836-5617
• Final Plan Preparation: PermittingServices@ocfl.net
• Final Issuance Review: PermittingServices@ocfl.net

A Use Permit is for a new tenant who plans to occupy a space without making any construction or alterations and whose business use is the same as the previous tenant. A Use Permit allows the tenant to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

A Building Permit is required when construction, renovations, or other alterations are planned. It may also be required if the new business changes the building's occupancy classification under the Florida Building Code.

If you have questions about which permit you need, email permittingservices@ocfl.net.

We have compiled online resources which explain the processes:

• Commercial
• Residential

You are only required to submit one set of electronically signed and sealed construction documents for review when submitting projects through the Orange County FastTrack system. Electronic plan review allows all reviewing agencies to review the plans at the same tim

Permit information can be found on Fast Track Online Services. Click on Property (Address/Parcel) in the side bar and search for your property by address or parcel ID. Information about past will be displayed.

Expired permits must be replaced with new permits and all remaining inspections must be performed. For questions concerning expired permits please email PermittingServices@ocfl.net

Submit a request for a Field Investigation Report (FIR) report which will require paying a fee. Once a FIR Reference Number has been generated, you will have to schedule an inspection. After the inspection, the inspector will note the course of action necessary to secure permit(s).

Many property violations are issued when work is completed without the required permit.

To resolve a violation, you'll need to apply for a permit. You can either:

• Remove the unpermitted work, or
• Apply to keep it by submitting plans that show the work meets current building codes.

If you choose to keep the work, your plans must be approved, the permit must be issued, and all required inspections must be completed. In some cases, finished work may need to be uncovered so it can be inspected.