Homeowner Permits

Most construction in Hillsborough County requires approval and permits from Building Services to make sure that the work meets proper safety codes. You can do the construction on your own and pull your own permits. If you hire a contractor, they will obtain all of the necessary permits.

What to look for when hiring a contractor

Before hiring a professional, make sure the individual holds a valid contractor license and is insured to work in Hillsborough County. This protects you as a homeowner, property owner, or tenant, and also protects the contractor and assures that the work is done safely and completed according to all building code requirements. Search our database of contractors to see who is licensed to work here.

Work exempt from permits

Work that does not require a permit is typically cosmetic, such as:

• Painting*
• Tile*
• Floor coverings including carpet, vinyl, wood, and more.
• Shelving
• Cabinet Work
• Wall papering

For a detailed list, view Work Exempt from Permits.

*You do not need a permit for painting or tiling, but if you hire a contractor to do the work, they must have a license.

How to get a permit

To begin the process you will need the property folio number with legal description. The type of additional information you will need to provide is dependent upon the type of permit you are requesting. Please take a look at our checklist of the various permits and a detailed process of what is required and how to obtain each permit.

• After The Fact Permit
• Mobile Home for private property
• Re-roof Inspection Worksheet
• Residential Addition
• Single-family Residence/Duplex
• Swimming Pool Checklist
• Townhouse/Single-family Attached

Submission of a permit application does not constitute the issuance of a permit. The permit is not issued until the application and the accompanying documentation has been reviewed and approved and applicable permit fees paid.

Things to know about permits

• We don't require permits for low voltage projects within existing residential structures, but do require a permit for commercial and new residential structures
• Stand-alone permits such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and any other permits not tied to a general building permit, expire after 180 days from the date of issue
• Warning Signs That Your Contractor May Not Be Licensed
• Owner Permit Requirements

Resources

• Applications & Forms
• Building Permit Fee Schedule & Calculations
• Inspections
• 140 MPH Wind Borne Debris Map Viewer
• Find my Flood Zone

Locations

We have two office locations you can visit to request and pick-up permits:

• County Center, 19th Floor, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa
• Southshore Regional Service Center, 410 30th Street, SE in Ruskin

Contact

For more information, contact Development Services at (813) 272-5600.