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Property Owners & Renters

Permits for Homeowners

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.
  1. 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.
  2. What work is 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.

  3. 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.

    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.

  4. Find permits and view status

    Check the Building Permit Reports database to see the status of permits. You can search by permit number, street name, subdivision, or folio number.

    Check Permit Status

  5. 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
    • 12 Things To Know Selecting a Contractor
    • Owner Permit Requirements
  6. Where can I go to get a permit

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

  7. Resources for permits

Contact

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