Permitting Updates: Florida House Bill 803 Quick Guide
The City of Fort Lauderdale is updating its permitting process to comply with Florida House Bill 803, effective July 1, 2026. These updates are designed to streamline our operations and expedite your application processing times.
Neighbors are encouraged to review the full details in the HB 803 Permitting Updates(PDF, 200KB) document before submitting applications or beginning work.
What You Need To Know
Permitting Exemption for Small Residential Projects (Under $7,500)
Certain cosmetic, non-structural work on residential single-family homes may now be exempt from building permits.
- Eligible Projects: May include interior painting, flooring, cabinets, and minor drywall repairs.
- Not Exempt: Commercial properties, window replacements, AC units, structural changes, utilities (electric/plumbing/mechanical), multifamily properties, condominiums, or apartments or homes in flood zones.
- Action Required: This is not an automatic exemption. You must submit the Residential Permit Exemption Request (HB 803) Form(PDF, 242KB) with a project job cost estimate via LauderBuild and receive written approval before starting work.
Single-Family Permit Expiration
Permits for single-family homes now expire one year after issuance or on the effective date of the next Florida Building Code (whichever is later).
Updated Application Fees
Initial permit fees are now due at the time of application submission to ensure faster processing. Additional fees may be assessed during the review process. Any remaining balances must be paid before the final permit is issued.
Private Provider Fee Updates
Fees for private provider projects have been updated to align with the City's administrative and processing costs.
- Disciplines Charged Separately: Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing.
- Non-Covered Disciplines: Landscape, Zoning, and Engineering are not covered by private providers and will be charged full standard city rates.
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Service
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Standard Fee (Per Discipline)
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Commercial Project Fee
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Private Provider Inspection Review
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$407
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$306 (reflects 25% reduction)
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Private Provider Inspection & Plan Review
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$632
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$316 (reflects 50% reduction)
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HB 803 Permit Exemption FAQ
HB 803 Permit Exemption FAQ
What is the new $7,500 permit exemption?
Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida HB 803 requires local governments to exempt certain work on a single-family residential property from building permit requirements when the value of the work is less than $7,500, as determined by a proposal or estimate from a licensed contractor.
Do I automatically qualify for the HB 803 permit exemption if my project is under $7,500?
No. Projects are not automatically exempt. Property owners or contractors must complete and submit the Residential Permit Exemption Request (HB 803) Form(PDF, 242KB) for review. The City Building Official will evaluate the request and determine whether the proposed work qualifies for the exemption.
Does this apply to all properties?
No. The exemption only applies to:
- Single-family residential properties
- Work valued at less than $7,500
- Properties not located in a flood hazard area
- Work that is not electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work
What types of projects may qualify?
Examples of qualifying projects may include:
- Interior painting
- Flooring replacement
- Cabinet replacement
- Drywall repair or finishing
- Other cosmetic, non-structural improvements
However, the final determination will be made by the Building Official or designee.
What types of projects do NOT qualify?
The exemption does NOT apply to:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing work
- Mechanical work
- Gas work
- Structural work
- Work on properties located partially or entirely within a flood hazard area
These projects will still require permits regardless of job cost.
Does the exemption apply to commercial properties?
No. The exemption only applies to single-family residential properties. Commercial projects are not included.
Does the exemption apply to condos, apartments, or multifamily buildings?
No. The law specifically references single-family dwellings. Multifamily, condominium, apartment, and commercial properties are not included in this exemption.
Can I split a larger project into several smaller projects to stay under $7,500?
No. The law prohibits dividing a larger project into multiple smaller projects for the purpose of avoiding permit requirements.
Does the City verify project job costs?
The Building Permitting Division might request additional information, as necessary, to determine whether the exemption applies.
If my project is exempt, do I still need to submit plans?
No. A permit application and plans are not required for work that qualifies for the exemption. However, other approvals may still be required depending on the project.
Does this exemption apply to zoning requirements?
No. The permit exemption only applies to building permit requirements. Projects may still need to comply with:
- Zoning regulations
- Property setbacks
- HOA requirements
- Other applicable local regulations
Neighbors can contact our Customer Service at 954-828-8000 if you have any questions.
When does the law become effective and when can I start applying for the exemption?
The law becomes effective on July 1, 2026. Applications submitted prior to that date are not eligible. You can't use a new submission to get around or void an existing application. If you submit a new application after July 1, 2026, it will not cancel out your existing one.
The City of Fort Lauderdale does not send unsolicited correspondence asking for money or sensitive personal information; the Development Services Department does not take any form of payment over the phone and will never threaten you. The City will never contact you to ask for personal details, such as bank account information, credit and debit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords. No government agency would ever demand that you pay by gift card, wiring money, or digital currency.