NextPermit

Florida Building Law · HB 803 · Permit Exemptions

By Maria Rossiter · NextPermit.org

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If you own a home in Florida, you already know that building permits can feel like a maze. Florida lawmakers passed HB 803, listed in the Florida Senate as CS/CS/HB 803: Building Permits and Inspections, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The goal is pretty straightforward: make small residential projects easier and less expensive to move forward. According to the official Florida Senate bill summary, the exemption applies to projects valued at under $7,500, as long as the work meets the law’s conditions.

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But Here’s the Catch — It Is Not a Free Pass

This is where it helps to slow down. Even though the new rule sounds simple, the law does not remove every permit requirement. The official summary from the Florida Senate makes clear that electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, and structural work remain outside the exemption, no matter the cost of the project.

There is also another important rule: you cannot split a larger project into smaller pieces just to stay under the $7,500 threshold. The Florida Senate summary specifically addresses that point — the practice is prohibited under HB 803.

“If the work is small and does not involve technical or structural systems, it may qualify. If it touches electrical, plumbing, gas, or structure — a permit will likely still be required.”

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Which Projects May Qualify

In practical terms, this law may help homeowners handling smaller, non-structural improvements. The legislative summary points to examples such as:

If your project stays under $7,500 and does not touch any of the systems listed above, it may qualify. But if anything is unclear, the safest move is still checking with your local city or county before starting work.

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The HOA Change — Worth Knowing

HB 803 also makes one important change for homeowners in communities governed by an HOA. Under the new law, HOAs cannot require a building permit as a prerequisite for reviewing proposed architectural improvements. That is a meaningful shift for anyone who has had to obtain a permit just to submit plans to their HOA board.

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What About Permit Fees?

Beyond the exemption, HB 803 also addresses permit fees for projects that do still require a permit. The law mandates a minimum 25% reduction in permit fees when private providers conduct plan reviews or inspections, and a 50% reduction when they carry out both tasks simultaneously. Local governments are also prohibited from charging additional administrative fees related to the use of private providers.

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What This Means for Florida Homeowners

For many Florida homeowners, HB 803 could mean less paperwork and fewer delays for simple projects. Still, it is important not to assume that every minor job is automatically exempt. The type of work — not just the cost — is what determines whether the exemption applies.

If you live in Florida and are planning a home project, this is a good time to review the details before you begin. And if anything is unclear, the safest move is still confirming with your local building department before moving forward.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Building permit processes, timelines, and requirements vary significantly across U.S. jurisdictions and change often. This article reflects general public information based on the official Florida Senate bill summary and is for educational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with your local building department before starting any project. This is not legal or professional advice.

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Helpful Resources for Florida Homeowners

If you are planning a renovation, these tools can help you stay organized before you start.

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