Florida HB 803: New $7,500 Permit Exemption Explained
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Florida just changed how smaller residential projects get permitted.
A new law removes the permit requirement for many low-cost single-family jobs—but there is a major catch near the water.
At JRH Engineering, we live by one promise: "Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value."
Here is what HB 803 may mean for developers and property owners.
What Is Florida HB 803?
Florida HB 803, "Building Permits and Inspections," was signed into law as Chapter 2026-63.
It takes effect July 1, 2026, and passed with broad support (House 109-0, Senate 37-0).
See the official record on the Florida Senate website.
The law updates parts of the Florida Building Code, including how small residential permits are handled.
The $7,500 Permit Exemption Explained
Local governments are generally required to exempt this work from building permitting:
Work on single-family residential property valued at $7,500 or less.
Qualifying temporary residential hurricane and flood walls.
What the Exemption Does NOT Cover
The exemption generally does not apply to this work, even under $7,500:
Electrical
Plumbing
Structural
Mechanical
Gas
If your project touches these systems, a permit may still be required.
Flood Hazard Areas: The Critical Exception
This is the detail many headlines miss.
The exemption generally does not apply to property in a flood hazard area.
For much of coastal and low-lying Florida, that matters—a large share of parcels sit in a mapped flood zone.
In those areas, standard permitting may still apply, even for small jobs.
Check your property at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
What This Means for You
Small, non-flood-zone projects may move faster.
Flood-zone properties should not assume the exemption applies.
Electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work may still need permits.
Confirming your flood zone status early can help you avoid rework.
Other Key Changes in HB 803
A 1-year expiration on single-family dwelling permits.
A 5-day response timeframe for permits on work under $15,000.
New limits on local building inspection fees.
HOAs may not require a permit as a prerequisite for architectural review.
How JRH Engineering Can Help
Our team supports clients with Civil Engineer services, Structural Engineer design, and full Land Development project support.
We help developers build right, not just build fast.
JRH Engineering is licensed in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
For Florida projects, find us on our Florida Google Business Profile.
Want More Information on this Topic?
We are here to help you make sense of HB 803 and your next project.
Call us: (800) 227-9635
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH is a licensed professional engineering firm in the states of Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
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