Florida Permitting Services: July 2026 Permit Changes
Updated: Oct 7
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Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
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What Changed in Florida Permitting on July 1, 2026
Florida's permit review deadlines are set by Section 553.792, Florida Statutes. HB 803, signed as Chapter 2026-63 and effective July 1, 2026, amended that section and the private provider statute, Section 553.791.
The deadlines only help when the application is complete from the start.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Review Deadlines Under Section 553.792
If the applicant uses a local government plans reviewer, the review clock starts once the application is complete and sufficient:
5 business days: certain permits for an existing single-family home when the work is valued under $15,000 (added in 2026)
10 business days: certain single-family homes in a Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery program (added in 2026)
12 business days: site-specific permits under a master building permit
30 business days: listed residential permits for structures under 7,500 square feet
60 business days: larger residential structures, nonresidential buildings under 25,000 square feet, multifamily up to 50 units, and certain site plans and subdivision plats
Completeness and Fee Reductions
The local government has 5 business days to identify missing information, or the application is deemed complete
If the jurisdiction misses a deadline, the permit fee is reduced by 10% for each business day of delay, with a 20% reduction for missed revision review deadlines
The $7,500 Exemption
HB 803 also exempts certain single-family work under $7,500 from building permits.
It does not cover electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work, or work in flood hazard areas.
Project: Custom Home Structural Design, Clearwater, FL
Single-family custom home in Clearwater, Pinellas County
Permitting through the City of Clearwater
Read the full Clearwater case study
Challenges
Every roof, door and window product needed a wind rating that met or exceeded the home's calculated design loads
Objectives
Deliver a complete structural package for review.
Verify product compliance against the design loads.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Structural engineering foundation and framing plans
Roof, door and window products checked against calculated wind loads
Results:
PE-sealed foundation and framing plans for City of Clearwater permitting
Wind-rated products confirmed against the design loads
Permitting Resources for Florida, Texas and North Carolina
Florida
See Section 553.792, Section 553.791 and the Florida Building Code.
Texas
Sites disturbing 1 acre or more need TCEQ construction stormwater coverage.
North Carolina
Erosion control plans for more than 1 acre need approval under G.S. 113A-57.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in Florida permitting on July 1, 2026?
HB 803 (Chapter 2026-63) added faster review deadlines for certain small residential projects and created a $7,500 permit exemption for certain single-family work.
How long does a Florida building department have to review a permit?
From 5 to 60 business days after a complete and sufficient application, depending on the project.
What if the jurisdiction misses the deadline?
The permit fee is reduced by 10% for each business day of delay, or 20% for missed revision review deadlines.
When is an application considered complete?
If the jurisdiction does not identify missing information within 5 business days, it is deemed complete.
Who can act as a private provider?
A licensed building code administrator, engineer or architect, under Section 553.791.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
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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 Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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