Top 10 Orlando Permitting Mistakes in 2026: Lessons from Local Developers & Contractors

Why Choose JRH Engineering

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.

Clear & Responsive Communication

You work directly with engineers who keep you informed. No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.

Proven Results Across Three States

We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.

Check out JRH's case studies.

Licensed & Certified Professionals

Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers. JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.

Why Permitting Mistakes Cost Orlando Projects Time

In Orlando and Orange County, many permit delays come from avoidable gaps in the submittal rather than the design itself. Each round of comments adds a resubmittal and another review cycle.

Catching these issues before the first submittal is the fastest way through review.

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.

Top 10 Orlando Permitting Mistakes

1. Incomplete concurrency or capacity documentation. Where the local government requires it, show that water, sewer and roads can serve the project.

   
   

2. Ignoring floodplain requirements. Check the FEMA flood zone and local freeboard before setting finished floor elevations.

   
   

3. Stormwater plan errors. Size the detention pond and treatment for the governing criteria and the water management district's ERP rules.

   
   

4. Missing state permits. Confirm whether the site needs an Environmental Resource Permit from the St. Johns River or South Florida Water Management District, depending on location.

   
   

5. Non-compliant site plans. Verify setbacks, parking, landscaping and access against the current land development code.

   
   

6. Late utility coordination. Get utility availability letters early.

   
   

7. Assuming HVHZ rules apply. Orange County is not in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, which covers only Miami-Dade and Broward; design to the site's Florida Building Code wind speed.

   
   

8. Tree removal and mitigation. Survey protected trees and plan mitigation before layout is final.

   
   

9. Incomplete application packages. Missing sealed drawings, product approvals or forms send a submittal back.

   
   

10. Missing code changes. Design to the code in effect when the permit is applied for.

    
    

One More Detail

• The City of Orlando requires a recorded Notice of Commencement before inspections when a permit's contract price is greater than $5,000

  
  

Project: Small-Bay Warehouse Site Development, Cocoa, FL

This nearby Central Florida project shows the same stormwater and site plan coordination Orlando submittals need.

• 25,000–30,000 SF small-bay warehouse with tractor-trailer dock access in Cocoa, Brevard County

  
  

• Read the full Cocoa warehouse case study

  
  

Challenges

• Docks, truck turning radii and staging competed with stormwater for the same land

  
  

• Large roof and pavement areas generated significant runoff

  
  

Objectives

1. Size detention pond storage for the full impervious area.

   
   

2. Deliver a complete civil package for county permitting.

   
   

Solutions JRH Engineering Provided

• Civil engineering site plan, grading, drainage, SWPPP and paving

  
  

• Truck turning radii set first, with the stormwater system designed around them

  
  

• Sanitary sewer and water main connection design

  
  

Results:

• Detention pond storage met Brevard County criteria without compromising truck areas

  
  

• Complete civil package delivered for permitting

  
  

Permitting in Florida, Texas and North Carolina

Florida

• See the City of Orlando permits page, the FDEP Environmental Resource Permit program and 2026 Hurricane-Resilient Foundations in Orlando.

  
  

Texas

• See Texas Building Permit Red Flags.

  
  

North Carolina

• See North Carolina Building Permit Red Flags.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Orlando permitting mistakes?

Incomplete documentation, floodplain and stormwater errors, missing ERPs, site plan issues and incomplete packages.

Is Orlando in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?

No, the HVHZ covers only Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Which water management district reviews Orlando-area stormwater?

The St. Johns River or South Florida Water Management District, depending on location.

When does Orlando require a Notice of Commencement?

Before inspections, when a permit's contract price is greater than $5,000.

How can I avoid resubmittals?

Check floodplain, stormwater, site plan and utility items before the first submittal.

Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?

No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.

Want More Information on this Topic?

• Call JRH Engineering at (800) 227-9635

  
  

• Use the chatbot in the lower right-hand corner of this page

  
  

• Submit a request through JRH Engineering's contact page

  
  

Find JRH Engineering on Google:

• JRH Engineering – Florida

  
  

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.