06/01/2026
Florida homeowners, contractors, real estate investors, and HOA communities need to pay close attention to HB 803, a new Florida building permit law taking effect July 1, 2026.
This law may allow certain residential construction and home improvement projects valued under $7,500 to move forward without a traditional building permit, but there are important limits. The exemption does not apply to electrical work, plumbing, structural work, mechanical work, gas work, or properties located in flood hazard areas.
For many Florida homeowners, this could impact smaller cosmetic upgrades like painting, flooring, cabinetry, drywall finishing, and other non-structural improvements. For sellers preparing a home for market, this may help reduce delays when making minor updates before listing.
Another major change affects HOA communities. Homeowners associations can no longer require a government-issued building permit before reviewing a homeowner’s architectural improvement request.
This is a big update for Florida real estate, construction, home renovations, property improvements, and HOA-governed communities. Before starting any project, homeowners should still confirm what applies to their specific property, especially if the work involves trade permits, structural changes, or flood zone requirements.
Save this post if you own property in Florida, are planning home improvements, or want to stay informed about Florida real estate laws that could impact homeowners, sellers, buyers, investors, and contractors.