FL Permit Cost Quick Reference
| Project | Typical FL Range | Inspections |
|---|---|---|
| Water heater — electric (same location) | $50–$175 | 1 |
| Water heater — gas (same location) | $75–$225 | 1–2 |
| Water heater — tankless gas (new venting) | $125–$350 | 2 |
| Water heater — heat pump (new electrical) | $150–$400 | 2 |
| Full home repipe (PEX/CPVC) | $350–$1,200 | 2–3 |
| Partial repipe (section) | $150–$450 | 1–2 |
| New full bathroom addition | $400–$1,500 | 2–4 |
| New half bath addition | $200–$600 | 1–2 |
| Drain / sewer line work | $150–$600 | 1–2 |
| New gas line (appliance) | $100–$400 | 1–2 |
| Gas line for standby generator | $200–$600 | 2 |
| Slab leak repair | $150–$500 | 1–2 |
| Pool/spa heater installation | $200–$600 | 2 |
| Outdoor kitchen plumbing | $250–$700 | 2 |
South FL premium: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach permit fees are typically 30–50% higher than the FL average, reflecting higher local base rates and the HVHZ code overlay requiring additional plan review.
Permit Fee Structures by County
- Palm Beach (unincorp.): $80 min + $8/fixture; plan review 65% of fee; tech fee $6. Water heater ~$110–160; full repipe $450–900. pbcgov.com/pzb, 561-233-5100.
- Broward (unincorp.): $85 min + ~$12 per $1,000 value; plan review 50%; DCA surcharge 1%. Water heater ~$120–200; repipe $500–1,000. broward.org/Building, 954-357-6350.
- Miami-Dade (unincorp.): $125 min; HVHZ plan review on most projects; tech surcharge $15. Water heater ~$150–250; repipe $600–1,200. miamidade.gov/permits, 786-315-2100.
- Hillsborough (unincorp.): $65 min + $6/fixture; tech fee $10; plan review 50% for larger. Water heater ~$90–150; repipe $350–700. hcflgov.net, 813-272-5600.
- Orange (unincorp.): $60 min + $5.50/fixture + $0.45/LF piping; plan review 35%; tech $8. Water heater ~$80–130; repipe $300–650. ocfl.net, 407-836-5550.
- Pinellas (unincorp.): $70 min + fixture rate; tech $8. Water heater ~$85–140; repipe $320–650. pinellascounty.org/build, 727-464-3888.
- Lee (unincorp.): $65 min + $5/fixture; post-Ian coastal review; tech $8. Water heater ~$80–140; repipe $300–600. leegov.com/dcd, 239-533-8329.
- Collier (unincorp.): $110 min; tech $12; plan review 50%. Water heater ~$130–200; repipe $450–900. cvportal.colliercountyfl.gov, 239-252-2400.
- Duval/Jacksonville (consolidated): $60 min + $5/fixture; tech $8. Water heater ~$70–120; repipe $280–550. coj.net/BuildingInspection, 904-630-1100.
- Sarasota (unincorp.): $75 min + $6/fixture; tech $8; plan review 40%. Water heater ~$85–145; repipe $325–650. scgov.net, 941-861-5000.
FL Plumbing Permit Requirements
Water Heater Replacement (REQUIRED): Permit for ALL replacements — tank/tankless, gas/electric (FBC Chapter 5, 502.2). No "same-for-same" exception. Ensures T&P relief valve, support, electrical/gas, efficiency. Unpermitted install can void insurance and appears in permit history at sale.
Home Repipe (REQUIRED): Replacing supply pipe (poly, galvanized, copper) requires a permit in all jurisdictions even for same material/path. Most counties want a sketch of routing. Rough-in inspection before walls closed; final pressure test (150 PSI/15 min on PEX) witnessed.
Bathroom Addition (REQUIRED): Plumbing permit + typically building + sometimes electrical. Inspections: underground/slab rough-in (before pour), wall rough-in (before drywall), final; some add a top-out inspection.
Drain/Sewer Line Work (REQUIRED): Replace/repair/reline including sewer lateral. Homeowner owns lateral from home to utility main; all work requires a permit; some utilities require a tap permit/notification.
New Gas Line (REQUIRED): All new gas installs (appliance lines, CSST, extensions, generator/pool heater). Pressure test (3–10 PSI/30 min) before service. CSST bonding per NFPA 54 7.13 and FPC 409.3. Must be performed by licensed plumber (gas specialty) or certified gas contractor.
Slab Leak Repair (REQUIRED): Jackhammer access, tunnel, or reroute. Covers pipe repair AND concrete restoration (may need structural permit for significant removal). Reroute through walls/attic may need a building permit.
Like-for-Like Minor Repairs (NO PERMIT, FBC 105.2.2): Faucet/showerhead same location; toilet (same drain/rough-in); garbage disposal (same connection); shutoff valve like-for-like; clearing a clog; supply hose. Exception: some municipalities (Miami Beach, Coral Gables) require permits even for toilet replacement.
Pool/Spa Heater (REQUIRED): Plumbing permit (gas connection) and sometimes mechanical permit; heat pump may add electrical permit. FL requires backflow prevention per FPC 608. Gas lines sized for BTU (often 1" or 1-1/4" for 200–400 MBH heaters).
Owner-Builder Permits in Florida
FL Statute 489.103(7) allows homeowners to pull a permit as Owner-Builder for their primary residence. - Must be the property owner AND personally perform/supervise; cannot hire unlicensed persons. - Primary residence only — not rental/investment, or property you'll sell within 1 year. - Sworn affidavit required at building dept. - May void homeowner's insurance during construction; notify insurer. - Must disclose owner-builder work to any buyer within 1 year of final inspection (FS 489.103(7)(b)). - For gas, full repipes, and complex drain work, a licensed plumber is strongly recommended.
How to Apply for a FL Plumbing Permit
- Gather documents — application, contractor license # + insurance, site plan/sketch, equipment specs (model #, BTU/input), owner-builder affidavit if applicable.
- Submit via online portal (preferred) or in person — Palm Beach epermits.pbcgov.com; Broward ebuilding.broward.org; Miami-Dade iBuild; Hillsborough hcflgov.net; Orange ocfl.net; Jacksonville coj.net.
- Pay the permit fee (due at issuance after plan review; some require at submission). Keep your receipt and permit number.
- Post the permit and begin work — post the card visibly, keep approved plans on site, notify dept for each inspection.
- Schedule and pass inspections — underground rough-in (before backfill/concrete), wall rough-in (before drywall), final. Inspectors available within 24–48 business hours; 1–2 hour windows.
- Obtain the final Certificate of Completion — save permanently for sale, refinance, or insurance claim.
FL Permit Processing Times
| County / City | Simple (WH, repipe) | Complex (bath add, new gas) |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach County | 2–5 days | 5–10 days |
| Broward County | 3–7 days | 7–14 days |
| Miami-Dade County | 5–10 days | 10–21 days (HVHZ review) |
| Tampa City | 2–4 days | 5–10 days |
| Hillsborough County | 2–5 days | 5–10 days |
| Orange County | 2–4 days | 5–8 days |
| Orlando City | 3–6 days | 7–14 days |
| Pinellas County | 2–5 days | 5–10 days |
| Lee County | 3–7 days | 7–14 days |
| Collier County | 4–8 days | 10–21 days |
| Jacksonville / Duval | 2–4 days | 4–8 days |
| Sarasota County | 2–5 days | 5–10 days |
Expedite options: Many counties offer expedited review for an extra fee (50–100% of base). Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach have express programs. Permit expiration: FL plumbing permits expire if work hasn't commenced within 180 days, or if no inspection requested within 180 days of the last approved inspection.
FL Plumbing Permits — By the Numbers
~400K plumbing permits issued annually across FL; $135 average residential permit fee; permit cost 8–18% of typical project total; ~23% of FL plumbing work performed without a required permit.
The real cost of skipping a permit: Saving $80–$200 in permit fees typically results in $1,500–$5,000 remediation when discovered during a home sale (retroactive permit, inspection, wall opening, contractor time).