Most people only go through a demolition once, and the rules come from several places at once: the Florida Building Code, the state contractor law, federal asbestos rules, the utility companies and the city or county that issues the permit. We've written detailed guides on each piece. This one is the map.
Start to finish
How a demolition works in Florida
Decide and plan
Confirm that tearing down makes more sense than renovating, check for HOA rules, historic designations and trees that need protection, and line up a licensed contractor.
Asbestos check
Commercial buildings must be inspected for asbestos and the agency notified at least 10 working days before demolition. Single-family homes are generally exempt from the federal rule, but counties can still require asbestos paperwork.
Utilities
Electric, gas and water are disconnected, the sewer is capped or the septic tank abandoned, and the disconnect letters go with the permit application.
Permit
A licensed contractor pulls the demolition permit. Some building departments also accept owner-builders for their own home, and some, like the City of Miami, don't.
Demolition
The structure comes down with dust control and protection for neighbors, and materials are separated for recycling where possible.
Debris and site
Debris goes to permitted facilities with disposal tickets, the slab and footings come out if the scope includes them, and the lot is filled and graded.
Final inspection
A passed final inspection closes the permit, which matters for the next permit, a sale or a refinance.
Detailed guides
Everything we've written, by topic
Planning and deciding
Whether to tear down at all, how long it takes and how to get the property ready.
Permits
What needs a permit, who can pull it and how it works in specific places.
Licenses and hiring
Which licenses allow demolition, how to check them and how to compare contractors.
Asbestos
When a survey and notice are required, and what old floor tile can hide.
Utilities and the site
What gets disconnected first, what happens to the slab and debris, and what comes after.
Costs
What drives the price of a residential or commercial demolition.
Special situations
Damaged buildings, unpermitted work and difficult sites.
Related
Keep reading
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to demolish a building in Florida?
Almost always. Demolishing a building requires a permit from the city or county building department, issued to a licensed contractor or, where allowed, to an owner-builder for their own home.
Who can legally demolish a house in Florida?
A licensed contractor whose license covers the building, or a county-licensed demolition contractor where the county issues one. Some building departments let owners demolish their own home under the owner-builder rules, and some, like the City of Miami, don't.
Is an asbestos survey required before demolition in Florida?
For commercial buildings and larger residential buildings, yes, along with a notice at least 10 working days before the work. Single-family homes are generally exempt from the federal rule, but counties can still require asbestos paperwork with the permit.
How long does a demolition take in Florida?
The demolition itself is often days for a house. The permit, utility disconnects and asbestos steps usually take longer, often several weeks, depending on the city.
How much does demolition cost in Florida?
It depends on the size and construction of the building, asbestos, access, the slab and footings, hauling and the permit. Our cost guides explain what drives the price for homes and commercial buildings.
What happens to demolition debris in Florida?
It goes to permitted construction and demolition facilities. Concrete and metal are often recycled, and you should get disposal tickets showing where it went.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules vary by city and county and change over time. Each linked guide explains its topic in more detail. Confirm requirements with your building department before work starts.