We get this question from homeowners, investors and even contractors from out of state. It usually comes up with a small job in mind: an old shed, a carport, a back porch, a pool nobody uses. The rule is simpler than people expect. If it's a building or structure, plan on a permit, and check before you swing a hammer.
The rule
What usually needs a demolition permit in Florida
| Item | Permit needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A house or building | Yes. | Utility disconnect letters, a survey and sometimes asbestos paperwork go with the application. |
| Garage, addition or carport | Yes, in nearly all cases. | Attached structures can affect the rest of the house, so expect a closer look. |
| Swimming pool | Yes. | Removal or fill-in is permitted and inspected, including how the shell and fill are handled. |
| Small shed | Often yes. Some cities exempt very small sheds. | The size limit and the rules vary by city. Ask your building department. |
| Interior demolition | Often yes, usually as part of a remodel permit. | Anything structural, electrical or plumbing needs a permit. |
| Driveway or patio | Depends on the city. | The driveway apron in the swale is usually public right-of-way and may need a public works permit. |
Florida's building code sets the baseline, but each city and county adds its own rules. Your building department has the final word.
Who can pull it
Who is allowed to apply for the permit
A licensed contractor
The normal route. The contractor's license goes on the permit and the contractor is responsible for the work, the inspections and closing it out.
The owner, sometimes
Florida's owner-builder exemption can let an owner pull a permit for their own home, but many cities don't allow it for demolition. The City of Miami, for example, only issues demolition permits to licensed contractors.
Not someone else's license
A contractor can't legally pull a permit for a job they haven't contracted for, and an unlicensed company can't borrow someone's license to get one.
Without a permit
What happens if you demolish without one
Stop-work order and after-the-fact permit
The city can stop the job and require a permit after the fact, often with extra fees, plus any surveys, letters or inspections that were skipped.
Code enforcement fines and liens
Under Florida law, code enforcement fines can run up to $250 a day for a first violation and $500 a day for a repeat, higher in larger cities that adopt them, and a recorded fine order becomes a lien on the property.
Problems later
An unpermitted demolition can hold up your new building permit, show up when you sell, and create questions with insurance and lenders.
Skipped safety steps
The permit is what makes sure utilities are disconnected, the sewer is capped and asbestos is checked. Skipping it skips those too.
Related
Keep reading
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to demolish a house in Florida?
Yes. The Florida Building Code requires a permit before demolishing a building or structure. The application usually includes utility disconnect letters, a survey and, for some buildings, asbestos paperwork.
Do I need a permit to tear down a shed in Florida?
Often, yes. Some cities exempt very small sheds, but the size limit and rules vary. Check with your building department before removing it.
Can a homeowner pull a demolition permit in Florida?
Sometimes. Florida's owner-builder exemption may allow it for your own home, but many cities only issue demolition permits to licensed contractors. The City of Miami is one of them.
What happens if I demolish without a permit?
You can face a stop-work order, an after-the-fact permit with extra fees, and code enforcement fines that Florida law allows to become a lien on the property. It can also delay a new building permit or a sale.
How long does a demolition permit take in Florida?
It depends on the city and how quickly the utility letters and other documents come in. The paperwork usually takes longer than the demolition itself, so start early.
This article is general information, not legal advice. It references the Florida Building Code and section 162.09, Florida Statutes, as of October 2026. Permit rules and exemptions vary by city and county, so confirm with your building department.