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Garage & Carport Permits in Florida
In Florida, most garages and carports require a permit. Without one, you could face legal issues and additional fees. To help you determine if you need a permit and ensure your structure meets local requirements, we’ve created this guide outlining the rules in every Florida county and what to do next.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Garage in Florida?
Yes, in most cases, you will need a permit to build a garage or place a garage in your yard in Florida, as the state building code requires a permit for new construction or additions to your property. However, there may be exemptions to this depending on where you live. You can skip ahead to determine what your county requires.
Do You Need a Permit to Add a Prefab Shed Garage to Your Property in Florida?
Yes, even garage sheds require a permit, whether being built on-site or delivered to your property fully assembled. If the garage shed follows typical shed construction, you can pop over to our shed permit article to see how regulations in your area may differ from those of a traditional garage.
Do I Need a Permit to Install a Carport in Florida?
Yes, you will most likely need a permit to install a carport, as the state building code requires a permit for installing structures such as carports. Of course, this varies by county and city, so feel free to skip ahead to see what your county requires.
What Counties in Florida Require a Garage Permit?
In Florida, every county is required to either follow the state building code or establish its own construction regulations. Below, you’ll find the permit requirements for carports and garages in all 67 Florida counties, along with contact information for each county’s building department. This resource will help you quickly locate the correct details and connect with the proper officials for permit applications or questions.
Please note that South Country Sheds does not serve every county listed. To confirm if your county is within our service area, please visit our ‘Areas We Serve‘ page.
The information provided is intended as a helpful reference, but may not reflect your county’s exact requirements. Because we offer on-site built garages, prefab garage sheds, and metal carports, it’s essential to verify all rules specific to your project before purchase. Check with your county department to confirm the size, placement, setback, and permitting requirements to ensure full compliance.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Alachua County?
Yes, a permit is required to construct, erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, or remove any structure, including garages or carports. Sheds are exempt from permitting if they are under a certain size, but it is unclear whether this is the case for other accessory structures. Contact the Permitting Office to find out what their requirements are.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Baker County?
Yes, a permit is required for garages and carports, but specific details are unclear, only that permit fees vary based on the cost of construction. For more information, contact the Community Development Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Bay County?
Yes, per the Florida State Building Code, a permit is required to construct, erect, alter, repair, install, move, or remove any structure, which would include garages and carports. The county does advise that you contact the Building Safety Department for specific information regarding your project.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Bradford County?
Yes, all new structures, including garages and carports, require a permit in Bradford County. For more information, contact the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Brevard County?
Yes, you will need a permit for a garage or carport in Brevard County. Permits can be obtained through the Building Permits page.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Broward County?
Yes, a residential building permit is required for both garages and carports. You will need to complete a permit application, obtain zoning, development, and environmental section (DER) approval, and submit 2 sets of plans, a special inspector’s form, a sub permit application as required, and a certified copy of the recorded notice of commencement. This can be done through the Building Code Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Calhoun County?
Yes, a building permit is likely required per the Florida State Building Code. For more information, contact the Calhoun County Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Charlotte County?
Yes, you will need a residential garage or carport permit, depending on the structure you plan to add to your property. Contact the Building Construction Division with any questions.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Citrus County?
Yes, you need a permit for both garages and carports in Citrus County. They can be obtained through the Building Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Clay County?
Yes, there is a specific permit for detached garages and carports, which can be found on the Building Department’s page.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Collier County?
Yes, under the Florida Building Code, a permit is needed for both garages and carports. For more information, contact the Building Plan Review & Inspections Division at (239)-252-2400.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Columbia County?
Yes, permits can be filed online through the Building & Zoning Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in DeSoto County?
Yes, you will need a residential accessory structure permit, which can be filled out online through the Building Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Dixie County?
Yes, for more information or to file your permit application, visit the Dixie County Building Department’s website.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Duval County?
While the county has no website, the city of Jacksonville does require a permit for both garages and carports. For more information, contact the Building Inspection Division at (904)-255-8541.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Escambia County?
Yes, you will need a permit, but the specific type varies. For more information, reach out to the permitting office at 850-595-3550.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Flagler County?
Yes, Flagler County requires a carport building permit and a detached garage permit for these structures. If you have any questions or would like to submit your permit application, visit the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Franklin County?
Yes, and permitting fees vary based on the type of structure. For more information, reach out to the Planning & Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Gadsden County?
Yes, there are different permit applications for non-site-built and site-built structures. Therefore, the specifics of your project will determine which permit applies to you. For more information, contact the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Gilchrist County?
Yes, all newly constructed structures must be permitted, including garages and carports. Permits can be obtained through the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Glades County?
Yes, to find out exactly what type of review or permit your structure requires, contact the Community Development Department at 863-946-6018.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Gulf County?
Yes, garage and carport permits can be obtained through the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Hamilton County?
Yes, permits and permitting information can be found through the Hamilton County Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Hardee County?
Yes, accessory structures such as detached garages and carports require a permit in Hardee County. Permits can be obtained through the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Hendry County?
Yes, all accessory structures must adhere to the Florida State Building Code, including requiring a permit. Additional information and permit applications can be found on the Building Department’s web page.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Hernando County?
Yes, additional information and permit applications can be found through the Building Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Highlands County?
Yes, permits are required for both garages and carports and can be found through the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Hillsborough County?
Yes, adding a detached garage or carport to your property requires a permit, regardless of size. Permitting information and applications can be obtained through Development Services.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Holmes County?
Yes, garages and carports both require a residential building permit, which can be found at the Building, Planning, and Zoning Department’s web page.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Indian River County?
Yes, although the specific type of permit depends on the specifics of your project. For more details, contact the Building Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Jackson County?
Yes, you can find and submit building permit applications through Building Services.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Jefferson County?
Yes, you will need a permit from the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Lafayette County?
Yes, in accordance with the Florida Building Code, Lafayette County requires permits for all new construction, including carports and garages. For additional information or to submit your permit application, visit the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Lake County?
Yes, you need a residential accessory structure permit for a garage in Lake County. While carports aren’t specifically mentioned, you likely need the same permit for them. For clarification on this, contact the Office of Building Services.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Lee County?
Yes, a residential building permit is required for both garages and carports and can be obtained from Building & Permitting Services.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Leon County?
Yes, you will most likely need a permit for both garages and carports. For more details or to obtain permits, reach out to the building plans, review, and inspection official at 850-606-1302.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Levy County?
Yes, you need a permit for carports and likely for garages as well, but the type of permit depends on the structure. To determine which permit you need and submit your application, contact Development Services.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Liberty County?
Yes, permits are most likely required for both structures. For more information, contact the Liberty County Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Madison County?
Yes, per the Florida Building Code, a permit is required for any new construction or installation on a property, which would include both garages and carports. Building permit applications can be obtained from the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Manatee County?
Yes, but only carports are specifically listed as needing a building permit. Garages will likely also require one, so reach out to Development Services to find out what type of permit applies.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Marion County?
Yes, most new construction or installation projects, including carports and garages, require a building permit, which can be filed through the Building Safety department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Martin County?
Yes, both require their own permits. Be sure to learn more about specific carport and garage requirements and contact the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Miami-Dade County?
Yes, under the Florida Building Code, permits are required to build or add a new structure to your property, which includes carports and garages. Permits can be obtained through the Miami-Dade County Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Monroe County?
Yes, under the Florida Building Code, both require a permit, which you can get from the Building and Permitting Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Nassau County?
Yes, under the Florida Building Code, both require a permit. For more information on the specifics of your project, contact the Nassau County Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Okaloosa County?
Yes, you will need a permit for both a carport and a garage, along with:
- Proof of property ownership
- Two sets of construction plans
- Three copies of a certified survey or site plan
- Two copies of the completed product approval sheet
- An elevation certificate if built in a special flood hazard zone.
For more information or to submit the required permits, visit the county permitting page.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Okeechobee County?
Yes, a permit is likely required for both under the Florida Building Code. More information and permits can be found through the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Orange County?
Yes, accessory structures larger than 120 square feet require a building permit and review by the building department. This includes garages and carports. Smaller structures that are 120 square feet or less typically only need a zoning permit and are not subject to building department review. However, since a standard car requires more space, most garages and carports will exceed 120 square feet.
To determine what requirements apply to your project, contact the Permits and Licenses Office.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Osceola County?
Yes, it appears that garages require a residential permit and carports require a commercial permit. For more information or to submit a permit application, refer to the building and permits page on Osceola County’s website.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Palm Beach County?
Yes, both require a permit. Permits can be obtained through the Building Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Pasco County?
Yes, a permit is required for garages and certain carports. To find out what is required for your project, contact Building Construction Services.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Pinellas County?
Yes, a permit is likely required for both. To determine what permit or information you need, reach out to Building Services.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Polk County?
Yes, the construction of any structure, regardless of size, requires a permit, including carports and garages. To obtain the required permit application or submit it, visit the county building permits page.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Putnam County?
Yes, they are most likely required for both garages and carports. For more information, contact the Building Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Saint Johns County?
Yes, under the Florida Building Code, a permit is required for garages, carports, and any other structures being newly constructed or added to the property. To begin the permitting process, reach out to the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Saint Lucie County?
Yes, you will need an accessory structures permit, which can be obtained from the building department’s permit applications page.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Santa Rosa County?
Yes, under the Florida Building Code, a permit is required for garages, carports, and any other structures being newly added or constructed on a property. For more information on permitting, contact Development Services at 850-981-7000.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Sarasota County?
Yes, a permit is required for both. For more information or to submit a building permit application, contact the Building Division at [email protected].
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Seminole County?
Yes, both structures require a permit. Permit applications can be found and submitted through the Building Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Sumter County?
Yes, you will need a permit for both a garage and a carport. For online permitting or any questions, visit Building Services.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Suwannee County?
Yes, you will most likely need an accessory structure permit for both structures. For more information or to submit your permit application, reach out to the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Taylor County?
Yes, you will most likely need a permit for both a garage and a carport in Taylor County. For more information, contact the Building & Planning Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Union County?
Yes, under the Florida Building Code, most new construction requires a permit. Contact the Building Department for more information.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Volusia County?
Yes, you will most likely need a construction permit for both structures. For more information, contact the Building & Code Administration.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Wakulla County?
Yes, a garage and carport will require a residential permit. Permit applications can be submitted to the Building Department.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Walton County?
Yes, a permit is required for any construction or alteration, including garages and carports. Permit applications can be submitted to the Building Division.
Do You Need a Permit for Garages or Carports in Washington County?
Yes, a permit is likely required for both. Additional information and permit applications can be found through the Building Department.
How Much is a Permit for a Garage in Florida?
The cost of a permit typically depends on the total square footage of your project and where you live. Find your county officials above or reach out to your local officials to determine what fees they have in place.
How Big Of A Garage Can I Build in Florida Without A Permit?
While garages can be considered accessory structures and may not need a building permit if they are under 120 or 250 square feet, it is very unlikely that a garage would qualify for this exemption. Most garages, large enough to fit a standard car, exceed these size limits and therefore require a building permit.
What Size Carport Can You Build Without a Permit?
Similar to garages, carports are often considered accessory structures and may not need a building permit if they are 120 or 250 square feet or less. However, most carports are larger than this and require a building permit.
Do I Need a Permit to Pour a Concrete Slab in Florida?
Yes, most areas require a permit to pour a concrete slab. Check with your county officials above or your local officials to see what their requirements are.
What Happens to Unpermitted Work in Florida?
Unpermitted work can lead to fines and may require your garage or carport to be demolished or altered to meet code, creating unnecessary expense and frustration. It is essential to make sure your project is properly permitted.
Save the Headache With Florida-Compliant Garages & Carports
As you just learned, unpermitted work can cause serious issues and lead to additional expenses. To make sure your garage or carport meets code, you can use South Country Sheds’ 3D builder to design a structure that aligns with local requirements and qualifies for permit approval. If you have any questions, our team is happy to help. Just reach out to us.