Shed Permits in Florida: Do I Need One? | Everything You Need to Know

Getting ready to build a shed in Florida? One of the biggest hurdles to clear is understanding the permit requirements for your area. Most Florida counties have specific regulations on shed size, setbacks from property lines, building materials, and more. Sorting through these rules on your own can be frustrating and time-consuming, and without the proper permits, you could face costly setbacks.

To save you hours of online searching, we’ve created a guide covering all 67 counties in Florida. You’ll find details on whether you need a permit, minimum shed sizes, property setback requirements, permit costs, and the steps to get started.

Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about shed permits in Florida!

Do You Need A Permit For A Shed in Florida?

Yes, in general, any new construction in Florida requires a permit. All localities must comply with the Florida State Building Code requirements unless they designate permitting and building regulations to another governing body at the local level. 

The exact requirements will vary depending on where in Florida you reside, so keep reading to find your county and see if they require a permit. 

Wondering if your project will require a permit? Contact us with the shed you plan to build and we’ll let you know whether or not you’ll need one!

What Counties in Florida Require A Shed Permit?

In Florida, each county must follow the state building code or set its own construction regulations. Below, you’ll find the shed permit requirements for all 67 Florida counties and contact information for each county’s building department. This will help you easily locate the exact details and reach the proper officials for permit applications or inquiries.

Please note that South Country Sheds does not provide sheds for every county listed below. The information provided is intended to be helpful but may not reflect the exact regulations or requirements you must adhere to. If you decide to purchase a shed from us, it is essential to verify all details related to the shed—such as size, placement, setbacks, and permitting requirements—with your county building department at the time of purchase.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Alachua County, Florida?

Not necessarily. You can fill out this shed permit exemption request form if you meet specific requirements, but a permit will not be required. Requirements specify that the shed must be placed on a property with an existing single-family home or manufactured home, must not be used for human habitation, must have a maximum floor area of 150 square feet, and must not have utility connections. However, you must still follow state building codes, which likely means hiring a licensed contractor for tasks such as building and assembly.

* Please note that we will only serve some parts of Alachua County

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Baker County, Florida?

Yes, the exact details will depend on your plans and construction costs. Please connect with the officials at the Community Development Department to learn more about the requirements you must follow. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Bay County, Florida?

Yes, they adhere to the Florida State Building Code, which generally requires a permit for any new construction. If you’re curious if your shed project requires a permit, contact their Building Safety Department officials, and they will be happy to assist you!

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Bradford County, Florida?

Yes, Bradford also follows the Florida Building Code, which requires a permit for new construction, alterations, demolitions, and moving any buildings. To find out the exact permit requirements for the type of shed you plan to build, contact the officials at Bradford County’s Building Department.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Brevard County, Florida?

Yes, a permit is required for sheds in Brevard County if they are 100 square feet or larger or if you plan to attach it to your home or add any utilities. However, if your shed is less than 100 square feet, a permit may not be required. Please consult with their Building Permit Office to find out more. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Broward County, Florida?

Yes, you must follow the requirements outlined by their Building Code Division shed document in order to obtain your permit. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Calhoun County, Florida?

Yes, they follow the Florida Building Code (FBC), which requires a permit for most new construction, alternation, moving, and even demolition of structures such as sheds. Please consult with their Building Department about the exact requirements for sheds to be approved for a permit. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Charlotte County, Florida?

Charlotte County, Florida, requires that all sheds have a permit before construction. Their Building Construction Department also advises contacting them to confirm the maximum lot coverage before purchasing a shed. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Citrus County, Florida?

A permit is likely required for a shed in Citrus County, Florida. While they don’t outline specific requirements for sheds, on their permit requirements page, they let you know what type of permit is needed for what kind of construction. Additionally, the FBC requires a building permit for most new construction, so please consult with the Citrus County Building Division to determine whether you’ll need a permit. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Clay County, Florida?

Clay County requires an accessory structure permit to add a shed to your property. Please contact their building official to find out more about their requirements. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Collier County, Florida?

Yes, you must apply for all applicable permits for any building being constructed, altered, or utilized on your property in Collier County. If you visit their shed building permit article page, you can find additional resources to determine the requirements your shed must meet, the process to apply for a permit, and the form you must fill out for approval. It also has a link to a Zoning Assistant that you can consult with any additional questions. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Columbia County, Florida?

Yes, they follow the 2020 FB, and per their permit info page, permits are required for sheds. For further details, please contact their Building and Zoning Department. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in DeSoto County, Florida?

You do not need a permit for a shed in DeSoto County so long as it is used for residential purposes, made of rubber or plastic, and 48 square feet or less in area. You likely need a permit if your shed is larger than this or comprises other materials. Please consult with their Building Department to find out more.  

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Dixie County, Florida?

You’ll likely need a permit for a shed in Dixie County as they adhere to the FBC, which typically requires a permit for most new construction. If you want to know the specific requirements your shed must meet, we recommend contacting their Building Department for help. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Duval County, Florida?

Yes, if your shed is more significant than 150 square feet, you must obtain a building permit and pass an inspection. For sheds less than 150 square feet, you likely won’t require an inspection, just a permit. Visit Jacksonville, Duval’s county seat and their page on residential shed permits to learn more about what getting a shed permit entails. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Escambia County, Florida?

Yes, a permit is required for all sheds, regardless of size. If you have any additional questions about shed requirements in Escambia County, please contact the appropriate Building Services official. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Flagler County, Florida?

Sheds that are larger than a specific size will likely require a permit. With no specific details available, we recommend contacting their Building Department officials. 

* Please note that our service area only includes parts of Flagler County

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Franklin County, Florida?

You must fill out and get approved for the secondary structure permit listed on Franklin County’s documents page under permit applications. You may not require a permit if your shed is under a certain number of square feet or costs a certain amount. Please contact their Planning and Building Department to determine if your shed requires a permit. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Gadsden County, Florida?

A permit is required for all new construction, including sheds. Please consult with their Building Department to find out more. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Gilchrist County, Florida?

Yes, all new structures must be permitted through zoning, and if your shed is over 300 square feet, it will also require a building permit. You can contact their Building Department or visit their website for more information or to get started obtaining permits. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Glades County, Florida?

Yes, they follow the FBC like many counties in the state, so a permit is typically required for any shed construction. If you have any questions about permitting, please direct them to the Gulf County Building Department. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Hamilton County, Florida?

A permit is required for sheds in Hamilton County. Visit their Building Department to determine what permits are required and when. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Hardee County, Florida?

Per the Florida State Building Code, a permit must be obtained any time you intend to construct, erect, alter, modify, repair, remove, or demolish a building or structure. If you have any questions, visit the Hardee County Building Department. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Hendry County, Florida?

Hendry County adheres to the FBC, so you will likely need a permit. Please contact their Building Code Enforcement officials to learn more. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Hernando County, Florida?

Sheds greater than 5 feet tall or between 40 to 120 square feet only require a zoning permit. For sheds over 120 square feet, contact the Hernando County Building Department for additional permitting information. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Highlands County, Florida?

Yes, you will need a permit to add a shed or any other accessory structure to your property in Highlands County. If you have any questions about what type of permit you’ll need, contact their Building Department officials. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Hillsborough County, Florida?

You will need a permit in Hillsborough County if you plan to build or add a shed over 150 square feet on your property. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Holmes County, Florida?

You’ll likely need a permit for a shed in Holmes County. Please contact their Building Department to find out what they require. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Indian River County, Florida?

Regardless of your shed size, you will need a permit in Indian River County, Florida. You can visit their Building Division to find the permits you need for your shed. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Jackson County, Florida?

Regardless of size, you must complete a Residential Development Order Application from the Planning Division of Community Development for review. From there, you will need to obtain the necessary construction, septic, or electrical permits, depending on the scope of your project. Please check with the Jackson County Building Services department to find out exactly what permits you need to get started. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Jefferson County, Florida?

You will need a building permit if the shed you plan to build is larger than 200 square feet, taller than 14 feet at the peak, or has a roof area greater than 264 square feet. Other permits or applications may need to be completed for a shed less than 200 square feet. We recommend asking their Building Department for more information on the permits you need based on your shed plans. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Lafayette County, Florida?

It needs to be clarified. However, most sheds in Florida require a permit of some type. Call the Lafayette County Building Department to determine what permits you’ll need. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Lake County, Florida?

You will likely at least need to complete an accessory structure permit application and get approval before building a shed in Lake County. Contact the Building Services Office at 352-343-9653 for further permitting requirements.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Lee County, Florida?

Yes, you will need to follow the steps on Lee County’s shed permit procedures page to ensure you have obtained all the necessary permits and approved applications before beginning construction on your shed. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Leon County, Florida?

Sheds over 100 square feet need a building permit. Regardless of size, all sheds must be reviewed by the Development Services and Environmental Services divisions for location sites, setbacks from boundary lines, easements, floodplains, and other similar requirements.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Levy County, Florida? 

The exact requirements and permit types currently need to be clarified. You can contact their Building Department at 352-486-5198 to learn more about their requirements and the permits you’ll need to obtain.

* Please note that our service area only includes parts of Levy County

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Liberty County, Florida?  

You must complete a building permit application and provide a notice of commencement to build a shed in Liberty County, Florida. If you have any questions about the specifics of shed permitting, visit their Building Department.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Madison County, Florida?  

You can find out the specific permit requirements for sheds in Madison County, Florida, by visiting their building office or contacting the proper building official. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Manatee County, Florida?

A permit is required for sheds in Manatee County unless they are 120 square feet or less and are only used for storage. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Marion County, Florida? 

Yes, a building permit is required in Marion County anytime you plan to construct, enlarge, or alter a structure. The exact type of permit you’ll need depends on the Marion County Building Safety Department, so please direct any questions about permitting toward them. 

* Please note that we only serve parts of Marion County

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Martin County, Florida? 

You will need a permit to install a pre-manufactured shed with or without a slab in Martin County. If you visit their shed requirements page, you’ll find links to the appropriate officials to direct questions and a checklist for getting shed permits. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Miami-Dade County, Florida?

Yes. A permit is required for sheds in Miami-Dade County.  If you need help finding and filling out the appropriate permit, please follow the county’s guide on applying for permits. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Monroe County, Florida?

While nothing is clearly stated on their website, most areas in Florida follow the state building code, which requires some sort of permit for most new construction, regardless of size. In this case, contact their Building and Permitting Office for further clarification. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Nassau County, Florida?

A permit is not required for those constructing a 250 square feet or less shed on their single-family residence property. A permit is likely required for any shed project that does not meet those parameters. Please contact their Building Department to find out more. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Okaloosa County, Florida?

Yes, you will need a permit for sheds greater than 200 square feet in Okaloosa County, Florida. You can read their permit guide to learn more about the permitting process for your shed. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Okeechobee County, Florida?

Most of Florida requires a building permit for new construction, regardless of size. However, the exact specifications are up to the county. Please contact their Building and Permitting Office to determine exactly what they require. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Orange County, Florida?

All structures in Orange County require a permit. While structures that are 120 square feet may be exempt from the building code, you still need to apply for a building permit for your shed to be reviewed and approved. Their residential accessory structures page provides a step-by-step guide to applying for a permit and links to the needed permitting documents when you’re ready to get started. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Osceola County, Florida?

You must apply for a building permit from their Building and Permit Office. While their exact requirements aren’t precise, most of Florida requires a permit to be completed before you build a shed. Call their office at (407) 742-0200 for more information.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Palm Beach County, Florida?

Sheds that are 6’x6’x6’ or smaller do not require a permit in Palm Beach County, Florida. For sizes larger than that, a permit is likely required. Please visit their Building Division to learn more or to begin applying for a permit if needed. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Pasco County, Florida?

Yes. A permit is needed for any sheds larger than 150 square feet. A permit is unnecessary if your shed is 150 square feet, has tie-downs, and meets setback requirements. Visit Pasco County’s Permits & Forms page to begin filling out your permit application if needed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Pinellas County, Florida?

Any shed 100 square feet or less and no taller than 10 feet does not require a permit in Pinellas County. A shed larger than 100 square feet or taller than 10 feet requires a permit and must meet property setback requirements. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Polk County, Florida?

Yes. Polk County requires a permit to construct any building or structure, including sheds. To obtain a building permit, you can visit Polk County’s permitting page, which includes a link to their online application and other permit steps. They also offer virtual inspections to help streamline the process. Curious how much it’ll cost? They also have a page dedicated to outlining construction permitting fees. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Putnam County, Florida?

A permit is not required for sheds that are one story, less than 12 feet tall, and have a floor area of no more than 150 square feet. You will need a permit if your shed does not meet these specifications. Visit their Building Division page for more information, or click on the online permitting tab to start your application. 

* Please note that our service area does not include all of Putnam County

Do I Need A Shed Permit in St. Johns County, Florida?

You will likely need a permit to build, construct, or alter a shed in St. Johns County. To determine your requirements, contact their Building Department at 904-827-6800. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in St. Lucie County, Florida?

A permit is likely required, but it may depend on the size of your shed and where it is located. You can find out the permitting requirements for your shed by calling 772-467-3000.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Santa Rosa County, Florida?

A permit is typically necessary in Santa Rosa County whenever you plan to construct or add a structure to your property. However, there may be some cases in which you are exempt. Please call the Development Services office at 850-981-7000 to determine if your project requires a permit. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Sarasota County, Florida?

A permit is necessary for Sarasota sheds larger than 100 square feet. If your shed is less than 100 square feet, single-story, detached, unused for a business or living space, and has no utilities, you may be exempt from permitting. You can contact their Building & Permitting office at 941-263-6494 to learn more or visit online permitting to get started on your application. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Seminole County, Florida?

According to their website, they follow the Florida Building Code, which requires a building permit for most work, including sheds. You can fill out your building permit online or call the Building Department at 407-665-7050 to find out more. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Sumter County, Florida?

Sheds over 100 square feet need to have a permit. You do not need a permit if your shed is less than that. You can begin filling out your permitting application on their online permitting page. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Suwannee County, Florida?

Yes. You must complete an accessory structure permit application to build a shed in Suwannee County, Florida. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Taylor County, Florida?

While it’s not exactly clear, you will likely need to complete an accessory building permit to build a shed in Taylor County. You can contact the Building and Planning Department for specific details.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Union County, Florida?

It needs to be clarified. Contact their building inspector at 386-496-2676 to determine if you need a permit. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Volusia County, Florida?

A construction permit is required to add a shed to your property. You can visit the Volusia County Permit Center to fill out your application or get any questions you may have answered. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Wakulla County, Florida?

The best source for this information is their Building Department, which you can contact at 850-926-7636.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Walton County, Florida?

An accessory structure, such as a shed that is not heated or cooled, doesn’t require a building permit so long as it is built outside the coastal building zone, free-standing, detached, and less than 400 square feet. If your shed does not meet these requirements, you need a permit. 

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Washington County, Florida?

A permit is most likely necessary, but please check with their Building Department for the exact answer to this question.

How Much Is A Permit For A Shed in Florida?

Depending on local regulations, shed permits in Florida can cost anywhere from $50 to $250 or more at times. These costs typically depend on your shed size. The best course of action to determine exactly how much your permit will cost is to contact your local Building Department or Permitting Office. 

What Size Shed Requires a Permit in Florida?

According to the Florida Building Code, permits are required for most sheds, regardless of size. However, this is primarily determined by your locality. The best way to get an answer to this question is to find your county listed above and see what shed sizes require a permit. 

If you need help building a shed in accordance with the size requirements in your area in South Florida, our 3D builder tool is an excellent resource! It allows you to build a shed that is the exact length, width, and height you need to get approval on your shed permit.

Can I Build A Shed Without A Permit in Florida?

While the Florida Building Code requires a permit for sheds regardless of size, you can build a shed without a permit in Florida—counties such as Sarasota, Pinellas, Brevard, Leon, and Sumter don’t require permits for sheds that are 100 square feet or less while others require it regardless of size. Typically, permit exemptions for sheds that are under 100 square feet also require the shed to be very low in height.

How Big Of A Shed Can I Build Without A Permit in Florida?

Generally building permits are required for all storage sheds. There are some exemptions so check with your county for specific regulations. For example, Walton County, Florida, doesn’t require a permit for sheds that are 400 square feet, free-standing, detached structures that are not heated or cooled and located outside of their coastal building zone. 

If you need help building a shed in South Florida that matches the proper size requirements, you can use our 3D builder.

How Far Does A Shed Have to Be From The Property Line in Florida?

This is a difficult question to answer at the state level. Property line setbacks dramatically vary from county to county within Florida. For example, Pinellas County requires a five-foot setback from property lines while Miami-Dade County requires a minimum of 75 square feet in the front and 5 in the rear. However, it is hard to provide an exact setback for your specific property due to different zoning districts having different setbacks. Please check with your local zoning department for exact information for your property.

Can I Live in a Shed On My Own Land in Florida?

It is typically illegal in Florida to live in a shed as they don’t usually live up to the same construction standards for homes as outlined in the Florida State Building Code (FBC). However, you may be able to get away with it if it has the proper utilities, size requirements, and other specifications outlined for dwellings in the FBC. You’ll likely have to obtain a permit for building a home though and not a shed permit.

How To Get A Shed Permit in Florida

To get a shed permit in Florida, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Submit a permit application to your local building department
2. Include required documentation, including:
   1. Detailed plans/specifications for the shed
   2. A site plan showing where you plan to place the shed on your property, your property lines, and any existing structures on your property.
   3. Environmental documents and flood requirements, if needed.
   4. The name of the contractor completing the work and intended occupancy or if you are obtaining the building permit yourself, your name as the owner-builder and the intended occupancy. 
3. Ensure your shed complies with the Florida Building Code and local requirements
4. Submit any required permit fees and wait for approval
5. Schedule final inspection when the shed is installed and anchored

If you have any questions about filling out your permit, we’re happy to help. Click the button below to contact us.

Ready For Your Shed?

Once you understand the permit requirements in your area, the next step is to choose a reliable shed builder in Florida who can create a structure that meets those specifications. At South Country Sheds, we specialize in crafting custom sheds designed to meet your storage needs while adhering to local regulations. Based in Arcadia, FL, we’ve proudly served South Florida for over 10 years, offering quality craftsmanship at factory-direct prices. Our sheds are built to be hurricane-resistant, and we provide free delivery and setup within 175 miles of our Arcadia location. To get started, you can easily design your shed in 3D or request a free quote. If you have questions about permits or need additional information for your application, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.