The Florida Building Code requires a building permit prior to construction. The Code does this to insure that building permits are obtained. Once the building permit is issued, there are various inspections that are required throughout the duration of the work. Through these inspections, the Building Department has the assurance that the codes are being adhered to, and that buildings are safe.

The Florida Building Code is the minimum standard allowed to construct buildings so as to provide for the protection of safety, health and general welfare of the public.

You would be issued a notice of code violation. The penalty is double the permit fee. In addition, there may be costly fees for 3rd party engineering analyses that could be required for areas of work that are concealed. You also leave yourself vulnerable to possible litigation if you ever decide to sell your home.

Not if you own and occupy the home. State law allows the owners of real property to act as their own contractor. The exemption may only be used if you own and occupy the home. If you sell or lease the home you have built or substantially improved within one year after the construction is complete, the law will presume that you built or substantially improved it for sale or lease, which is a violation of law. As an owner builder, if you don’t complete all of the work yourself, you must supervise the work and hire licensed trade contractors (electric, plumbing, mechanical and roof) in accordance with state law.

Any person working on your home who is not licensed must work under your direct supervision and you are required to deduct F.I.C.A. and withholding tax, and provide workers compensation insurance. You cannot act as your own contractor for rental property.

All commercial and residential work usually requires stamped sealed plans from an architect or engineer. If you have any questions, contact the Building Department for guidance.

Ask for and check references, ask to see their state contractor’s license, check to see that their license number is on their business card and proposal, check their license number on the state web site for any complaints. Be aware that if they ask you to obtain the building permit they may not be licensed by the state, which puts the homeowner totally at risk.

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