City of Tampa

Permits are required for construction work regulated by the code.

• Exempt Floor coverings
• Exempt Painting
• Exempt Wallpapering
• Exempt Cabinetwork
• Exempt Furnishings
• Exempt Decorations
• Exempt Shelving
• Exempt Gutters
• Exempt Preliminary site investigations
• Exempt Other work listed in Tampa code section 5-105.2

Note: Work exemptions do not authorize work that violates the code or other applicable regulations.

Building code

Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), enforced by the city through Construction Services.

Owner-builder

The owner may act as contractor only under the statutory exemption and must directly supervise the work. Generally may improve a one-family or two-family residence or qualifying commercial work up to $75,000 for the owner's own use. May not build or improve for sale or lease within one year after completion.

Contractor requirements

Contractor licensing is administered by Hillsborough County. City permit processing requires properly licensed contractors unless an owner-builder exemption applies.

Source: City of Tampa Development and Growth Management, Construction Services Division ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the property is inside Tampa city limits.
2. 02
   Identify whether the project is residential, commercial, trade-only, or another Tampa permit category.
3. 03
   Submit the permit application and required plans/documents through Accela Citizen Access.
4. 04
   Upload required supporting documents such as plan sets, product approvals, energy documents, contractor information, and project-specific checklists.
5. 05
   If applicable, upload the recorded Notice of Commencement before the first inspection.
6. 06
   If using an owner-builder exemption, upload Tampa's Owner-Builder Acknowledgement Form and satisfy Florida owner-builder restrictions.
7. 07
   Respond to review comments, pay fees, obtain issuance, then complete required inspections and final approval.

Source: City of Tampa Development and Growth Management, Construction Services Division ↗

• Accela Citizen Access (online)
• VuSpex for eligible virtual trade inspections (online)

As of October 20, 2025, Tampa uses VuSpex for eligible trade-permit virtual inspections. Real-time virtual inspections are scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.; offline field reports auto-generate next-day review. A recorded Notice of Commencement must be uploaded before the first inspection when the contract value exceeds $2,500, except existing HVAC systems where the threshold is $15,000.

Source: City of Tampa Development and Growth Management, Construction Services Division ↗