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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hillsborough County
Building and subtrade permits are processed through HillsGovHub for all regulated work in unincorporated Hillsborough County.
- Exempt Cosmetic work such as painting, tile, flooring, shelving, cabinet work, wallpapering
- Exempt Certain PVC, wood, and chain-link fences
- Exempt Sheds and greenhouses under 150 square feet
- Exempt Limited low-voltage work in an existing single-family residence
- Exempt Minor repair items as listed in the county exemption page
Note: Permit exemptions do not waive any other building-code certification requirement or permit requirement imposed by another jurisdiction or agency.
- Permit application
- Plans
- Checklists
- Owner-builder disclosure when applicable
- Contractor licensing/registration information
- Notice of Commencement when required
- Building code
- Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023). Hillsborough County also publishes a county construction code and administrative ordinances layered on top of statewide code enforcement.
- Owner-builder
- The property must generally be deeded in the owner's name. LLC/corporate/partnership ownership generally does not qualify. The property cannot be offered for sale, lease, or rent for one year after completion. The owner must directly supervise the work not performed by licensed contractors.
- Contractor requirements
- Regulated trades and work requiring permits must be performed by validly licensed contractors unless a lawful owner-builder exemption applies.
Source: Hillsborough County Development Services, Building Services ↗
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the address is in unincorporated Hillsborough County and not inside Tampa, Temple Terrace, or Plant City.
- 02 Identify the correct permit type and review the county checklist or submittal requirements for the project.
- 03 Create or log into a HillsGovHub account and upload the application, plans, contractor information, and required supporting documents.
- 04 If applying as an owner-builder, upload the Owner Builder Disclosure Statement and satisfy Florida Statute 489.103(7) requirements.
- 05 File a Notice of Commencement when Florida Statute 713 requires it.
- 06 Respond to review comments, pay permit fees, and obtain permit issuance before starting regulated work.
- 07 Schedule inspections in HillsGovHub and obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy/completion as applicable.
Source: Hillsborough County Development Services, Building Services ↗
Fee schedule
Hillsborough County building permit fees
Fees for permits or services not specified in the posted schedules are calculated by the Building Official or designee using the county's current fee-study methodology.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- HillsGovHub (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests submitted by 11:59 p.m. are guaranteed for the next business day for in-person inspection.
The county offers limited virtual inspections through VuSpex for certain final and roof/electrical/mechanical/plumbing inspection types.
Source: Hillsborough County Development Services, Building Services ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hillsborough County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hillsborough County, FL? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hillsborough County, FL? ▸
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hillsborough County, FL? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hillsborough County, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hillsborough County Development Services, Building Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.