Do I need a permit for roof repair? It’s one of the first things you should ask yourself if you need roof repair.
In Florida, the answer largely depends
- on your location (since the regulations on permit requirements depend on your municipality)
- and on the scope of the repair work.
And if you ignore it, you could face some serious repercussions!
In this guide, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of permits for roof repair in Florida. Know when you can go without a permit and when it’s absolutely necessary to get one.
Everything You Need to Know About Roof Repair Permits in Florida
Although many minor repairs do not need a permit, the vast majority of big jobs do in order for the work to be carried out legally. It all depends on what is defined as a minor repair.
If you have any questions, check back with your local building department, or contact the Florida Building Commission office.
Minor Roof Repairs vs Major Roof Repairs
Most officials will define a “minor repair” as a repair to one of the following:
- A few shingles
- An area of roof that’s less than one-meter square
- Work that costs less than $500
- Leaks around chimneys, vents, or skylights
- Minor cracks and gaps in the roof surface
A major repair or renovation counts as anything else outside these criteria. If the repairs will modify the structure of your roof, you can’t cut corners. This includes tearing off the old roof and installing a new one.
This is all laid out in the Florida Building Code at 105.2.2.
If you need minor repairs done or parts installed or replaced, it can be done without a permit if you receive the approval of the building official first.
These small repairs cannot affect any of the following:
- Walls
- Partitions
- Egress
- Structural Beams
- Load-bearing Support
- Water
- Soil
- Drainage
- Sewer
- Waste
- Gas
- Standpipe
- Vent
- Wires
The repairs cannot involve any work that might compromise public health or general safety. Also, these repairs must not violate any of the requirements outlined in the relevant technical codes.
You could get a permit for roof repair yourself, but you’ll need at least four years of experience. This experience would need to come from working with another contractor or roofing company.
You should be aware that if you perform (or hire someone) to do any kind of repair work without the proper permits and it is discovered, you could be in big trouble! Roof repair without a permit may be subject to legal penalties and expensive fines.
Do I Need a Permit for Roof Repair or Should I Find a Pro in Florida?
While it might be tempting to try and save some money by carrying out roof repairs yourself – or by hiring an unlicensed contractor – it’s always safest to enlist the services of a professional roofing company.
This will actually benefit you in the long run! Why? Because a professional roofing company will carry out your repair work quickly, efficiently, and, most importantly, legally!
You’ll also find that experts like Bay to Bay Roofing produce quality craftsmanship that is free from error. Give yourself peace of mind that your roof repair is being completed to the highest quality.
So, when you ask yourself, “Do I need a permit for roof repair in Florida?” Do yourself a favor and hire a professional. It could save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the long run!
Here at Bay to Bay Roofing, we offer a wide range of roofing services carried out by our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals. Get in touch with us today to find out more about what we can do for you.