What happens if I build without a permit?

If you begin construction without the required permit(s), a "Stop Work Order" will immediately be issued by an Inspector and a Notice of Violation will be issued by the City’s Code Enforcement Department. You will be required to apply for and receive the permit(s) for the work and pay additional fees (twice the amount of the original fee). 

After the permit has been properly issued, you will then be required to uncover any work which has been covered so that it may be inspected prior to the release of the "Stop Work Order", or the building official may allow an engineer or architect to inspect and take responsibility for the work. He would then have to write a letter to the building department accepting responsibility for the work and assuring the work complies with the code. 

In some cases, regulations or codes may not permit the type of construction that has been done. In this case, you may be required to replace or restore the area to its original condition prior to your construction.

Show All Answers

1. What are permits and why do I need one?
2. How much is a permit?
3. When don’t I need a permit?
4. What happens if I build without a permit?
5. Can I draw up my own plans?
6. Who can obtain a permit?
7. What do I do when the job is complete?
8. How do I determine the value of the job?
9. How long does the City keep my house plans?
10. Can I pull a permit as an owner/builder?
11. Does my contractor need to be licensed, insured, and registered with the City to pull a permit, and if so, what does he need?
12. How can I verify if a contractor is licensed?
13. Can you fax applications or have my permit faxed?
14. What method of payments do you accept?
15. Do I need to be home on the day that my inspection has been scheduled for?
16. How much time do I have to complete my permit?
17. Do I need a permit to replace an existing fence?
18. What do I need to apply for a fence permit?
19. Do I need a permit to replace windows, doors, garage doors, front doors, etc.?
20. What do I need to apply for a window/door permit?
21. Do I need to pull a permit to replace or add to my driveway?
22. What do I need to apply for a driveway permit?
23. Do I need a permit to install a pool and pool deck?
24. What do I need to apply for a pool and pool deck permit?
25. What do I need to apply for a re-deck/dock permit?
26. Do I need a permit for a generator?
27. What do I need to apply for a generator permit?
28. Do I need a permit to install a shed?
29. What do I need to apply for a shed permit?
30. Now that I have a building permit, what do I need to do?
31. How do I get an inspection?
32. What do I need to submit for a City New Residence/Addition building permit?
33. When do I need a building permit?
34. What do I need to apply for a permit to enclose a patio, balcony, Florida room, or screen room?
35. Do you need a City permit to install a Chickee/Tiki Hut constructed by members of the Seminole or Miccosukee tribes?
36. Is it true that members of the Seminole or Miccosukee tribes are exempt from obtaining a City permit and can construct a Chickee/Tiki hut anywhere on my property.