It depends on what you touch. A remodel that only changes how the room looks may not need a permit, especially under Florida's new 2026 small-project exemption. A remodel that changes how the room works (moving a sink, adding outlets, opening a wall) needs permits, usually more than one.
Most kitchen and bathroom remodels end up in the second group. Here's how to tell which one you're in.
Quick answer
- Paint, flooring, new cabinets in the same layout, drywall repair: may qualify for Florida's 2026 exemption for single-family homes, if the job is under $7,500 and the city approves it in writing.
- Moving or adding plumbing fixtures: plumbing permit.
- New circuits, outlets, lighting or appliances on new wiring: electrical permit.
- Removing or moving walls: building permit, and an engineer if the wall is load-bearing.
- Condos and apartments: permits, and association approval, for almost any real remodel.
What changed in 2026?
Florida's HB 803 took effect July 1, 2026. It lets certain small projects on single-family homes skip the building permit if:
- the job costs less than $7,500
- the home is not in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area
- the work includes no electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas or structural work
- the project isn't split up to get under the limit
It's not automatic. In Fort Lauderdale, for example, you submit an exemption request with the scope and cost through the city's portal and wait for a written approval before starting. Fort Lauderdale's examples of work that may qualify include interior painting, flooring replacement, cabinet replacement and drywall repair.
Much of eastern Broward is in a flood zone, so check your property's flood zone first. Read more in what home projects don't need a permit.
Which kitchen work needs a permit?
- Moving the sink, dishwasher or gas range: plumbing (and gas) permit
- New electrical circuits for an island, an induction cooktop or a bigger appliance: electrical permit
- A new range hood ducted outside: mechanical review in many cities
- Taking out a wall to open the kitchen: building permit, with engineering if it's load-bearing
- Replacing a window over the sink: building permit with product approvals (see windows and doors)
Which bathroom work needs a permit?
- Turning a tub into a walk-in shower: typically plumbing, because the drain and valve change
- Moving the toilet, vanity or shower: plumbing permit
- New exhaust fan ducted outside: electrical, and mechanical in some cities
- New lighting circuits or heated floors: electrical permit
- Changing the room's size: building permit
Swapping a toilet or faucet in the same spot is usually treated as a repair. Ask your city if you're not sure.
Why permits matter more in a remodel
Remodels hide things. Once the tile is down and the drywall is closed, nobody can see the wiring or the drain slope, until a leak or a short circuit. Inspections happen before the walls close for exactly that reason.
Unpermitted remodels also come up at sale. Buyers' inspectors look for them, and appraisers and lenders may not count unpermitted space or upgrades.
What does a remodel permit package look like?
For a typical full kitchen or bathroom remodel:
- A building permit as the master permit, with drawings of the new layout
- Plumbing, electrical and mechanical sub-permits as needed (see how many sub-applications you need)
- Contractor licenses and insurance for each trade
- A Notice of Commencement for jobs over $5,000
- Association approval for condos
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace my kitchen cabinets without a permit?
Often yes, if it's the same layout and no plumbing or electrical changes, especially on a single-family home under Florida's new exemption. Condos are not covered by that exemption.
Do I need a permit to replace countertops?
Usually not for the countertop itself. If the sink or cooktop moves, or new outlets go in, those parts need permits.
Can I start demo while the permit is in review?
Not safely. Starting work before the permit is issued can bring a penalty, often up to double the permit fee in Broward. Wait for issuance.
Planning a remodel?
We handle the building permit and every sub-permit for remodels across Broward and Palm Beach County, and coordinate the city's comments with your designer and contractors. Call us or request a callback.