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Tampa building permits

Building permits in Tampa are issued by the City of Tampa Construction Services Division1. You can apply and request inspections online through aca-prod.accela.com1.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Building department contacts
  2. Building codes in force in Tampa
  3. Tampa building permit fees
  4. How to get a building permit in Tampa
  5. Permit expiration and extensions
  6. Inspections in Tampa
  7. Building without a permit in Tampa
  8. Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
  9. Florida rules that also apply in Tampa
  10. Sources

Building department contacts

City of Tampa Construction Services Division1

Building permits

Website
tampa.gov1
Phone
(813) 274-3100, option 12
Address
City Center at Hanna, 2555 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610
3
Hours
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; walk-ins 9 a.m.-4 p.m.3
Inspections
Online in Accela Citizen Access (login required)4

Construction Activity Compliance Team (Construction Services Division)3

Code enforcement

Land Development Coordination6

Zoning and planning

Phone
(813) 274-3100, Option 23

Right-of-Way Permits6

Public works and right-of-way

Hillsborough County (local contractor licensing)3

Contractor licensing

To look up permits already issued for an address (useful before you buy, or to check a contractor's work), use the city's official permit search: aca-prod.accela.com7.

Building codes in force in Tampa

These are the model codes Tampa enforces, with the edition and the date it took effect. Plans are reviewed and work is inspected against them. For the state framework, see Florida building codes.

CodeTitle as adoptedModel editionEffectiveAdopted by
International Building Code (IBC)2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Building82021910Florida Building Commission11
International Residential Code (IRC)2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Residential820211210Florida Building Commission11
Energy code, residential2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Energy Conservation820211310Florida Building Commission11
Energy code, commercial2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Energy Conservation820211310Florida Building Commission11
International Plumbing Code (IPC)2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Plumbing820211410Florida Building Commission11
International Mechanical Code (IMC)2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Mechanical820211510Florida Building Commission11
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Fuel Gas820211610Florida Building Commission11
International Existing Building Code (IEBC)2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Existing Building820211710Florida Building Commission11
National Electrical Code (NEC)NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2020 edition82020810Florida Building Commission11
State code2023 8th Edition Florida Fire Prevention Code820211819State Fire Marshal20
State code2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition): Accessibility8–10Florida Building Commission11

Transition rules. 8th Edition vesting if plans submitted and application accepted by December 31, 20262.

Tampa building permit fees

Fees come from the City of Tampa CSD fee schedules: Miscellaneous Projects, Trade Permits, General & Administrative (plus online Fee Estimator for new construction, additions and alterations)21, effective 22.

How valuation is set. ICC Building Valuation Data6.

Each line is worded as in Tampa’s schedule; formulas are not added up into a total (how permit fees work).

FeeTypeAs the schedule states it
Florida Building Permit SurchargeState surcharge(2.5% of permit value or $4.00 minimum).23
Above-Ground Pool/Spa (residential)Flat feeAbove-Ground Pool/Spa $ 292.00 N/A24
In-Ground Pool/Spa (residential)Flat feeIn-Ground Pool/Spa $ 716.00 $ 876.0024
Privacy/Retaining Wall (residential)Flat feePrivacy/Retaining Wall $ 475.00 $ 589.0024
Driveway, Patio Slab, Deck (residential)Flat feeDriveway, Patio Slab, Deck $ 214.00 $ 527.0024
Generator (residential)Flat feeGenerator $ 291.00 $ 767.0024
Seawall (residential)Flat feeSeawall $ 494.00 $ 700.0024
Awning/Shutter with electric (residential)Flat feeAwning/Shutter with electric 177.00$ 305.00$24
Electrical (general) trade permitFlat feeElectrical (general) for all electrical-related activities not addressed below or any other fee table $ 120.00 $ 120.0025
HVAC Equal Change-outsFlat feeHVAC Equal Change-outs 120.00$ 162.00$25
Natural & LP Gas PipingFlat feeNatural & LP Gas Piping 162.00$ 162.00$25
Solar Water HeaterFlat feeSolar Water Heater 120.00$ 162.00$25
Irrigation System (Standard/Reclaimed)Flat feeIrrigation System (Standard/Reclaimed) 120.00$ 120.00$25
Seawall RepairFlat feeSeawall Repair $ 177.00 $ 220.0025
Permit ExtensionFlat feePermit Extension $41.00 $61.0022
Permit Reissue (Reinstatement of expired permit)Flat feePermit Reissue (Reinstatement of expired permit)* $41.00 $61.0022
Permit Transfer (Change of contractor)Flat feePermit Transfer (Change of contractor)* $41.00 $61.0022
3rd or Additional Plan Review CyclePercent of the permit fee3rd or Additional Plan Review Cycle* 20% of permit fee (min. $120.00) 20% of permit fee (min. $120.00)22
Plan RevisionPercent of the permit feePlan Revision* 10% of permit fee (min. $120.00) 10% of permit fee (min. $120.00)22
Expedited Plan ReviewExpedited reviewExpedited Plan Review (Subject to supervisory approval)* Double the cost of plan review fee Double the cost of plan review fee22
Preliminary Plan ReviewPlan reviewPreliminary Plan Review* $275.00 $871.0022
Re-Inspection per DisciplineRe-inspectionRe-Inspection per Discipline* $120.00 $120.0022
After-Hours InspectionAfter-hours inspectionAfter-Hours Inspection (Minimum 2.5 hours per inspector)* $413.00 $413.0022
Citation/Stop Work Order ReleaseWork started without a permitCitation/Stop Work Order Release $339.00 $339.0022
Records ResearchFlat feeRecords Research $25.44 per hour $25.44 per hour22

How to get a building permit in Tampa

  1. Check zoning/land use for the property6
  2. Apply online in Accela, choosing the correct record type26
  3. Submit plans unless the work is minor6
  4. Upload a recorded Notice of Commencement before the first inspection when contract value exceeds $2,5004
  5. Schedule inspections and obtain final approval6
Apply online
Yes1
Over-the-counter permits
No-plan-review permits (e.g. water heater replacement, A/C change-out, roofing) issued without visiting City offices6

Permit expiration and extensions

Extensions
Permit extension available for a fee ($41 residential)22

Inspections in Tampa

Tampa’s inspection stages, in order. Do not cover work until the stage has passed (how inspections work).

  1. Foundation (footings, grade beams, pile caps, pads)27
  2. Slab27
  3. Framing27
  4. Insulation (after framing approval)27
  5. Final27
  6. Pool steel27
  7. Electrical rough-in (before concealment)27
  8. Siding pre-inspection on existing buildings27
How to schedule
Online in Accela (login required)4
Re-inspection fee
Re-Inspection per Discipline* $120.00 $120.0022
After the final inspection
Certificate of Occupancy for new construction or change of occupancy6

Building without a permit in Tampa

ConsequenceApplies toAs the city states itWay to fix it
Stop-work orderWork found without required permits28$339.00 Citation/Stop Work Order Release fee22After-the-fact permit by a licensed contractor with an After the Fact Affidavit5
Lien or recorded noticeViolations not corrected within the Notice of Violation timeline28Special Magistrate / court action; Order to Abate may lead to a special assessment lien (amount not stated)28–

For how unpermitted work is usually legalized, see how to legalize unpermitted work.

Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)

Homeowner may pull a building permit
Yes6
Homeowner electrical work
Yes, personally; may not subcontract trade work under the owner's permit6
Homeowner plumbing work
Yes, personally; may not subcontract trade work under the owner's permit6
Owner and occupancy requirement
Property must be for the owner's exclusive use29
Sale or rental limits
1 year29
Affidavit or declaration
Yes29

Florida's statewide owner-builder and licensing rules are on the Florida permit guide.

Florida rules that also apply in Tampa

Sources

  1. Construction ServicesCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated November 4, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. New Florida Building Code 9th Edition (2026) announcementCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Contact UsCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated September 8, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Accela Guide - Schedule an InspectionCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated January 18, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  5. After the Fact AffidavitCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Construction Services FAQCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated September 21, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Accela Guide - Search for Permits by AddressCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated February 24, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Adopted CodesCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated January 18, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Analysis of Changes for the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code: BuildingState of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Building CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Florida Building Commission home page (BCIS)State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Building CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Fla. Stat. § 553.73 (2026 Florida Statutes)State of Florida, The Florida Senate (Florida Statutes)Published 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Analysis of Changes for the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Codes: ResidentialState of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Building CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Significant Provision Changes in 8th Edition (2023) FBC, Energy ConservationState of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Building CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Analysis of Changes 8th Edition: PlumbingState of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Building CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Analysis of Changes 8th Edition: MechanicalState of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Building CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
  16. Analysis of Changes 8th Edition: Fuel GasState of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Building CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Analysis of Changes 8th Edition: Existing BuildingState of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Building CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Rule 69A-60.003, NFPA 1, the Fire Code, Florida 2021 Edition, AdoptedState of Florida, Department of State, Florida Administrative CodeEffective December 31, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  19. Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC)State of Florida, Department of Financial Services, Division of State Fire MarshalChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Fla. Stat. § 633.202 (2026 Florida Statutes)State of Florida, The Florida Senate (Florida Statutes)Published 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Fee ScheduleCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated August 11, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  22. General and Administrative Fee ScheduleCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated December 11, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  23. Permit Fee Schedules/EstimatorCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  24. Miscellaneous Projects Permit Fee ScheduleCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated May 31, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  25. Trade Permit Fee ScheduleCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated February 16, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  26. Residential Alterations Permit Application GuideCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  27. Residential InspectionCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated October 1, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  28. Stop Work Order NoticeCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated October 1, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  29. Owner-Builder Acknowledgement FormCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated August 17, 2022Checked November 7, 2026