📋FL Plumbing Permit Requirements
Florida Statute §489.103 and the Florida Building Code (FBC) determine what requires a permit. Local amendments may add requirements — when in doubt, always call your building department before starting work.
Water Heater Replacement PERMIT REQUIRED
Florida requires a permit for ALL water heater replacements — both tank and tankless, gas and electric. This applies statewide under FBC Chapter 5, Section 502.2. There are no exceptions for "same-for-same" replacement (unlike some other states).
Why FL requires it: The permit ensures the T&P (temperature-pressure) relief valve is properly installed and piped, the water heater is adequately supported, electrical connections meet code (for electric units), gas connections are tested (for gas units), and the unit meets current efficiency standards.
Consequence of skipping: An unpermitted water heater installation can void your homeowner's insurance policy if a failure causes damage. Many FL homeowner's policies specifically exclude losses from unpermitted work. When selling the home, the unpermitted water heater will appear in the permit history search.
Home Repipe (Supply Pipe Replacement) PERMIT REQUIRED
Replacing supply pipe throughout a home — whether for polybutylene removal, galvanized replacement, or copper repipe — requires a plumbing permit in all FL jurisdictions. This is true even if the new pipe is the same material and follows the same path.
Plan review: Most FL counties require a simple sketch or diagram showing pipe routing for full repipes. Licensed plumbers typically handle this documentation as part of the permit application. The sketch does not need to be a formal engineering drawing for residential work.
Inspection: A rough-in inspection is required before walls are closed, and a final pressure test (typically 150 PSI for 15 minutes on PEX) must be witnessed by the inspector. Plumbers are required to notify the building department when ready for inspection.
Bathroom Addition (New) PERMIT REQUIRED
Adding a new bathroom to an existing home requires both a plumbing permit and typically a building permit (for structural work) and sometimes an electrical permit. The plumbing scope includes new supply lines, new drain/waste/vent lines, fixture connections, and connection to the main DWV system.
Complexity factors: Distance from main sewer line, whether the addition is on a slab or has crawl space, venting requirements (wet venting vs. separate vent stack), and whether the project involves slab penetration all affect both cost and inspection requirements.
Typical inspections: Underground/slab rough-in (before concrete pour), wall rough-in (before drywall), and final. Some counties add a "top-out" inspection when drain lines are complete above the slab.
Drain / Sewer Line Work PERMIT REQUIRED
Replacing, repairing, or relining drain lines — including the sewer lateral from house to street — requires a plumbing permit. This includes trenchless liner installation (CIPP) and excavation-based replacement.
Sewer lateral jurisdiction: In FL, the homeowner typically owns the sewer lateral from the home to the connection point at the utility's main line. All work on this line requires a permit. Some FL utilities also require their own tap permit or notification when lateral work is performed.
New Gas Line Installation PERMIT REQUIRED
All new gas line installations require a plumbing permit in Florida. This includes running a new gas line to an appliance, installing CSST, extending existing lines, and installing gas service for standby generators or pool heaters.
Gas-specific requirements: Gas line installations require a pressure test (typically 3–10 PSI for 30 minutes, witnessed by inspector) before the system is put into service. CSST installations must include bonding per NFPA 54 §7.13 and FPC §409.3 — especially important in FL due to lightning risk. All gas work must be performed by a licensed plumber (Plumbing-Gas specialty) or certified gas contractor in Florida.
Slab Leak Repair PERMIT REQUIRED
Slab leak repairs — whether by jackhammer access, tunnel, or pipe reroute — require a plumbing permit. The permit covers the pipe repair AND any concrete restoration (which may also require a structural permit if significant concrete removal is involved).
Reroute vs. direct repair: Both require permits. A reroute through walls is often permitted under the same plumbing permit as the slab repair. If the reroute involves opening exterior walls or the attic, a building permit may also be required depending on the county.
Like-for-Like Minor Fixture Repairs NO PERMIT NEEDED
The following minor repairs generally do NOT require a permit in Florida under FBC §105.2.2 exemptions:
• Replacing a faucet or showerhead at the same location
• Replacing a toilet (same drain location, same rough-in distance)
• Replacing a garbage disposal (same drain connection)
• Replacing a water shutoff valve (like-for-like, same size)
• Clearing a drain clog
• Replacing supply hose to fixture (under-sink connections)
Important exception: Some FL municipalities (notably Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and others) have adopted stricter local amendments that require permits even for toilet replacements. Always verify with your local building department for city-specific rules.
Pool / Spa Heater Installation PERMIT REQUIRED
Installing a gas pool or spa heater requires a plumbing permit (for the gas line connection) and sometimes a mechanical permit (for the heater unit itself). Heat pump pool heaters may additionally require an electrical permit.
FL pool-specific: Florida requires proper backflow prevention on all pool plumbing connections per FPC §608. Pool heater gas lines must be properly sized for the BTU demand — often requiring a 1" or 1-1/4" line for 200–400 MBH heaters.