Skip to content
🏛️

FL Plumbing Permit Cost Calculator

Permit fees by county · What requires a permit · How to apply · Real-project estimates

FPC Compliance · Palm Beach · Broward · Miami-Dade · Hillsborough · Orange · Pinellas
💰Estimate Your Plumbing Permit Cost
Select your project type and Florida county to get a realistic permit fee range — including base fee, plan review, and inspection surcharges.
$0 – $0
Estimated total permit cost
Base plumbing permit fee
—
Plan review fee (if required)
—
Inspection fee (per inspection)
—
Technology / admin surcharge (varies)
—
Inspections typically required
—
Timeline — permit issuance
—
Reminder: These are FL market averages. Actual fees depend on assessed project valuation, current fee schedules (updated annually by many FL counties), and any city overlay requirements. Request the current fee schedule from your building department before finalizing project budgets.
📊FL Permit Cost Quick Reference
Typical ranges for the most common FL residential plumbing permit projects (licensed contractor pulling permit, single-family home):
ProjectTypical FL RangeInspections
Water heater — electric (same location)$50 – $1751 (rough-in/final)
Water heater — gas (same location)$75 – $2251–2
Water heater — tankless gas (new venting)$125 – $3502
Water heater — heat pump (new electrical)$150 – $4002
Full home repipe (PEX/CPVC)$350 – $1,2002–3
Partial repipe (section)$150 – $4501–2
New full bathroom addition$400 – $1,5002–4
New half bath addition$200 – $6001–2
Drain / sewer line work$150 – $6001–2
New gas line (appliance)$100 – $4001–2
Gas line for standby generator$200 – $6002
Slab leak repair$150 – $5001–2
Pool/spa heater installation$200 – $6002
Outdoor kitchen plumbing$250 – $7002
South FL premium: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach permit fees are typically 30–50% higher than the FL statewide average, reflecting higher local base rates and the HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) code overlay that requires additional plan review for many plumbing projects.
🏛️Permit Fee Structures by County
Palm Beach County (unincorporated)
Base plumbing permit: $80 minimum + $8 per fixture. Plan review: 65% of permit fee. Technology fee: $6 flat. Water heater: ~$110–$160. Full repipe: $450–$900 depending on fixture count. Search: pbcgov.com/pzb. Phone: 561-233-5100.
Broward County (unincorporated)
Base fee: $85 minimum + valuation-based rate (~$12 per $1,000 construction value). Plan review: 50% of permit fee. DCA surcharge: 1% of permit fee. Water heater: ~$120–$200. Full repipe: $500–$1,000. broward.org/Building. 954-357-6350.
Miami-Dade County (unincorporated)
Base fee: $125 minimum. HVHZ plan review required on most projects. Technology surcharge: $15. Additional DCA surcharge per state. Water heater: ~$150–$250. Full repipe: $600–$1,200. miamidade.gov/permits. 786-315-2100. Note: City of Miami and municipalities have own fee schedules.
Hillsborough County (unincorporated)
Base fee: $65 minimum + $6 per fixture. Technology fee: $10. Plan review: 50% for larger projects. Water heater: ~$90–$150. Full repipe: $350–$700. hcflgov.net. 813-272-5600. Note: Tampa City has own schedule — typically 10–15% higher than county rates.
Orange County (unincorporated)
Base fee: $60 minimum + $5.50 per fixture + $0.45/LF for piping. Plan review: 35% of permit fee. Technology surcharge: $8. Water heater: ~$80–$130. Full repipe: $300–$650. ocfl.net. 407-836-5550.
Pinellas County (unincorporated)
Base fee: $70 minimum + fixture-based rate. Plan review: included for standard projects. Technology fee: $8. Water heater: ~$85–$140. Full repipe: $320–$650. pinellascounty.org/build. 727-464-3888.
Lee County (unincorporated)
Base fee: $65 minimum + $5/fixture. Post-Hurricane Ian: additional review requirements for coastal zones. Technology fee: $8. Water heater: ~$80–$140. Full repipe: $300–$600. leegov.com/dcd. 239-533-8329.
Collier County (unincorporated)
Base fee: $110 minimum. Technology surcharge: $12. Plan review: 50% of base fee. One of the higher per-permit base rates in FL. Water heater: ~$130–$200. Full repipe: $450–$900. cvportal.colliercountyfl.gov. 239-252-2400.
Duval County / Jacksonville (consolidated)
Base fee: $60 minimum + $5/fixture. Technology fee: $8. One of the more affordable major FL markets for permits. Water heater: ~$70–$120. Full repipe: $280–$550. coj.net/BuildingInspection. 904-630-1100.
Sarasota County (unincorporated)
Base fee: $75 minimum + $6/fixture. Technology fee: $8. Plan review: 40% for new work. Water heater: ~$85–$145. Full repipe: $325–$650. scgov.net/government/building-permitting. 941-861-5000.
📋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.
⚠️Owner-Builder Permits in Florida
Florida Statute §489.103(7) allows homeowners to pull a permit as "Owner-Builder" for work on their primary residence. Important limitations apply to plumbing:
Owner-Builder RuleDetails
EligibilityMust be the property owner AND must personally perform or directly supervise the work — you cannot hire an unlicensed person
Primary residence onlyOwner-builder permits are NOT available for rental properties, investment properties, or properties you intend to sell within 1 year of permit issuance
Affidavit requiredYou must sign a sworn affidavit at the building department stating the property is your primary residence and you will personally perform/supervise
Insurance implicationsOwner-builder work may void homeowner's insurance coverage during construction; notify your insurer before starting
Resale disclosureYou must disclose the owner-builder work to any buyer within 1 year of receiving the final inspection under FS §489.103(7)(b)
RecommendationFor gas line work, full repipes, and complex drain work, a licensed plumber is strongly recommended regardless of permit type — the code compliance and safety requirements are complex
📝How to Apply for a FL Plumbing Permit
Most Florida jurisdictions now have online permit portals. Here is the standard application process — specifics vary by county and city:
1
Gather project documents
For residential plumbing work, you typically need: (a) completed permit application form, (b) contractor's license number and certificate of insurance (if using a contractor), (c) site plan or simple sketch showing project location and pipe routing, (d) equipment specifications (for water heaters, gas appliances — model number and BTU/input rating), and (e) owner-builder affidavit (if pulling own permit). Most FL counties have the application form available online on their building department website.
2
Submit via online portal (preferred) or in person
All major FL counties now offer online permit submission. Online submission is generally faster (1–5 business days for simple residential plumbing vs. 5–10 days in person), allows you to track status, and provides digital permit documents. Most FL portals: Palm Beach — epermits.pbcgov.com; Broward — ebuilding.broward.org; Miami-Dade — iBuild portal at miamidade.gov/permits; Hillsborough — hcflgov.net; Orange — ocfl.net; Jacksonville — coj.net. For City of Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and other municipalities, use the city's own portal.
3
Pay the permit fee
Permit fees are typically paid online via credit card (note: some counties charge a credit card convenience fee of 2–3%) or by check in person. The fee is generally due at the time of permit issuance — after plan review is approved. Some jurisdictions require payment at submission for plan review. Keep your receipt — you'll need the permit number for scheduling inspections.
4
Post the permit and begin work
Once the permit is issued, you or your contractor must: (a) post the permit card visibly at the job site (on the front door or a stake near the driveway), (b) keep a copy of the approved plans/application at the site, and (c) notify the building department when ready for each required inspection. Most FL counties allow inspection scheduling online or by phone — you cannot begin work until the permit is in hand for projects requiring inspections before walls are closed.
5
Schedule and pass inspections
Request inspections as you reach each required stage. Inspectors in most FL counties are available within 24–48 business hours of a request. Common FL plumbing inspection stages: (a) underground rough-in (before backfill/concrete), (b) wall rough-in (before drywall), (c) final (after all fixtures installed and functional). Most FL counties now offer 1–2 hour inspection windows. The inspector will sign off on the permit card after each passing inspection.
6
Obtain the final certificate of completion
After the final inspection passes, most FL counties issue a Certificate of Completion (CO) or mark the permit as "Final" in their online system. Save this documentation permanently — it will be required if you sell the home, refinance, or file an insurance claim. The CO serves as proof that the work was done to code and inspected by a licensed building official.
⏱️FL Permit Processing Times — What to Expect
County / CitySimple Plumbing (WH, repipe)Complex (bath add, new gas)
Palm Beach County2–5 business days5–10 business days
Broward County3–7 business days7–14 business days
Miami-Dade County5–10 business days10–21 business days (HVHZ review)
Tampa City2–4 business days5–10 business days
Hillsborough County2–5 business days5–10 business days
Orange County2–4 business days5–8 business days
Orlando City3–6 business days7–14 business days
Pinellas County2–5 business days5–10 business days
Lee County3–7 business days7–14 business days
Collier County4–8 business days10–21 business days
Jacksonville / Duval2–4 business days4–8 business days
Sarasota County2–5 business days5–10 business days
Expedite options: Many FL counties offer expedited review for an additional fee (typically 50–100% of the base permit fee). Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach offer express review programs. For time-sensitive projects (insurance-required repairs, pre-sale work), ask your building department about expedited review at submission.
Permit expiration: Florida plumbing permits expire if work has not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if no inspection is requested within 180 days of the last approved inspection. If a permit expires, you must submit a renewal application — which may require re-plan-review and additional fees. Do not let permits sit idle.
🔧Get Help with Your FL Plumbing Project
Our licensed Florida Master Plumbers handle the permit application, all inspections, and final documentation — so you don't have to navigate the process alone. We know the requirements for every major FL county.
✓ What we handle: Permit application filing · All required drawings and documentation · Scheduling and attending all inspections · Final CO documentation · Permit history search for your property
📊FL Plumbing Permits — By the Numbers
~400K
Plumbing permits issued annually across FL (estimated)
$135
Average FL residential plumbing permit fee (statewide average)
8–18%
Permit cost as % of typical FL plumbing project total
23%
Estimated FL plumbing work performed without a required permit
The real cost of skipping a permit: The average FL homeowner who skips a required plumbing permit saves $80–$200 in permit fees. When the unpermitted work is discovered during a home sale (permit history search), the typical remediation cost is $1,500–$5,000 — including retroactive permit fees, inspection costs, potential wall opening for inspection, and contractor time. The math consistently favors pulling the permit.
We'll call you within 2 hours! 🏛️

Built for Florida homes - accounting for Florida's hurricane-season demands, coastal corrosion, and county permitting.

Serving Palm Beach County & Florida - get matched with a licensed plumber

Florida Quick Answers

How much does plumbing permit cost in Florida?

On this page, Florida plumbing permit estimates run about $1,500-$5,000, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.

What affects the price?

Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the pipe materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.

Can I DIY this, or should I hire a licensed plumber?

In Florida, minor maintenance may be DIY, but anything beyond that generally calls for a licensed plumber, and many jobs require a permit and inspection. When a permit, gas work, or your main water or drain lines are involved, hire a Florida-licensed plumber.

Does homeowners insurance cover it?

It depends on the cause and your specific policy. Sudden, accidental damage is more often covered than gradual wear-and-tear or maintenance - confirm the details with your insurer.

How long does it take?

Timelines depend on scope - many routine jobs take a few hours to a day, while larger projects run longer. Your licensed plumber can confirm after assessing your home.

Plan with confidence

Planning estimate, not a quote — confirm with a licensed Florida plumber. Confidence is qualitative: ranges reflect this page’s Florida assumptions, not a guaranteed price.

Key assumptions

Estimates on this page are Florida-specific and reflect Plumbing Permit Cost for typical Florida homes.

From this page: On this page, Florida plumbing permit estimates run about $1,500-$5,000, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.

Your actual cost depends on your home's condition, layout, and local labor and permit rates.

Factors that raise or lower cost

From this page: Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the pipe materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.

Generally raises cost: harder access, older homes, added permits and inspections, premium fixtures or materials, and emergency or after-hours work.

Generally lowers cost: easy access, bundling several items in one visit, standard fixtures, and off-peak scheduling.

Preparation checklist

  • Clear access to the work area and locate your main and fixture shut-off valves.
  • Check with your county or city building department (AHJ) on whether a permit and inspection are required.
  • Note the make, model, or measurements of existing fixtures and pipe materials.
  • Get the scope, total price, warranty, and cleanup terms in writing before work starts.
  • Verify the plumber holds an active Florida license and carries insurance.

Questions to ask your plumber

  • Are you licensed and insured in Florida, and who pulls the permit?
  • Is the quote itemized for parts, labor, permit fees, and disposal?
  • What could change the final price once the work begins?
  • What warranty covers the parts and the labor?
  • How long will the job take, and will my water be shut off?
Compare licensed plumbersView permit infoEmail thisExplore related calculators

Recommended next steps

Curated Florida tools and resources related to this page.

Related calculators

In-depth guide

Permit info

Maintenance

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026 (US Eastern)

Reviewed by the FL Plumbing Tools editorial team.

Sources: Florida plumbing cost research and Florida Building Code / local authority-having-jurisdiction (AHJ) permit references.

Florida reference: Estimates and guidance reflect Florida labor rates, permitting, hard water, humidity, and coastal conditions.

Updates: Reviewed periodically and updated as Florida codes, permit fees, and market rates change.