New law cuts permit fees and speeds up home renovations

A new Florida law, effective July 1, 2026, reduces local red tape and costs for homeowners by modernizing building permit rules. Permits won't be required for work under $7,500 on single-family homes, except for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, structural work, or properties in flood zones. The law bans extra fees for private inspections, mandates reinspections within two business days, and standardizes permit expirations to one year or until a new building code takes effect.