You might not know, but the construction laws in Florida are rigid and strict. If you don’t follow the rules and regulations, you may need to pay penalties or fines, which may cost you more than your home improvement project. The same goes for the construction permit, and you need to apply for it before beginning any construction work in your place. This becomes even more important if you are repairing, installing, and doing other structural work by yourself or through an unlicensed contractor.
There are many things that you need to know about the construction permit. This is why here we have mentioned the basics of the permit that you need to know. Read further to get a complete idea.
Why does Florida Government ask for Permit?
Florida Building Code’s section 105.1 declares that a permit is required to repair, construct, demolish, alter, enlarge, move, or change the occupant content or occupancy of a structure or building. Moreover, you also need a permit to install, erect, alter, remove, repair, convert, or replace any mechanical, electric, gas, or plumbing system.
According to the law, you will need a permit for anything that needs technical code for insulation. Plus, work that needs verification of compliance with the technical code needs a construction permit. Even if you don’t need the building permit, you will still have mechanical, electrical, or plumbing permits. The primary reason for getting a permit is to ensure that no one can get hurt or injured because of your construction activity.
When is a Permit Required?
Many people wonder why they need a construction permit for their own house. If you are not hiring a contractor and performing construction by yourself, the State asks you to submit a building permit application with the Owner/Builder Declaration form. You need to sign this document at the permitting office in person. Besides that, you also need to give a copy of the recorded Notice of Commencement if you fall into any of the following categories.
- The construction value of a fire, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit is more than $7,500. But if it doesn’t relate to a building permit that already has a Notice of Commencement on file.
- The construction value that needs a building permit is greater than $2,500.
You also need to know that you will need a permit if your hired contractor doesn’t have the license to perform the construction. Keep in mind that you need to avoid starting the construction work without the construction permit. This is because it can lead to several problems. In fact, you better need to change your contractor if they try to convince you to perform the task without applying for the necessary license and permits.
What Are Contractor Requirements For Construction?
If you hire contractors, then they need to file for the following documents before receiving the permit.
- State of Florida Contractor’s License
- Special Power of Attorney (if applicable)
- Proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance
- Contractor’s Business Tax Receipt
- Competency Card for Registered Contractors
- Surety Bond for Registered Contractors
What happens if you obtain the Required Permits?
If you don’t hire a licensed contractor or company, it can lead to legal and financial damages. In this case, generally, contractors will ask you to get permits by owner that can lead to the following problems.
Duplicating Payments
Since you will be responsible for the entire consultation task because of taking a construction permit, you need to follow Mechanical Lien Law. If not, you may have to pay more than your improvements.
Liability Exposure
Any accident and mishap on the construction site will be your responsibility. This way, authorities will consult you for possible damages, getting your neighbors into danger, and other problems.
Damages to Your own Property
Only you will be responsible for any damages to your property during the building, installation, or replacement of anything in your house.
Taxes
It will be your responsibility to pay all the local and federal taxes of the materials, procedures, equipment, and anything involved in the construction of the house.
In a nutshell, you have to keep an eye on every step of the construction process. As you will be responsible for anything that happens in that place, you need to check the quality of materials to hinder any future problems. Plus, you need to make sure that your constructor has chosen the right methods for construction to ensure the security of everyone.
Key Points of the Disclosure Statement
If you are planning to apply for the permit, you need to know that it will include the following key points. So, if you sign the document, you agree that you know and will follow these rules.
- You may act as your own contractor, even if you don’t have a license, and you will need to follow certain restrictions.
- You are applying for the construction permit because of not hiring a licensed contractor, so you need to assume responsibility for the entire construction process.
- You, as an owner-builder, will need to perform the onsite supervision of any construction process in your house.
- You will need to choose a licensed contractor (if you are hiring one) who has licenses required by local or country law.
- You will be liable for the financial risk for any injuries that occur to your hired unlicensed contractor and their employees while doing your job.
- You have to ensure that you will provide your own material and labor for the construction of your property.
- You will notify if any deletions, addition, or changes occur in the application and documents you provide on this disclosure.
- You will be financially and legally responsible for the proposed construction activity at the given address.
- You will need to ensure that the construction complies with all the building codes, applicable laws, zoning regulations, and ordinances.
Bottom Line
A construction permit saves you from paying massive penalties for not following the laws. However, it is important to note that it makes you fully responsible for everything that happens on the construction site. You may even have to pay fines or pay for damage control in case of accidents.
This is why it’s best to hire skilled, licensed, and experienced professionals like Reliable Construction Group. Not only they give you promising results, but also prevent problems and accident in the construction zone. This keeps you, your family, and others around the construction site safe and secure.