Demolition permit in Tampa, FL
Yes — you need a permit for demolition work in Tampa.
You need a permit to demolish a structure or any part of one. Sec. 5-101.2 says the building code applies to the removal and demolition of every building or structure, and Sec. 5-105.1 says you must apply to the building official and get the permit before work begins. Nothing in Tampa's exempt list in Sec. 5-105.2 covers demolition. Two extras often catch owners out. If the building is in a historic district or is a designated landmark, you also need a certificate of appropriateness to demolish or relocate under Sec. 27-116, which brings public notice, a possible stay, and predemolition requirements. And under Sec. 26-178 the city does not collect construction or demolition debris — hauling it away is on you.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | You need a permit to demolish a structure or any part of … |
| Fee | The code names no demolition amount. Sec. 5-109.2 sets fees by City Council resolution, and Sec. 5-109.5 warns that paying the demolition permit fee does not cover other fees the law requires. Current amounts are on the city site at ci.tampa.fl.us. |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 5-101.2; Sec. 5-105.1 |
| Based on | Florida Building Code 2023, as amended by City of Tampa Code ch. 5 |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Tampa building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
If you start the work before the permit is issued, the building official can charge you an extra fee on top of the normal permit fee (Sec. 5-109.4). If you then take an unreasonable amount of time to apply, that fee doubles. Paying it does not stop the city from prosecuting you for working without a permit.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa | — | Yes | You need a permit to demolish a structure or any part of … |
| St. Petersburg | 17 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Clearwater | 18 mi | Yes | Demolishing a structure or part of one needs a demolition… |
| Largo | 18 mi | Yes | Demolishing a structure or part of one needs a demolition… |
| Lakeland | 33 mi | Yes | Demolishing a structure or part of one needs a permit; if… |
| North Port | 65 mi | Yes | Demolishing a structure or part of one needs a permit; de… |
Other work in Tampa
Questions people ask
How much does a demolition permit cost in Tampa?
The code names no demolition amount. Sec. 5-109.2 sets fees by City Council resolution, and Sec. 5-109.5 warns that paying the demolition permit fee does not cover other fees the law requires. Current amounts are on the city site at ci.tampa.fl.us.. Valuation-based fees mean the number depends on what the job is worth, so the department quotes it when you apply.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Tampa can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.