In the state of Florida, homeowners are generally allowed to obtain their own permits and act as their own contractors, according to Florida Statutes 489, 103. The property must be in the owner's name and must be their primary residence. As a general contractor license holder in Florida, it is usually necessary to be the one who obtains the permits. Homeowners can only get permits on their own if they are doing the work themselves or if they have family and friends who are not being paid for their work. In order to pull your own permits in Florida, you must first meet certain criteria.
The property must be in your name and must be your primary residence. You must also be able to prove that you are capable of completing the work yourself or with the help of family and friends who are not being paid for their services. Additionally, you must be able to provide proof that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the project safely and correctly. Once you have met these criteria, you can begin the process of obtaining your own permits. The first step is to contact your local building department and inquire about the specific requirements for obtaining a permit.
You will need to provide information such as the type of project you are undertaking, the estimated cost of the project, and any other relevant information. Once you have provided this information, you will need to submit an application for a permit. Once your application has been approved, you will need to pay any applicable fees and then wait for your permit to be issued. Once your permit has been issued, you can begin work on your project. It is important to note that even if you are obtaining your own permits, you may still need to hire a licensed contractor for certain aspects of the project such as electrical or plumbing work. Obtaining your own permits in Florida can be a great way to save money on home improvement projects.
However, it is important to remember that it is ultimately up to you to ensure that all work is completed safely and correctly. If you are unsure about any aspect of the project or do not feel comfortable completing it yourself, it is best to hire a licensed contractor who can provide professional guidance and assistance.