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1. Why do I need a building permit?

Not only is it the law, but building permits can also protect you. With a building permit you get the advice of reviewers and inspectors who will approve each phase of your project, checking to see that the work is done in accordance with the Florida Building Code, zoning laws, and the approved plans. Additionally, a building permit is required to show compliance with sanitary, safety, and welfare concerns including required setbacks from property lines and adjacent structures.

Working without a permit when one is required can result in fines and can cause problems when you sell your home. More importantly, you lose the assurance that the work you are paying for is built to code, a minimum standard for safety.

2. What types of work need a building permit?

Section 101.4.2 of the Florida Building Code states, “It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove, or demolish any building structure or any part thereof; or any equipment, device, or facility therein or thereon; or to change the occupancy of a building from one use group to another requiring greater strength, means of egress, fire, and sanitary provisions; or to change to an unauthorized or prohibited use; or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this code; without first having filed application and obtained a permit thereof from the building official, validated by payment thereof.”

Exception: No permit shall be required, in this or any of the following sections, for general maintenance or repairs which do not change the occupancy of the building and the value of which does not exceed $500 in labor and material as determined by the Building Official. However, no repairs maybe made without prior approval of the building official. The most common types of projects that permits are requested for are:

• Single-family residences and duplexes


• One- and two-story additions


• Minor repairs, remodeling, and alterations


• Accessory structures such as sheds, gazebos, and chickees


• Carports


• Pools and spas


• Fences and walls


• Decks (wood or concrete)


• Screened porches, patios, and enclosures


• Awnings and canopies

3. How do I get a Building Permit?

Building permits are issued in the name of the person performing the work. Only licensed contractors or owners / builders may obtain a permit.

4. What are the contractor requirements?

Contractors must have a copy of state certification with an occupational license for place of business or copy or certificate of competency with a Municipal Contractor’s Occupational License and Certificate of Insurance made out to:
City of Opa-locka Building and Licensing Department
780 Fisherman Street
Opa-locka, FL 33054


The contractor's insurance must cover liability with no less than $300,000 per accident or occurrence for bodily injury, and $50,000 per accident for property damage as well as worker’s compensation. The certificate of insurance must show name of insurer, type of policy issued, policy number, date of inception and expiration, type of insurance, and that no material change or cancellation of the insurance shall be effective without 30 days written notice by registered or certified mail. All permits will be issued to contractors with an affidavit of authorization from the owner on all buildings.

5. What are the requirements for owner-builders?

Owner-builder applicants making application for a building permit should be advised of the following provisions and requirements that apply to owner builders. You must submit proof of ownership of the land concerned in the application in a form of a recorded deed, showing you own the property, or a copy of mortgage or warranty deed of the land, showing you are obligated to purchase the property. You may also submit a Dade County tax receipt, which should contain a legal description of the property and indicate that the property is in your name. The legal description and name on the document of proof must correspond to the name and legal description on the application or as defined in the Florida Building Code.

6. What is the permit intake and processing?

Permit intake and processing involves the intake and processing from the time of building permit application to the issuance of those permits. Many of these will require sub-permits for electrical, mechanical, roofing, and gas. There are several separate functions that comprise the permitting process in the city. First, all building permit applications must be submitted in a complete form at the intake counter. Once the application is reviewed for sufficiency, it is given a process number and routed to the Zoning Department. The Zoning Department reviews the application to insure the zoning district allows the use and reviews applicable setback requirements, height restrictions, flood zone determination, and other demographic information that is used in the department’s database. Once Zoning approves the application, it is routed to the plans examination review, where it is reviewed for compliance with the Florida Building Code.

Once the plans are reviewed and approved, the plans are routed to the processing section for the permit to be finalized and issued. Finally, the approved permit is routed to the cashiers for collection of any outstanding fees. A permit will expire after six months if no inspections have been performed. If the project has been inspected, the permit will be valid for an additional six months from the inspection date. If the permit is allowed to expire without all inspections being obtained or with work partially completed, a new or reissued permit must be obtained or the partial work removed. If you need a new or reissued permit, contact the Building and Licensing Department at (305) 953-2868.

7. What is a stop work order?

Chapter 1, Section 114.1: Authority - Whenever the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner either contrary to the provisions of this code or dangerous or unsafe, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

Chapter 1, Section 114.2: Issuance - The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order, and the conditions under which the cited work will be permitted to resume.

Chapter 1, Section 114.3: Unlawful Continuance - Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.