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Building Permit Exemptions for Residential Properties (HB803)

New State Law: Building Permit Exemptions for Residential Properties

What Naples Homeowners and Contractors Need to Know About HB 803 (Effective July 1, 2026)

The Florida Legislature has enacted CS/CS/HB 803, which takes effect July 1, 2026 and establishes two new building permit exemptions for single-family residential properties. The City of Naples Building Department is providing the following information to help residents and contractors understand when these exemptions apply and how to request them.

Exemption 1: Minor Residential Work Valued Under $7,500

What Is Exempt?

Effective July 1, 2026, the City of Naples is required by state law to exempt owners of single-family dwellings — and their contractors — from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work valued at less than $7,500.

Important Exceptions — A Permit IS Still Required For:

The following types of work are not eligible for this exemption, regardless of cost:

  • Electrical work
  • Plumbing work
  • Mechanical work
  • Gas work
  • Structural work (Railings, guards, pool barrier/fences, windows and doors, siding and soffits, roofing, elevated decks are all items with structural requirements and considered structural)
  • Any work on a property located partially or entirely within a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code

No Project Splitting

A construction project may not be divided into multiple smaller projects for the purpose of staying under the $7,500 threshold to qualify for this exemption. The exemption applies only to complete, single projects valued under $7,500.

How to Request This Exemption

To qualify, the property owner or contractor must submit a written exemption request to the City of Naples Building Department that includes:

  • A copy of the written contract, or
  • Other documentation demonstrating the nature and value of the work to be performed

Use our Permit Exemption Request Form to submit your request.

Legal Notice

The City of Naples has no legal duty to the owner, contractor, or their successors or assigns for any work performed under this exemption.

Exemption 2: Voluntary Temporary Flood Panel and Barrier Installation

What Is Exempt?

The City of Naples is also required by state law to exempt owners of eligible residential properties — and their contractors — from the permit requirement for the voluntary installation of temporary hurricane and flood protection walls or barriers, provided all of the conditions below are met.

⚠️ Important: This exemption applies only to properties NOT located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If your property is located within a designated SFHA, permit requirements remain in effect. Please refer to the established guidelines published on this website or contact the Building Department for guidance.

All of the Following Conditions Must Be Met:

  1. The wall or barrier is non-load-bearing and non-habitable.
  2. The wall or barrier is installed on the residential property of a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or townhouse.
  3. The wall or barrier is constructed to mitigate or prevent storm surge or floodwaters from entering a structure or property.
  4. The wall or barrier is installed by a contractor licensed under Part I of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.
  5. The wall or barrier complies with all applicable local zoning, drainage, easement, and setback requirements.

All five conditions must be satisfied. If any condition is not met, a permit is required.

How to Request This Exemption

To qualify, the property owner or contractor must submit a written exemption request to the City of Naples Building Department that includes:

  • A copy of the written contract, or
  • Other documentation demonstrating the nature of the work to be performed

Use our Permit Exemption Request Form  to submit your request.

Legal Notice

The City of Naples has no legal duty to the owner, contractor, or their successors or assigns for any work performed under this exemption.

How to Submit Your Exemption Request

Exemption requests may be submitted:

  • In person at the Naples Building Department, 295 Riverside Circle, Naples, FL 34102
  • By email to buildinginquiries [at] naplesgov.com
  • Online through the Building Department's electronic submittal portal

For questions, please contact the Building Department at (239) 213-5020 during normal business hours.

Additional Resources

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