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Pasco County Building Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Dreading learning the permitting requirements for another new authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)? You’re not alone. Every contractor, developer, and property owner faces the same headache when trying to get projects off the ground in Pasco County.
This guide cuts through the confusion of pulling a permit in Pasco County, Florida. We’ll walk you through the county’s permitting requirements and fees, and share a better solution to pull permits faster.
Simplify permitting in Pasco County with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Pasco County?
According to the Pasco County Building Construction Services and their published guidelines, the following types of work require a building permit:
- New construction: All new buildings (residential or commercial)
- Additions and expansions: Adding rooms, garages, porches, etc
- Interior remodels: Structural alterations (e.g., removing or modifying load-bearing walls)
- Mechanical systems: HVAC unit replacements or new installations
- Electrical work: Installing or upgrading panels, circuits, or outlets
- Plumbing work: Installing or relocating sinks, toilets, tubs, or piping
- Water heaters: Installation of new or replacement of existing heaters
- Pools and spas: In-ground and above-ground (if capable of holding more than 24 inches of water)
- Fences:
- If constructed with concrete footers
- If over 6 feet in height
- Storage sheds:
- Over 150 sq. ft. OR
- Under 150 sq. ft. but wired/plumbed or placed on a permanent foundation
- Retaining walls: Over 3 feet in height or supporting a surcharge
- Demolition: Full or partial demolition of any structure
Projects that generally don’t require a permit:
- Sheds: 150 sq. ft. or less, not on a foundation, and without electric/plumbing
- Fences: Less than 6 feet in height and no concrete footers
- AC repairs: Not involving full system replacement
- Flooring installation: Carpet, tile, wood, and laminate
- Window/door glass: Only glass replacement, not framing or structural alteration
- Faucets, sinks, or toilet replacements: No changes to supply/drain configuration
- Painting, wallpaper, cabinetry: Cosmetic finishes
- Landscaping work: Work not involving grading or retaining structures
Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in Pasco County?
In most cases, yes, you need a permit to cut down a tree in Pasco County, unless specifically exempted. Damaging a tree beyond recovery also counts as removal, and is also a violation if done without a permit.
You can’t start clearing or prepping land — especially on commercial or industrial sites — without a valid permit. The permit must be posted visibly from the street before removal begins and stay posted until the work is done.
Types of tree removal permits
- Type I: For trees 5"+ in diameter as part of a formal development plan.
- Type II: For trees 5"+ removed for right-of-way or driveway permits.
- Type III: For trees 5"+ removed under a building permit not previously reviewed for tree removal.
- Type IV: For trees 10"+ (or 5"+ for non-single-family properties) when no other permit applies.
How much is a building permit in Pasco County?
Pasco County building permit fees are based on the type of project and the scope of the work. Below are estimated fees for common projects:
Residential building permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Single-Family Residence |
$0.40/sq ft (Minimum $200) |
| Mobile Home Setup (New/Used) |
$300 flat |
| Residential Addition |
$0.35/sq ft (Minimum $150) |
| Residential Remodel/Repair |
$0.30/sq ft (Minimum $100) |
| Swimming Pool (In-ground) |
$250 flat |
Commercial building permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New Commercial Construction |
$0.50/sq ft (Minimum $500) |
| Commercial Addition |
$0.45/sq ft (Minimum $400) |
| Commercial Remodel/Repair |
$0.40/sq ft (Minimum $300) |
| Shell Building (No Interior Finish) |
$0.35/sq ft (Minimum $300) |
| Tenant Build-Out |
$0.40/sq ft (Minimum $300) |
Additional building fees
| Fee type |
Fee |
| Certificate of Occupancy (Residential) |
$100 |
| Certificate of Occupancy (Commercial) |
$150 |
| Re-Inspection Fee |
$75 |
| Plan Review Fee |
25% of the permit fee |
| Permit Extension |
$50 |
To get more information about fees, refer to the county’s Development Services Fees page.
Penalties for non-compliance
Doing work without a permit can lead to serious consequences. At a minimum, you’ll have to pay double the usual permit fee and a fine of at least $50. In some cases, you may even be required to remove the structure.
If you’ve received a building violation, expect additional fees. The longer you wait to fix the issue, the more it can cost you.
How long do building permits last in Pasco County, Florida?
Pasco County building permits are valid for 6 months. If you don’t begin work within 6 months of receiving your permit, it will expire.
You can request an extension from the county by emailing inspectionschedulers@mypasco.net. Send a PDF letter that includes the following information:
- Explanation of why you need the extension
- The site address and the permit number(s)
- The date you expect to be ready for your final inspection
How to get a building permit in Pasco County
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Identify the scope of your project and determine the necessary Pasco County permits you’ll need. Consult the Pasco County Building Construction Services for detailed information on permitting requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your application
Gather all required documents, which may include:
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans
- Site plan
- Structural calculations
- Energy compliance forms
- Stormwater requirements checklist
- Owner-builder verification form
- Project contact information form
- Hazardous materials questionnaire
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your application and supporting documents through the Pasco Gateway portal.
Step 4: Plan review
The Building Department will review your application and plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
Once your permit is approved, post it on-site before starting work.
You’ll also need to schedule inspections, which may be required before, during, or after the project.
Pasco County permitting resources
Streamline Pasco County permitting with PermitFlow
Pulling permits is often one of the slowest and most tedious parts of running a construction company. But why waste days researching requirements and filling out application forms? Your business could put that time to other more important revenue-driving activities. Instead, let PermitFlow handle permitting while you focus on what you do best.
With PermitFlow, you get:
- Local permit experts: Our team knows exactly what Pasco County requires, so your submission is done right the first time
- Everything in one place: See all your permits, status updates, and documents in a single dashboard
- Faster approvals: No more back-and-forth with the county or annoying corrections — we help you get approved faster
Ready to break ground without the stress of permitting? Contact us about your next Pasco County project today.
Dreading learning the permitting requirements for another new authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)? You’re not alone. Every contractor, developer, and property owner faces the same headache when trying to get projects off the ground in Pasco County.
This guide cuts through the confusion of pulling a permit in Pasco County, Florida. We’ll walk you through the county’s permitting requirements and fees, and share a better solution to pull permits faster.
Simplify permitting in Pasco County with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Pasco County?
According to the Pasco County Building Construction Services and their published guidelines, the following types of work require a building permit:
- New construction: All new buildings (residential or commercial)
- Additions and expansions: Adding rooms, garages, porches, etc
- Interior remodels: Structural alterations (e.g., removing or modifying load-bearing walls)
- Mechanical systems: HVAC unit replacements or new installations
- Electrical work: Installing or upgrading panels, circuits, or outlets
- Plumbing work: Installing or relocating sinks, toilets, tubs, or piping
- Water heaters: Installation of new or replacement of existing heaters
- Pools and spas: In-ground and above-ground (if capable of holding more than 24 inches of water)
- Fences:
- If constructed with concrete footers
- If over 6 feet in height
- Storage sheds:
- Over 150 sq. ft. OR
- Under 150 sq. ft. but wired/plumbed or placed on a permanent foundation
- Retaining walls: Over 3 feet in height or supporting a surcharge
- Demolition: Full or partial demolition of any structure
Projects that generally don’t require a permit:
- Sheds: 150 sq. ft. or less, not on a foundation, and without electric/plumbing
- Fences: Less than 6 feet in height and no concrete footers
- AC repairs: Not involving full system replacement
- Flooring installation: Carpet, tile, wood, and laminate
- Window/door glass: Only glass replacement, not framing or structural alteration
- Faucets, sinks, or toilet replacements: No changes to supply/drain configuration
- Painting, wallpaper, cabinetry: Cosmetic finishes
- Landscaping work: Work not involving grading or retaining structures
Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in Pasco County?
In most cases, yes, you need a permit to cut down a tree in Pasco County, unless specifically exempted. Damaging a tree beyond recovery also counts as removal, and is also a violation if done without a permit.
You can’t start clearing or prepping land — especially on commercial or industrial sites — without a valid permit. The permit must be posted visibly from the street before removal begins and stay posted until the work is done.
Types of tree removal permits
- Type I: For trees 5"+ in diameter as part of a formal development plan.
- Type II: For trees 5"+ removed for right-of-way or driveway permits.
- Type III: For trees 5"+ removed under a building permit not previously reviewed for tree removal.
- Type IV: For trees 10"+ (or 5"+ for non-single-family properties) when no other permit applies.
How much is a building permit in Pasco County?
Pasco County building permit fees are based on the type of project and the scope of the work. Below are estimated fees for common projects:
Residential building permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Single-Family Residence |
$0.40/sq ft (Minimum $200) |
| Mobile Home Setup (New/Used) |
$300 flat |
| Residential Addition |
$0.35/sq ft (Minimum $150) |
| Residential Remodel/Repair |
$0.30/sq ft (Minimum $100) |
| Swimming Pool (In-ground) |
$250 flat |
Commercial building permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New Commercial Construction |
$0.50/sq ft (Minimum $500) |
| Commercial Addition |
$0.45/sq ft (Minimum $400) |
| Commercial Remodel/Repair |
$0.40/sq ft (Minimum $300) |
| Shell Building (No Interior Finish) |
$0.35/sq ft (Minimum $300) |
| Tenant Build-Out |
$0.40/sq ft (Minimum $300) |
Additional building fees
| Fee type |
Fee |
| Certificate of Occupancy (Residential) |
$100 |
| Certificate of Occupancy (Commercial) |
$150 |
| Re-Inspection Fee |
$75 |
| Plan Review Fee |
25% of the permit fee |
| Permit Extension |
$50 |
To get more information about fees, refer to the county’s Development Services Fees page.
Penalties for non-compliance
Doing work without a permit can lead to serious consequences. At a minimum, you’ll have to pay double the usual permit fee and a fine of at least $50. In some cases, you may even be required to remove the structure.
If you’ve received a building violation, expect additional fees. The longer you wait to fix the issue, the more it can cost you.
How long do building permits last in Pasco County, Florida?
Pasco County building permits are valid for 6 months. If you don’t begin work within 6 months of receiving your permit, it will expire.
You can request an extension from the county by emailing inspectionschedulers@mypasco.net. Send a PDF letter that includes the following information:
- Explanation of why you need the extension
- The site address and the permit number(s)
- The date you expect to be ready for your final inspection
How to get a building permit in Pasco County
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Identify the scope of your project and determine the necessary Pasco County permits you’ll need. Consult the Pasco County Building Construction Services for detailed information on permitting requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your application
Gather all required documents, which may include:
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans
- Site plan
- Structural calculations
- Energy compliance forms
- Stormwater requirements checklist
- Owner-builder verification form
- Project contact information form
- Hazardous materials questionnaire
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your application and supporting documents through the Pasco Gateway portal.
Step 4: Plan review
The Building Department will review your application and plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
Once your permit is approved, post it on-site before starting work.
You’ll also need to schedule inspections, which may be required before, during, or after the project.
Pasco County permitting resources
Streamline Pasco County permitting with PermitFlow
Pulling permits is often one of the slowest and most tedious parts of running a construction company. But why waste days researching requirements and filling out application forms? Your business could put that time to other more important revenue-driving activities. Instead, let PermitFlow handle permitting while you focus on what you do best.
With PermitFlow, you get:
- Local permit experts: Our team knows exactly what Pasco County requires, so your submission is done right the first time
- Everything in one place: See all your permits, status updates, and documents in a single dashboard
- Faster approvals: No more back-and-forth with the county or annoying corrections — we help you get approved faster
Ready to break ground without the stress of permitting? Contact us about your next Pasco County project today.
