Ocala, FL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec. 82-40(a) states the baseline plainly: permits are required for new construction and all additions, alterations or repairs unless specifically exempted under subsections (e) through (i). For single-family homes, Sec. 82-40(b) removes the fee barrier rather than the permit itself: projects under $5,000 still need a permit, but the building official must waive permitting and inspection fees and expedite review. The exemption list in subsection (h) is narrow and specific rather than a blanket residential carve-out: it covers non-load-bearing interior wall work, cabinet and countertop replacement, like-for-like electrical fixture swaps that don't add new circuits or panels, like-for-like roof patches under 25 percent of the roof, like-for-like water heater and appliance swaps installed by a licensed plumber, exterior repairs under $2,500 that don't touch structural or utility systems, unattached patios and decks, and small prefabricated structures of 80 square feet or less.

Subsection (e) separately exempts gas, mechanical and plumbing work covered by Florida Building Code [A]105.2. None of these exemptions apply if the property sits in a mapped flood zone, unless the building official and city engineer confirm the work isn't a substantial improvement under Sec. 82-40(i), and subsection (j) makes clear that being exempt from the permit never excuses the work from otherwise complying with the Florida Building Code or the rest of the Code of Ordinances.