Orlando, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Office of Permitting Services
- Plan sets required
- 4 construction sets + 2 MOT plan sets
- Unpermitted-work penalty
- 2x the applicable permit fee
- Restoration guarantee
- 24 months after completion
- Job duration cap
- 10 calendar days per permit
Summary
Anyone using Orlando's public right-of-way for construction staging, utility line work, or similar encroachments needs a right-of-way permit from the Office of Permitting Services. City Code § 13.16 requires four sets of plans and two traffic-control plans, plus a penalty fee double the permit cost for unpermitted work.
(a)Right-of-way permits are required for any use of the public rights-of-way for construction staging, installing or repairing aerial or underground utility lines/communications systems/conduit systems, or other uses.(b)Applications for permits must include four (4) sets of plans and two (2) sets of Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans.(c)An application for work involving a Street maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT),or Orange County, or a Railroad right-of-way, must include a valid permit approval from the affected agency.(d)Contractor's must possess the appropriate State of Florida license for the specific type of work they are performing. Contractor also must comply with the "Underground Facility Damage Prevention Safety Act," Chapter 556, Florida Statutes.(e)A contractor commencing or completing any work without the required permit(s) will be charged a penalty fee equal to twice the sum of the permit(s) fee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
' Applications must include four sets of construction plans and two sets of Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans showing how the contractor will manage vehicle and pedestrian flow around the work. If the encroachment touches a street maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation, Orange County, or a railroad right-of-way, the applicant must also attach a valid permit approval from that outside agency before the City will act. Contractors must hold the appropriate State of Florida license for their trade and comply with the Underground Facility Damage Prevention Safety Act, Chapter 556, Florida Statutes.
A contractor who starts or finishes work without the required permit is charged a penalty fee equal to double the sum of the permit fees that should have been paid. 17 requires a separate authorization from the Office of Permitting Services before a utility member operator may occupy the right-of-way to identify and mark underground facilities.
Violations & Fines
Commencing or completing right-of-way work without the required permit under § 13.16(a) triggers a penalty fee equal to twice the permit fee that would otherwise have applied. Failing to restore the right-of-way to its original condition by the deadline in the permit, or within the 24-month guarantee period of § 13.18, lets the City perform the restoration itself and bill the contractor for the cost; a contractor who violates the restoration requirements is also barred from receiving new permits until all violations are resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to stage construction equipment in an Orlando right-of-way?
What happens if I do right-of-way work without a permit in Orlando?
How long do I have to finish right-of-way restoration work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orlando
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