Spending $7,500 on home repairs may not seem significant in 2026. But a bill approved Wednesday by a Florida House panel would allow construction projects below that threshold to move forward without a building permit—a change that could have unintended consequences for inspections and insurance claims.
House Bill 1049, sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Esposito, R–Fort Myers, would prohibit local governments from requiring permits for work on single-family homes projected to cost less than $7,500. The bill preserves permitting requirements for structural, electrical, and plumbing work under that amount and requires contractors to maintain records of completed projects.
Permit rules currently vary widely across Florida. Many counties and cities require permits for projects exceeding 120 square feet, including fencing and outdoor sheds. Some jurisdictions mandate permits for heating and air conditioning work costing $5,000 or more, while Miami-Dade County exempts most minor projects valued under $500.
“This bill is aimed at things like decks, fencing, and home improvements—not major construction projects,” Esposito told the House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee. She said the $7,500 threshold was set after discussions with industry stakeholders.
Still, critics have raised concerns about how the proposal could affect construction quality and oversight. Roofing work—an ongoing concern for Florida property insurers—may or may not qualify as “structural” under the bill’s language, creating uncertainty.
Courtney Mooney, associate director of public policy for the Florida Association of Counties, warned that the bill would prevent local governments from conducting inspections, even if requested by homeowners.
“You can’t do an inspection without a permit,” Mooney said, adding that the association hopes to work with Esposito to address those concerns as the bill moves forward.
During the hearing, one lawmaker asked whether the measure would preempt local authority—a growing trend in Florida and other states. Esposito confirmed that it would.
The subcommittee did not examine how the proposal might affect the insurance industry. While insurers are unlikely to pursue subrogation claims tied to small-dollar projects—and many homeowners’ insurance deductibles exceed $7,500—unpermitted and uninspected work could later contribute to more severe wind or water damage, potentially increasing insurance claims years down the line.
House Bill 1049 does not address homeowners’ associations, suggesting HOAs would retain the authority to require municipal permits for projects valued under $7,500, lawmakers said.
The bill would also eliminate permit requirements for backup home power systems, including generators and whole-house battery installations, provided the work is performed by a licensed contractor or utility company.
The subcommittee approved the bill by a near-unanimous vote on Wednesday. It passed the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee last week and now advances to the full House State Affairs Committee.
