Hillsborough County publishes specific permit exemptions for unincorporated property. Cosmetic work such as painting, many floor coverings, shelving, cabinet work, and wallpapering is commonly exempt. The County also publishes project-specific exemptions and limitations for certain fences, small residential sheds/greenhouses, minor repairs, low-voltage work, and other categories. Florida's residential HB 803 exemption can apply to qualifying non-structural single-family work valued under $7,500, but Hillsborough requires an exemption application and the exemption does not cover electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work or qualifying flood-hazard properties. Do not generalize these exemptions to Tampa, Plant City, or Temple Terrace, which have their own building authorities. unverified
Work exempt from Hillsborough County building permits
Applies to: unincorporated
Flagged source reviewed 2026-10-16. How we check sources
Check what applies to your address
Get a free answer for your location and project, rather than relying only on this general guide.
Need everything organized? For eligible projects, the optional $19 Project Kit brings your filing steps, official documents, fees and progress checklist together. Government fees are separate.