Florida Permit Desk

Hillsborough County & City of Tampa Permits: Which Office Covers Your Address

Last verified against official sources: · County guide

Independent guide, not a government site. Confirm every requirement with the building office for your address before starting work. Items marked Unverified could not be confirmed on an official page.
Office (unincorporated Hillsborough County)Hillsborough County Development Services (Development Services Tech Center)
AddressCounty Center, 16th Floor, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602
Phone813-272-5600 · Permitting@HCFL.gov
HoursTech Center: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (applications are filed online)
Online permit searchHillsGovHub → Search by Address or Parcel Number (permits from 20 Jan 2021)

Short answer: Hillsborough County has three incorporated cities: Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City.[10] Each runs its own building department.[12][21][23] Everywhere else, the unincorporated county, permits come from Hillsborough County Development Services through the HillsGovHub portal.[1][4] Find out which side of a city line your property is on before you search or apply.

Who issues permits for your address

  • Unincorporated Hillsborough County: Hillsborough County Development Services handles permitting, zoning and building inspections for all of unincorporated Hillsborough County.[1]
  • City of Tampa: the City's Construction Services Division reviews plans, issues permits and inspects work.[12]
  • City of Temple Terrace: the City's Building & Permitting Department.[21]
  • City of Plant City: the City's Building Department.[23]

Your mailing address isn't proof. Plant City says you can have a Plant City address and still be in the county, in which case you apply with Hillsborough County.[25] To check, look the parcel up on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's Property Search.[30] Which field on the parcel record shows the city or unincorporated status isn't explained on the Property Appraiser's site. Unverified (We found no official page explaining how to read city limits from a Hillsborough parcel record; if in doubt, call the County or the city.)

How to search permits by address

Unincorporated Hillsborough County

The County splits permit records by date:[3]

Permit date Where to look
20 January 2021 to today HillsGovHub: use Search by Address or enter the parcel number[3][5]
2005 to 19 January 2021 Building Permit Reports: search by permit number, project number or folio number[3][6]
1976 to 2004 Not online. Submit a records request with the year built, address, any previous addresses and the folio number[3]
  • In Building Permit Reports, enter the folio in the format nnnnnn.nnnn with leading zeros (for example 001934.0120, not 1934.0120). Results are capped at the first 1,000 matches.[6]
  • Building Permit Reports results may not include every detail and attachment. The County points to its "PGM Store" for supplementary permit documents.[3]
  • Some records are removed from public view for people whose home addresses are exempt under F.S. 119.071, such as law enforcement officers and judges.[3]
  • Questions about building permit records: Permitting@HCFL.gov.[3]

City of Tampa

Use the City's Accela permitting portal. You don't need an account or login to search general public records.[14]

  1. Under Building, choose Search Applications (or Search → Building Permits).
  2. In General Search, pick Search by Address. Address results aren't limited by the date fields.
  3. Enter only the street number and street name, then search.
  4. If several addresses come back, click the right one to see all its construction permit records.[14]

Records exempt under F.S. 119.071 are marked secure and visible only to authorized contacts on the permit.[14] If you can't find a record in Accela, the City says to file a request through its Public Records Center. Its 2023 guide says the first 30 minutes of research are free, then an hourly charge applies, and staff will contact you before charging.[19]

Temple Terrace and Plant City

  • Temple Terrace: online services let you check application status, pay fees, see inspection results and schedule inspections.[22] The City posted temporary hours for 26–30 October 2026: the permitting office is open 8 a.m. to noon only, and online permitting services are unavailable that week.[22]
  • Plant City: applications are filed through the City's online permitting portal. Building applications need an account set up first.[24] Permit and Certificate of Occupancy questions and copy requests go to bldgemail@plantcitygov.com.[23]

Common jobs

Unincorporated Hillsborough County

The County lists work that typically doesn't need a permit:[7]

  • Cosmetic work such as painting, tile, floor coverings, shelving, cabinet work and wallpaper.
  • Fences of PVC, wood or chain link. Electrical or concrete fences need a permit. The County says to call zoning about any fence first.
  • Sheds and greenhouses under 150 sq ft. All porches need a permit.
  • Soffit, gutters and downspouts, and routine maintenance, as long as no structural parts are altered.
  • Stopping leaks or clearing stoppages without replacing pipes, valves or fixtures. Replacing a defective concealed pipe needs a permit.[7]

If your project isn't on the County's list, it "most likely requires a permit." Ask Development Services at 813-272-5600.[7] Our generator guide covers the County's generator checklist.

City of Tampa

The City's permit guide (revised 2020) lists these exemptions:[16]

  • Re-roofs of 500 sq ft or less, and stucco, siding or drywall on 500 sq ft or less, don't need a permit. Larger jobs need a trade permit.
  • Residential sheds 150 sq ft or less don't need a permit.
  • HVAC change-outs and replacing electrical service panels need a trade permit. Different-size windows and doors, decks, generators and sheds over the exemption size need a Miscellaneous permit.[16]

The City's Residential Permits page links application guides for roofing, shutters and awnings, siding and stucco, generators, pools and other jobs. It also notes that a condominium unit needs a commercial permit.[20]

Temple Terrace

Temple Terrace lists its own exceptions, including stucco or siding under 501 sq ft, soffit or fascia under 101 linear feet, roofing or roof repair under 100 sq ft, and a premanufactured accessory structure of 151 sq ft or less.[22] It also accepts some "over-the-counter" applications by email, such as roof, A/C replacement, window or door replacement, and storm panels or shutters.[22]

Work under $7,500 (HB 803)

Since 1 July 2026, state law exempts some single-family work under $7,500 from a building permit, but not electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work, and not in a flood hazard area.[26]

  • Unincorporated county: you must still submit an exemption application in HillsGovHub (record type Residential Building Permit Exemption) with the contract or other documents showing the scope and value. Projects can't be split to get under the limit. The County gives siding, soffit, exterior window and door replacement, and non-structural roof repair or replacement as possible examples.[7][8] An owner can apply without a licensed contractor on the application.[8]
  • Temple Terrace: an HB 803 exemption request must be approved by the Building Official before work starts.[22]
  • Tampa: the City's Private Provider page says that information is being revised for HB 803 and directs questions to CSDHelp@tampagov.net or 813-274-3100, option 1.[18] Unverified (We found no City of Tampa page explaining how to request the under-$7,500 exemption. Ask Construction Services before starting work.)
  • Plant City: Unverified (We found no Plant City page on the under-$7,500 exemption. Ask the Building Department.)

Applying and owner-builder permits

  • County: all applications are filed online in HillsGovHub, and inspections are scheduled there too.[1][4] If you can't submit digitally, the Development Services Tech Center on the 16th floor of County Center helps in person, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.[2]
  • County owner-builders: the property must be deeded in your name. An LLC, corporation or partnership must use a licensed contractor, and a trust may qualify after staff review. The property must be for your exclusive use and not offered for sale, lease or rent for one year after completion. You complete, sign and upload the Owner Builder Disclosure Statement in HillsGovHub. A single-family home has no dollar limit; commercial work is capped at $75,000.[9][27]
  • Tampa owner-builders: submit the City's Owner-Builder Acknowledgement Form with the application. The City says a trust qualifies if the trustee is a natural person, and that permit fees are the same whoever pulls the permit.[17]
  • Notice of Commencement: both the County and Tampa say owner-builders must still file one when the law requires it.[9][17] State law requires a copy before the first inspection when the direct contract is over $5,000 (existing A/C repair or replacement under $15,000 excluded).[28]
  • See our owner-builder guide. Check any contractor's state license on DBPR.[29] Tampa notes that contractor licensing in the city is administered by Hillsborough County (813-272-5600).[12]
Permit life in Tampa. The City's 2026 solar checklist quotes a City code section saying a permit becomes invalid if work isn't started within 180 days of issue, or stops for 180 days.[31] State law (2026) says a single-family building permit expires 1 year after issue, or when the next Florida Building Code edition takes effect, whichever is later.[26] Ask Construction Services which applies to your permit.

Fees

Contacts

Office Covers Address Phone / email Hours
Hillsborough County Development Services Unincorporated county County Center, 16th Floor, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602[2] 813-272-5600 · Permitting@HCFL.gov[2][3] Tech Center Mon–Fri 8–4[2]
City of Tampa Construction Services Tampa city limits City Center at Hanna, 2555 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610[12] 813-274-3100, option 1 · CSDHelp@tampagov.net[12][13] Mon–Fri 8–4:30; walk-ins 9–4[12]
City of Temple Terrace Building & Permitting Temple Terrace city limits City Hall, 11250 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, FL 33617[21] 813-506-6460 · permitapplication@templeterrace.gov[21][22] Walk-in and call-in Mon–Fri 8–4[21]
City of Plant City Building Plant City city limits 302 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563[23] 813-659-4254 · bldgemail@plantcitygov.com[23] Mon–Fri 8–4:30[23]
Which Tampa address? Construction Services' contact and permitting pages give City Center at Hanna, 2555 E. Hanna Ave.[12][13] The City's 2026 solar checklist, and the private-provider registration text on a page updated 31 August 2026, still name 1400 N. Boulevard.[31][18] Call 813-274-3100, option 1, before going in person.

Report unpermitted construction inside Tampa city limits to the City's Construction Services Violations line, 813-274-3198.[12]

Common questions

Does Hillsborough County issue permits for Tampa addresses?

Not inside the city limits. The County's Development Services covers unincorporated Hillsborough County.[1] Inside Tampa, the City's Construction Services Division issues permits.[12] A Tampa or Plant City mailing address can still be in the unincorporated county, so check the property first.[25]

How do I find old permits on a Hillsborough County property?

For unincorporated addresses, the County splits records by date: 20 January 2021 to today are in HillsGovHub, 2005 to 19 January 2021 are in the Building Permit Reports search, and 1976 to 2004 are not online, so you file a records request.[3]

Is work under $7,500 exempt from a permit in Hillsborough County?

Possibly, for non-structural work on a single-family home that isn't in a flood hazard area and has no electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work. You still have to submit an exemption application in HillsGovHub with the contract or other proof of scope and value.[7][8]

Can I search City of Tampa permits without an account?

Yes. The City says you don't need an Accela account or login to search general public permit records by address.[14]

Sources

Every fact on this page comes from the official sources below, checked on 22 October 2026.

  1. Hillsborough County: Development Services
  2. Hillsborough County: Permit Office Location (Development Services Tech Center)
  3. Hillsborough County: Building Permitting Records Search
  4. Hillsborough County: HillsGovHub
  5. HillsGovHub: Search for Records (Building)
  6. Hillsborough County: Building Permit Reports (permit status, 2005 – 19 Jan 2021)
  7. Hillsborough County: Work Exempt from Permits (incl. HB 803)
  8. HillsGovHub User Guide: Create exemption records (PDF)
  9. Hillsborough County: Owner-Builder Permit Requirements
  10. Hillsborough County: Grant Info Fact Sheet (incorporated cities)
  11. Hillsborough County: Building Permit Fees
  12. City of Tampa Construction Services: Contact Us
  13. City of Tampa: Construction Permitting
  14. City of Tampa: Accela Guide – Search for Permits by Address (PDF, updated 02.24.23, posted 03/18/2026)
  15. City of Tampa: Accela permitting portal
  16. City of Tampa: How to Select a Permit Application Type (PDF, rev. 11/20/2020)
  17. City of Tampa: Owner-Builder Acknowledgement Form (PDF, updated 08/17/22)
  18. City of Tampa: Private Provider (HB 803 notice, updated 08/31/2026)
  19. City of Tampa: Process Guide – Submit a Public Records Request (Permits) (PDF, updated 05.15.23)
  20. City of Tampa: Residential Permits
  21. City of Temple Terrace: Building and Permitting
  22. City of Temple Terrace: Permitting Services
  23. City of Plant City: Building
  24. City of Plant City: Online Permitting Portal
  25. City of Plant City 311: Permits just outside the city limits
  26. Florida Statutes § 553.79 (2026), Permits; applications; issuance; inspections
  27. Florida Statutes § 489.103 (2026), Exemptions (owner-builder)
  28. Florida Statutes § 713.135 (2026), Notice of commencement and applicability of lien
  29. Florida DBPR: License search
  30. Hillsborough County Property Appraiser: Property Search
  31. City of Tampa: Solar PV Permitting Checklist (PDF, 2026)