Most Florida counties require a permit for any shed larger than 100–200 square feet. Smaller storage sheds are often exempt at the state level under Florida Statute 553.73, but local rules still apply. You’ll almost always need a permit — regardless of size — if your shed has electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, sits on a permanent foundation, or will be used for anything other than basic storage.
This guide breaks down the exact thresholds, setbacks, wind-load rules, and documents you’ll need across the Florida counties we serve.
Buying a shed in Florida should be the easy part. Figuring out whether you need a permit — and what you’ll need to submit — is where most homeowners get stuck. The rules change from county to county, and Florida’s wind-load and hurricane requirements add another layer that homeowners in other states never deal with.
We’ve been installing portable buildings, sheds, and metal structures across Florida since 1999 (over 75,000 buildings and counting), so we’ve walked through this process with thousands of customers. Here’s everything you actually need to know.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Florida?
The short answer is: usually, yes — but it depends on three things: the size of the shed, your county’s rules, and whether the shed has utilities, a permanent foundation, or non-storage use.
Florida law sets a few state-level exemptions, but those exemptions only relax certain construction standards. They don’t waive the requirement for a local building permit. Your county or city building department has the final say.
The Florida State Building Code (FBC) Exemptions
Under Florida Statute 553.73, two key exemptions apply to storage sheds not designed for human habitation:
- Sheds of 720 square feet or less are exempt from the state’s wind-borne debris impact standards.
- Sheds of 400 square feet or less on a property with a one- or two-family home are exempt from door height and width requirements.
These state exemptions relax how a shed must be built — not whether you need permission to build it. A shed can be exempt from wind-debris rules and still require a permit from your local government. Always confirm with your county building department before you buy.
When You Always Need a Permit — Regardless of Size
Even a 64-square-foot shed can trigger a permit requirement if any of the following apply:
Running wiring, water lines, or installing an AC unit triggers separate trade permits, regardless of shed size.
A concrete slab or footings moves the shed from “temporary” to “permanent” in most jurisdictions and requires a permit.
Home office, workshop, guest space, or living quarters bumps the shed into a higher category and requires habitable-structure permits.
Miami-Dade and Broward sit in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) with stricter rules that override most exemptions.
Properties in V or A flood zones often require elevation certificates or flood-vent compliance, even on small sheds.
Most Florida counties require a permit once you exceed 100–200 sq ft, even with no utilities and a portable base.
Permit Requirements by Florida County
Here’s a snapshot of common shed permit rules for the counties around our locations and other high-population Florida counties. Always verify with your local building department before you buy — codes can change and unique site conditions can apply.
| County | Permit Threshold | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suwannee (Live Oak) | Most sheds require a permit | DBPR-approved prefab sheds require tie-down details; site plan required |
| Levy (Chiefland) | Permit required for most accessory structures | Setbacks vary by zoning district; agricultural exemptions may apply |
| Pasco (Dade City) | 100 sq ft | Sheds 100 sq ft or less generally exempt from building permit; zoning still applies |
| Hernando (Masaryktown) | 100 sq ft | Zoning review still required even for small sheds; setbacks enforced |
| Taylor (Perry) | Most sheds require a permit | Rural and agricultural exemptions available with proper documentation |
| Brevard | 100 sq ft | Permit required at 100+ sq ft or if attaching to home or adding utilities |
| Orange | 120 sq ft | Sheds ≤120 sq ft exempt from plan review but still need zoning permit; no utilities allowed in exempt sheds |
| Charlotte | 100 sq ft | Sheds ≤100 sq ft need zoning review only; over 250 sq ft requires letter of compatibility; over 400 sq ft requires licensed contractor |
| Okaloosa | 200 sq ft | Sheds ≤200 sq ft used exclusively for storage are exempt from permitting |
| Miami-Dade (HVHZ) | Permit required | One utility shed per residential lot, max 400 sq ft; must meet FBC wind-load standards |
| Lee | Permit required | Prefab sheds must have DCA approval + signed/sealed tie-down plans |
Call your county building or planning department, or contact us at 386-339-1676 and we’ll help you find the right contact. You can also search stateofflorida.com/florida-counties for county-level info.
Shed Setback Requirements in Florida
Even if your shed doesn’t need a building permit, it almost always has to meet setback rules — the minimum distance from your property lines, easements, and main dwelling. These vary by jurisdiction, but here’s what’s typical across Florida:
- Side and rear property lines: Usually 5–10 feet minimum
- Front yard: Sheds are typically prohibited in front-yard areas; rear or side yard only
- Easements: No structures allowed in drainage, utility, or access easements
- Septic systems: Sheds cannot sit over a septic tank or drain field — clearances vary
- Corner lots: Counted as having two front yards with two front-yard setbacks
If you live in a deed-restricted community or HOA, your association may have stricter rules than the county — including color, roof style, size, and approval forms. Always check your HOA covenants before ordering a shed.
Florida Wind Load & Anchoring Requirements
This is the part that catches a lot of out-of-state homeowners off guard. Florida’s hurricane exposure means every shed in the state needs to meet specific wind-speed and anchoring standards, even when no permit is required.
Wind Speed Zones
Florida is divided into wind-speed zones ranging from 130 mph in the panhandle to over 180 mph in the Florida Keys and HVHZ areas (Miami-Dade and Broward counties). Your shed’s engineered design must meet or exceed the wind speed for your specific address. You can look up your wind zone at hazards.atcouncil.org.
Florida Product Approval & DBPR Seal
Prefabricated and portable sheds sold in Florida must carry one of the following:
- A Florida Product Approval (FL#) from the Florida Building Commission, or
- A DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) insignia certifying the building was inspected during manufacture, or
- Site-built construction with engineered plans signed and sealed by a Florida-registered design professional
Tie-Down & Anchoring Plans
Counties generally require signed and sealed engineered tie-down plans showing how the shed is anchored to resist wind uplift. For prefab sheds, the manufacturer often provides master tie-down plans you can submit with your permit application.
All of our portable storage buildings and metal structures are built to meet Florida wind-load requirements for the area they’re delivered to, and they come with the documentation your county will ask for — Florida Product Approval numbers, engineered drawings, and tie-down details — so you’re not chasing paperwork.
Documents You’ll Need to Submit
The exact list varies by county, but most Florida shed permits ask for the following:
- Permit application — provided by your local building department
- Site plan or boundary survey showing property lines, existing structures, proposed shed location, and setback distances
- Manufacturer’s brochure or plans with Florida Product Approval or DBPR plan tracking number (for prefab sheds)
- Engineered tie-down/anchoring details, signed and sealed by a Florida-registered design professional
- Proof of ownership — recorded deed, closing statement, or property tax receipt
- Notice of Commencement — required if the project exceeds $5,000 in value
- Owner-builder disclosure form — if you’re pulling the permit yourself rather than using a contractor
- Flood elevation certificate — if your property is in a designated flood zone
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Florida Shed Permit
- Confirm the rules. Call your county building or zoning department to confirm size threshold, setbacks, and required documents for your specific address.
- Check your HOA. If you’re in a deed-restricted community, get architectural review board approval before applying for a county permit.
- Choose your shed. Pick a building that has Florida Product Approval or DBPR certification and meets your county’s wind-load requirements. Keen’s representatives can confirm this for any building before you order.
- Gather your documents. Site plan, manufacturer plans, tie-down details, proof of ownership, and any HOA approval letters.
- Submit your application. File the permit application with your county building department, in person or online. Pay any plan review fees up front.
- Wait for approval. Review timelines vary — typically 1–4 weeks. Some counties offer expedited review for an additional fee.
- Schedule installation and inspections. Once the permit is issued, you can install. Most counties require a final inspection before the permit is closed out.
How Much Does a Shed Permit Cost in Florida?
Permit fees vary widely by county, but here’s a realistic range:
- Plan review fee: $25–$100
- Zoning review fee: $25–$75
- Building permit fee: $50–$300 (often $0.05–$0.25 per square foot with a minimum)
- Trade permits (electric, plumbing, mechanical): $50–$100 each, if applicable
- Administrative and surcharge fees: Typically 1–3% of the permit fee
For most residential sheds in the 200–500 sq ft range, expect total permit costs of $100–$400, plus any required engineered drawings if your prefab manufacturer doesn’t supply them.
Agricultural & Rural Exemptions
Florida law provides additional permit exemptions for genuine agricultural buildings on bona fide farms. If your shed will be used for storing farm equipment, feed, or supplies on a working agricultural property, you may qualify for an agricultural exemption under Florida Statute 604.50.
These exemptions are county-administered and require documentation showing the property’s agricultural use. Contact your county’s agricultural extension office or building department for details.
How Keen’s Buildings Helps With Your Permit
We’ve been helping Florida homeowners navigate shed permits since 1999. When you buy a portable storage building, carport, garage, or pole barn from Keen’s:
- Our buildings meet Florida codes — DBPR-certified or Florida Product Approval numbers, built to the wind-load requirements of your delivery address
- We supply the paperwork — manufacturer plans, FL# documentation, and tie-down details your county will request
- Our local teams know the counties — across our seven locations in Florida and Georgia, our reps have walked through permits with hundreds of customers in your area
- Permit expediter referrals — if you’d rather have someone else handle the whole process, we can connect you with a licensed permit expediter
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a portable shed in Florida?
If your portable shed is over your county’s size threshold (typically 100–200 sq ft), yes. Even small portable sheds may need zoning review, and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or HVAC needs a permit regardless of size.
What’s the largest shed I can build without a permit in Florida?
It depends on your county. The most common thresholds are 100, 120, or 200 square feet. The Florida Building Code itself exempts certain storage structures under 720 sq ft from wind-borne debris rules, but local permits are still typically required above 100–200 sq ft.
Can I install my shed before the permit is approved?
No. Starting construction before your permit is issued can result in fines, stop-work orders, and even forced removal of the structure. Always wait for the permit before installation.
Do I need a contractor to install a shed in Florida?
For DBPR-approved prefab sheds 400 sq ft or smaller, Florida Statute 489.103(20) does not require a contractor’s license for sale, delivery, assembly, or tie-down. Larger or site-built sheds typically require a licensed contractor.
How long does it take to get a Florida shed permit?
Typical review times run 1–4 weeks, though some counties issue same-day permits for small storage sheds and others take longer during peak season. Expedited review is sometimes available for an additional fee.
What happens if I build a shed without a permit in Florida?
Penalties typically include fines (sometimes double the original permit cost), stop-work orders, mandatory after-the-fact permitting, and in some cases removal of the structure. Unpermitted structures can also complicate future property sales and homeowner’s insurance claims.
Do agricultural sheds need a permit in Florida?
Buildings on bona fide farms used for genuine agricultural purposes may qualify for exemption under Florida Statute 604.50. The exemption is administered county by county and requires documentation. Always confirm with your local building department.
Need Help With Your Florida Shed Permit?
Talk to one of our local reps — we’ll help you pick a building that meets your county’s codes and supply the paperwork you need.
Call 386-339-1676 Find a LocationThis guide is for general informational purposes. Permit requirements change frequently and vary by jurisdiction — always verify current rules with your local building department before purchasing or installing a shed.