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The Job is not finished until the Permit is Closed

Installing a new roof? New air conditioning unit? Remodeling the kitchen? A permit is required before certain work may be done on the property, but the job is not finished until the permit is closed. 

With many post-Hurricane Ian restoration projects underway, it is important to keep in mind that, for many projects and repairs, a permit is required. A permit provides written authority to perform the work. In Collier County, permit applications are processed by the Growth Management Department’s Division of Building Plan Review and Inspection, 2800 North Horseshoe Drive, Naples. 

When do you need to apply for a permit?
If you intend to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the Florida Building Code, or cause any such work to be done, you are required to obtain a permit.

Why are Permits Required?
According to the Florida Statutes, the Florida Building Code establishes minimum standards primarily for public health and safety reasons and, secondarily, for protection of property. Florida law requires that a permit be obtained before certain work may be done on a property. Per the Florida Building Code in Florida Statutes Section 553.79, a person, business, or governmental entity may not construct, erect, alter, modify, repair, or demolish any building within the state without first obtaining a permit. For example, installing a new roof or air conditioning unit, or remodeling a kitchen require a permit.

How to Apply for a Permit
Applicants must use the Growth Management Online Portal at colliercountyfl.gov to apply for a permit and upload the corresponding forms to satisfy permitting conditions. Applicants without access to a home computer may visit the Growth Management Department to access the portal and/or receive assistance. It typically takes 24 to 48 hours to process the paperwork after an application is submitted. To assist in the process, the Clerk’s office has a staff member at Growth Management to help you record documents.

Closing Permits
Upon completion of the work, the contractor has an obligation to arrange for a county inspection so the permit can be closed. If a permit is not closed, delays could occur when selling the property. When there is an open permit, title insurance cannot be obtained after a title search due to the lack of a clear title caused by an open permit. The person or contractor who applies for the permit is responsible for closing the permit. Yet, this requirement is not always satisfied. Remember, the job is not finished until the final inspection occurs and the permit is closed.

For more information, contact the Collier County Division of Building Plan Review & Inspection at (239) 252-2400.