Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Bathtub or Shower in Florida?

Replacing a bathtub or shower sounds like a straightforward bathroom refresh, but in Florida it almost always triggers at least one permit. Whether you are doing a like-for-like tub swap, converting a tub to a walk-in shower, or replacing a cracked shower pan, knowing the rules before you demo saves you from fines, failed inspections, and costly unpermitted-work headaches down the road.

Does a Like-for-Like Bathtub Replacement Require a Permit in Florida?

In most Florida counties, replacing a bathtub in the same location with a new tub of the same type requires a plumbing permit. Even though you are not moving drain lines or supply connections, Florida Building Code (FBC) 8th Edition requires a permit any time you disconnect and reconnect plumbing fixtures. The inspector will verify that the new tub is properly set, the overflow drain is sealed, and the drain connection meets current code.

A handful of smaller municipalities allow simple fixture replacements without a permit if no pipe work is done — but this is the exception, not the rule. Check with your local building department before assuming a permit is not needed. Counties like Hillsborough and Miami-Dade are explicit: any fixture replacement that involves disconnecting supply or drain lines requires a permit.

Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Require a Permit in Florida?

Yes. Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower is one of the most common bathroom remodel projects in Florida, and it almost always requires both a plumbing permit and a building permit. Here is why:

• Plumbing changes: Converting from a tub to a shower typically means relocating or resizing the drain, capping the tub spout supply, and adding a shower valve and head. These are all permitted plumbing alterations under Florida Statutes Chapter 489.
• Structural changes: If the conversion involves moving walls, adding a niche, or changing the floor structure to accommodate the new drain location, a building permit is also required.
• Waterproofing inspections: Florida requires an inspection of the shower pan liner or waterproof membrane before tile is set. Without a permit, this inspection never happens, and a leaking shower pan can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage before it is discovered.

For a full breakdown of what a bathroom remodel triggers, see our guide to bathroom remodel permits in Florida.

Does Replacing a Shower Pan Require a Permit in Florida?

Replacing a shower pan — including tile-over mud-bed pans, prefabricated acrylic pans, and custom tile-ready foam pans — requires a plumbing permit in most Florida jurisdictions. The critical inspection is the shower pan flood test: the inspector plugs the drain and fills the pan with water to verify that the liner holds for 24 hours before tile is installed. This test is mandated by Florida Plumbing Code Section 412.2.

Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of unpermitted work problems in Florida bathrooms. Homeowners complete the tile work, the liner fails months later, and moisture infiltrates the subfloor and framing. By the time the damage is visible, repair costs often exceed the original remodel budget. Getting the plumbing permit and passing the flood test protects your investment.

When Does Replacing a Shower Enclosure Require a Permit?

Replacing a shower door or frameless glass enclosure is generally the least likely component to require a permit — but it depends on what else is being done:

• Door-only swap (same opening): Most counties do not require a permit to replace a shower door if the opening size stays the same and no plumbing work is involved. Verify with your local building department.
• Enclosure with structural changes: If you are widening the shower opening, moving a wall, or adding a frameless glass panel that requires new blocking in the wall, a building permit is likely required.
• Part of a larger remodel: When the enclosure replacement is part of a broader bathroom renovation that already requires permits, list the enclosure on the permit application to cover all the work.

What Are Florida's GFCI Requirements for Bathrooms?

Any permitted plumbing work in a bathroom is a trigger for the electrical inspector to verify that all outlets within six feet of a water source comply with current GFCI requirements. Under NEC Section 210.8(A), all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in bathrooms must be GFCI-protected.

If your bathroom was wired before modern GFCI requirements, a plumbing permit for a tub or shower replacement often means you will also need to update your outlets to pass electrical inspection. Budget for this work when planning your project — a licensed electrician can typically upgrade bathroom GFCI outlets in a few hours. If significant electrical work is needed, you may also need a separate electrical permit.

Can a Florida Homeowner Pull Their Own Permit for Bathtub or Shower Work?

Yes. Under Florida Statute 489.103, a homeowner who occupies and owns the home as their primary or secondary residence can pull an owner-builder permit and perform their own plumbing and building work — including bathtub and shower replacement. There is no trade license required for a homeowner doing work on their own home.

Keep in mind:

• You must be the owner-occupant, not a landlord doing rental property work.
• You are responsible for scheduling all required inspections and ensuring the work meets Florida Building Code.
• If you sell the home within one year of obtaining an owner-builder permit, Florida law requires you to disclose that work was done without a licensed contractor.

Many homeowners hire a licensed plumber for the rough-in and drain work but do the tile and fixture installation themselves. Your building department can advise on which portions require a licensed subcontractor.

What Happens If You Replace a Bathtub or Shower Without a Permit in Florida?

Unpermitted plumbing work carries real consequences in Florida. If a building inspector discovers the work — during a future inspection for another project, or when you sell the home — you may face:

• Stop-work orders if the work is in progress or recently completed
• Fines ranging from $100 to over $1,000 depending on county
• After-the-fact permit fees, which are typically double the standard permit fee
• Mandatory demolition of completed tile work so inspectors can verify the liner and connections
• Title issues at closing if a home inspection reveals unpermitted work

If you have already completed work without a permit, the path forward is an after-the-fact permit. This typically requires opening walls or floors to expose the work for inspection. It is far more expensive and disruptive than pulling the permit before you start.

For more on the risks of unpermitted construction, see what happens if you build without a permit in Florida.

Ready to get started? Use our Florida permit cost guide to estimate your project fees, or contact us for help navigating the permit process in your county.