Deck Permit in Hillsborough County, Florida
Need a deck permit pulled in Hillsborough County? We match you with an experienced Florida permit professional who knows the Hillsborough County building department and handles the entire deck permit process.
May qualify for the exemption
Does Florida’s new $7,500 permit exemption apply to deck permits in Hillsborough County?
Rarely. A ground-level deck with no roof and no utilities can qualify, but any elevated or house-attached deck is structural work, which HB 803 excludes from the $7,500 exemption.
HB 803 (Chapter 2026-63) took effect July 1, 2026 and applies statewide, including Hillsborough County. To qualify, all of the following must be true:
- The property is a single-family residential property
- The total value of the work is less than $7,500, based on a written proposal or estimate from a licensed contractor
- The property is not in a flood hazard area
- The work is not electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work
The exemption is not self-certifying. A homeowner or contractor submits an exemption request and the building official determines whether the work qualifies. Starting work on the assumption that it does can lead to a stop-work order and an unpermitted-work disclosure when you sell.
Not sure which side of the line your project falls on? Get a straight answer →
Getting a Deck Permit in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Development Services issues deck permits for Hillsborough County, and applications go through HillsGovHub. For a deck permit, you'll typically need to submit an application with project details, plans or specifications, and applicable contractor licensing. The typical timeline for this type of permit is 1-3 weeks.
This permit type requires a Notice of Commencement (NOC) to be filed with the HillsboroughCounty clerk's office before work begins. Your permit pro handles this as part of the process.
How much does a deck permit cost in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County charges $380.00 for deck permits, listed on its fee schedule as “Misc Projects (include deck, sheds, carports, pool enclosure/ screen rooms)”. Includes a $50 application fee due at submittal. This is the county’s permit fee only — it does not include your contractor’s price for the work.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Misc Projects (include deck, sheds, carports, pool enclosure/ screen rooms) | $380.00 |
| Reinspection fee | $125.00 |
| Plan revision | $140.00 |
| Permit extension or transfer | $50.00 |
| Working without a permitDoubles the cost of the permit you would have paid | 100% of the permit fee, added on top |
Source: Hillsborough County Development Services, Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective October 5, 2024. Verified 2026-10-18. Fee schedules are revised periodically — confirm the current amount with the county before you pay.
Who issues this permit in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Development Services
- Phone
- (813) 272-5600
- Permit counter
- 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Apply online
- HillsGovHub
Verified against Hillsborough County's own website on . Counties change hours, offices and portals, so confirm before you drive over.
Quick Facts
Timeline
1-3 weeks
NOC Required
Yes
Watch Out For These Hillsborough County Rejections
These are the most common reasons a deck permit application gets rejected. An experienced permit pro catches these before they cost you time.
- ×Missing structural plans
- ×Setback violations
- ×Height/railing code issues
Deck Permit questions, answered for Hillsborough County
Does Florida's new $7,500 permit exemption mean I can skip a deck permit in Hillsborough County?
Rarely. A ground-level deck with no roof and no utilities can qualify, but any elevated or house-attached deck is structural work, which HB 803 excludes from the $7,500 exemption. HB 803 (Chapter 2026-63) took effect July 1, 2026 and applies statewide, including Hillsborough County. Where it does apply, it is not automatic: the building official reviews an exemption request and decides.
How much does a deck permit cost in Hillsborough County, Florida?
Hillsborough County charges $380.00 for deck permits, listed on its published fee schedule as "Misc Projects (include deck, sheds, carports, pool enclosure/ screen rooms)" (effective October 5, 2024). Includes a $50 application fee due at submittal. That is the county permit fee only and does not include the contractor's price for the work.
Who issues a deck permit in Hillsborough County, Florida?
Hillsborough County Development Services issues deck permits for Hillsborough County. You can reach the office at (813) 272-5600. Applications are submitted online through HillsGovHub. The permit counter is at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602. Counter hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m..
How long does a deck permit take in Hillsborough County?
Deck Permit approval in Hillsborough County typically takes 1-3 weeks. That clock starts when the application is accepted as complete, not when it is first submitted, which is why an application that comes back for corrections can add a week or more to the total.
How much does a deck permit cost in Hillsborough County?
Deck Permit fees in Hillsborough County generally fall in the $150-500 range. Florida counties set their own fee schedules and most calculate them from the declared job valuation, so the final figure depends on the size of your project. Expect separate charges for plan review and for each inspection.
Do I need a Notice of Commencement for a deck permit in Hillsborough County?
Yes. Deck Permit work in Hillsborough County normally requires a Notice of Commencement recorded with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court before work begins. Under Florida's Construction Lien Law an NOC is required once the job value passes the statutory threshold, and inspectors can refuse the first inspection until a recorded copy is posted at the job site.
Can I pull a deck permit myself as the homeowner in Hillsborough County?
Often yes. Florida's owner-builder exemption, in section 489.103(7) of the Florida Statutes, lets an owner pull a permit for work on a home they own, subject to conditions the statute attaches, including appearing in person to sign a disclosure statement acknowledging that you take on the responsibilities of a licensed contractor. Hillsborough County can confirm what it requires at (813) 272-5600.
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