Pool Permit in Hillsborough County, Florida
Need a pool 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 pool permit process.
Still requires a permit
Does Florida’s new $7,500 permit exemption apply to pool permits in Hillsborough County?
No. A pool permit is still required. Pool construction involves structural, electrical and plumbing work, and HB 803 excludes all three from the $7,500 exemption. Pool barrier safety requirements are unchanged.
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.
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Getting a Pool Permit in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Development Services issues pool permits for Hillsborough County, and applications go through HillsGovHub. For a pool 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 2-4 weeks including plan review.
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 pool permit cost in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County charges $475.00 for pool permits, listed on its fee schedule as “Pool/ Spa”. An above-ground pool or spa is $150.00. Includes a $50 application fee. This is the county’s permit fee only — it does not include your contractor’s price for the work.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pool/ Spa | $475.00 |
| 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
2-4 weeks including plan review
NOC Required
Yes
Watch Out For These Hillsborough County Rejections
These are the most common reasons a pool permit application gets rejected. An experienced permit pro catches these before they cost you time.
- ×Setback violations
- ×Missing barrier/fence plan
- ×Drainage plan incomplete
- ×Missing structural engineering
Pool Permit questions, answered for Hillsborough County
Does Florida's new $7,500 permit exemption mean I can skip a pool permit in Hillsborough County?
No. A pool permit is still required. Pool construction involves structural, electrical and plumbing work, and HB 803 excludes all three from the $7,500 exemption. Pool barrier safety requirements are unchanged. 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 pool permit cost in Hillsborough County, Florida?
Hillsborough County charges $475.00 for pool permits, listed on its published fee schedule as "Pool/ Spa" (effective October 5, 2024). An above-ground pool or spa is $150.00. Includes a $50 application fee. That is the county permit fee only and does not include the contractor's price for the work.
Who issues a pool permit in Hillsborough County, Florida?
Hillsborough County Development Services issues pool 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 pool permit take in Hillsborough County?
Pool Permit approval in Hillsborough County typically takes 2-4 weeks including plan review. 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 pool permit cost in Hillsborough County?
Pool Permit fees in Hillsborough County generally fall in the $800-1,500+ 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 pool permit in Hillsborough County?
Yes. Pool 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 pool 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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