Quick AnswerAny construction, renovation, or alteration requiring a building permit under the Florida Building Code or local code that was performed without one. Common examples include room additions, garage conversions, screened enclosures, electrical panel upgrades, HVAC replacements, and fence installations.
The Code Clinic, PLLC defends property owners, landlords, and businesses across South Florida and statewide. Attorney Ari Pregen handles code enforcement hearings, fine reduction proceedings, and lien removal on a flat-fee basis — call (305) 396-1495 for a free review.
Understanding your situation
Florida's code enforcement process is governed by Florida Statute Chapter 162, which gives property owners real procedural rights — but only if you know how to use them. Missing a deadline, failing to appear, or simply paying a fine without contesting it can cost thousands of dollars that a well-prepared defense might have saved. Learn how to fight a code violation in Florida before making any decisions.
What the law says
Under §162.09(1), fines can reach $1,000 per day for standard violations and $5,000 per day for repeat violations. Once recorded as a lien under §162.09(3), fines accrue interest at 12% per year and must be cleared before any sale or refinancing. The Special Magistrate has discretion under §162.09(2)(a) to reduce accrued fines significantly — but this requires a formal motion and a persuasive presentation. Read more about how fines work in Florida.
Don’t face your hearing alone.
Flat-fee defense across South Florida and statewide — no hourly billing, no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as unpermitted work in Florida?
Any construction, renovation, or alteration requiring a building permit under the Florida Building Code or local code that was performed without one. Common examples include room additions, garage conversions, screened enclosures, electrical panel upgrades, HVAC replacements, and fence installations.
How does Florida code enforcement find out about unpermitted work?
Through neighbor complaints, proactive inspections, aerial photography reviews, permit pull record searches, and property sales when buyers or lenders request permit history. Miami-Dade Code Compliance, Broward County Code Enforcement, and Palm Beach County Code Enforcement all use multiple detection methods.
What are the options for resolving unpermitted work in Florida?
The most common approach is retroactive permitting — hiring a licensed contractor to pull an after-the-fact permit and pass required inspections. Where that is not feasible, options include variance applications, modifications to bring work into compliance, or removal of the unpermitted structure.
Call The Code Clinic at (305) 396-1495 or visit thecodeclinicpa.com for a free review. Flat-fee defense. No hourly billing.