There is no responsible one-page checklist that applies identically to every residential project in every Florida jurisdiction. A new house, an addition, a remodel, a pool, and an accessory structure can require different information. Property conditions can also change the package. The right question is not "What does Florida require everywhere?" but "What does this project require in this jurisdiction?"
The Statewide Framework
As of August 2026, the Florida Building Commission continues to identify the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code as the effective code, with an effective date of December 31, 2023. The Commission is also developing the 9th Edition (2026), so project teams should always confirm the code edition in effect when the permit is submitted.
Common Categories in a New Residential Permit Package
- Building permit application
- Property and parcel information
- Site plan and/or survey, depending on jurisdiction
- Grading/drainage and finished-floor information when required
- Architectural construction plans
- Structural plans and engineering
- Electrical information
- Plumbing information
- Mechanical/HVAC plans and calculations
- Energy compliance documentation
- Truss engineering when applicable
- Product approvals or installation information when applicable
- Other zoning, utility, flood, septic, well, or agency documents triggered by the property
A Real County Example: Orange County
Orange County's current new-residential guidance lists a site plan or survey, lot grading/drainage plan, construction plans prepared by a Florida-licensed professional engineer or registered architect, and construction documents. When applicable, it also identifies energy calculations, ACCA Manuals J, S and D, an Energy Performance Level display card, mechanical duct layout, and truss engineering. This is a useful example of how broad a permit package can become.
Why the Same Checklist Does Not Apply Everywhere
The local building department may coordinate with zoning, development engineering, utilities, health departments, fire review, environmental agencies, or floodplain administration depending on the project. Orange County expressly notes that residential permits may require review by other departments based on individual conditions and circumstances.
New Construction vs. Remodeling
A new house generally requires a more complete site, building-system, energy, and engineering package than a small interior alteration. Even remodels can require additional drawings when structural systems, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, openings, or the building envelope are altered.
The Better Pre-Submission Process
- Identify the exact permit type
- Confirm the authority having jurisdiction
- Download the current jurisdiction checklist
- Match each checklist item to a document in the package
- Verify signatures/seals where required
- Cross-check architectural, structural, MEP, energy, site, and delegated engineering documents
- Confirm that the latest revisions are included before upload
A3MS Takeaway
A permit-ready package is not defined by page count. It is defined by whether the required project information is complete, coordinated, current, and acceptable for the jurisdiction reviewing it.
Authoritative References
- Florida Building Commission
- Florida Building Code — Resource Links
- Orange County — New Residential Structure Permit
AvisoDisclaimer
General educational information only. Permit, design, engineering, and documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction, project scope, property conditions, and the code edition in effect at permit submission.