BuildingPermitCost How Hillsborough County calculates your permit fee
The county charges a building permit fee using $1.00 per square foot, with a $380.00 minimum.
The fee table
R-3 - Residential (listed first so one/two-family projects match it before multifamily/U)
$1.00 per square foot, with a $380.00 minimum.
R-1, R-2, R-4 - Multi-Family
$0.86 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
U - Utility & Miscellaneous (detached accessory structures)
$0.60 per square foot, with a $380.00 minimum.
R-3 - Residential (one- and two-family), new construction, additions, alterations
$1.00 per square foot, with a $380.00 minimum.
B - Business (default commercial)
$0.85 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
A - Assembly
$1.09 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
E - Educational
$1.09 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
F - Factory & Industrial
$0.60 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
H - Hazard
$1.09 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
I - Institutional
$1.09 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
M - Mercantile
$0.85 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
S - Storage
$0.60 per square foot, with a $500.00 minimum.
What counts as project value
Floor area (square feet). Fees are per square foot of under-roof area by Florida Building Code occupancy classification, not valuation: 'Based on under roof square footage including new construction, interior alterations, additions, and detached accessory structures'.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: 2,400 sq ft × $1.00 = $2,400.00
- Total before trade permits: $2,400.00.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shell projectsWhen: shell projects only | 67% of total building permit fee |
| Phased project, foundation onlyWhen: phased projects only | 40% of total building permit fee |
| Phased project, completionWhen: phased projects only | 80% of total building permit fee |
| Work without permit penaltyWhen: work started without a permit | additional 100% of permit fee |
| Reinspection (residential)When: failed/missed inspection | $125.00 each |
| Plan revision (residential)When: revisions only | $140.00 each |
| Temporary certificate of occupancy (residential)When: when requested | $530.00 each |
| Private provider administrative feeWhen: private provider used | 75% (plan review only), 50% (inspections only), 25% (both) of total permit fee |
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value and floor area.
- Submit to Hillsborough County Development Services.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.