CITY OF VENICE BUILDING DIVISION
Florida House Bill 803 – Residential Permit Exemption Policy
Effective July 1, 2026

Purpose

This policy explains how the City of Venice Building Division will review written requests for the HB 803 residential permit exemption. The exemption may apply to qualifying single-family residential work valued under $7,500, while preserving requirements for public safety, floodplain compliance, zoning compliance, contractor licensing, and the Florida Building Code.

Eligible Work Criteria

Residential work may qualify for the HB 803 permit exemption only when all of the following apply:

• Single-family residential property only.
• Total value of work is less than $7,500.
• Work is non-structural and does not affect life-safety systems.
• No electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, gas, or other regulated trade work unless separately exempt by law.
• Work is not in a flood hazard area where a permit is required.
• Project is not split into separate contracts, phases, invoices, or scopes to avoid permitting.

Required Documentation

To request review, the owner or contractor must provide:

• A completed exemption request with project address.
• Owner and contractor contact information, if applicable.
• Proposal, estimate, contract, invoice, or similar document showing scope and total value.
• Brief description confirming the work is non-structural and does not include regulated trade-work unless separately exempt.
• Any additional information requested by the Building Official or designee.

Review Process

The Building Division will review the submitted documentation and determine whether the work qualifies for the HB 803 exemption. If the request does not qualify, the applicant must obtain the required permit before work begins. Approval of an exemption request does not waive any applicable zoning, floodplain, contractor licensing, right-of-way, fire, environmental, homeowners association, or other requirements. The City may require a permit if information is incomplete, inaccurate, or indicates the work is outside the exemption.

Building Permit Exemption Request