Davenport, Florida Building Permit Guide

The City of Davenport Building Department issues building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roof, pool and fence permits inside city limits, and every application is uploaded through the City’s online Citizen’s Engagement portal. Permit fees are based on ICC Building Value Data ($50 for the first $2,500 of value, then $5 per $1,000), plus a plan review fee of half the permit fee.

What requires a permit in Davenport?

Davenport’s Building Department enforces construction codes and operates the city’s building inspection program. The city requires a Building Permit Application for every submission and directs residents and licensed contractors to its Citizen’s Engagement Permit Submission Portal.

The city publishes project-specific document requirements. Re-roof applications require Florida Product Approval numbers and a final re-roof affidavit; HVAC work requires an AHRI certificate; electrical work requires a detailed riser diagram; windows and doors require Florida Product Approval numbers; and pools, sheds, pavers, slabs and certain enclosures require site-plan information.

Davenport’s current permit application identifies building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roof, pool, fence, addition, alteration and other project categories. The application also states that a separate permit must be secured for additional work not described on the permit.

Small jobs on a single-family home can qualify for an exemption instead. The City’s Building Permit Exemption Request (July 2026, $40 administrative fee) covers work valued under $7,500 that involves no electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas or structural work, and voluntary temporary flood panels on properties outside a Special Flood Hazard Area. Splitting a project into smaller contracts to stay under $7,500 voids the exemption.

Davenport building department: who handles permitting

The Building Department, part of Building & Planning, keeps a virtual file on every contractor working in the city. In fiscal year 2024–2025 it took in 1,060 building permit applications, issued 1,054 permits and carried out 6,984 inspections.

Permit costs and local fees

The Building Department’s fee sheet effective January 1, 2026 sets the building permit fee from ICC Building Value Data (BVD): total square feet under roof times the current BVD rate gives the construction value, which is then charged as below.

For example, a home valued at $302,500 under the BVD method has a building permit fee of $1,550 ($50 plus 300 × $5) and a plan review fee of $775, before the $60 in administrative and support fees and the state surcharges.

On commercial jobs, the 50% plan review fee is paid when you submit and the rest before the permit is issued. Commercial fees use the BVD rate for the occupancy group and construction type; call 863-419-3300 with questions.

Application documents and plan requirements

Everything is uploaded through the Citizen’s Engagement portal before review starts, and missing documents delay it. The building permit application must be signed by a licensed qualifier or owner-builder and notarized, and property owned by a corporation or LLC must use a licensed contractor. All contractors and subcontractors must be registered with the City, with current licences and insurance on file when the permit is issued.

Smaller jobs have their own requirements: product approval numbers for re-roofs, windows and doors, an AHRI certificate for HVAC, an electrical riser diagram, and a site plan with setbacks for sheds, pavers, slabs, screen enclosures, carports and pools.

How to apply: 6-step local process

Inspections in Davenport

Contractors request inspections in the permit portal, by email to buildinginspections@mydavenport.org, or by the City’s QR code. A contractor code is needed and is assigned once the company is fully registered.

On a new home in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the elevation certificate is due before the slab inspection. A signed re-roof affidavit is needed at the final roof inspection, and an engineered final survey before the Certificate of Occupancy. Anyone can check permit status, uploaded documents and inspection results in the portal.

Local permitting details that matter

Impact fees on new homes: the City total is mostly the $5,360 sewer and $6,300 water capital connection fees, and the largest County item is the $11,124 school impact fee ($12,187 from 2027). A townhome pays $14,311 to the City and $11,062 to the County ($12,461 from 2027).

Subdivision homes: landscaping must follow LDR Section 6.02.04 and the anti-monotony layout Section 6.02.03, so plot plans show the house plans on the lots on either side.

Septic: if the lot needs a septic tank, the approved permit from the Polk County Health Department is part of the submission.

Other forms: the City also publishes a site work permit application, an expedited pre-plat checklist and application, solar contractor information and step-by-step contractor portal instructions on the Building page.

Florida building code

The Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), has applied statewide since 31 December 2023; the Florida Building Commission has proposed the 9th Edition (2026) to take effect on 31 December 2026. Florida permit rules

Davenport permit search and official resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Florida Building Code
• Building permit application
• Building permit and impact fees (2025)
• Building Department
• Davenport permit portal
• Davenport city and county impact fees, single-family (2026)
• Davenport city and county impact fees, townhome (2026)
• Davenport single-family submission checklist
• Davenport commercial submission checklist
• Davenport contractor registration requirements
• Davenport building permit exemption request

Frequently asked questions

Who issues building permits in Davenport?

The City of Davenport Building Department, at 201 West Magnolia Street.

How do I apply in Davenport?

Upload the notarized building permit application and all required documents through the Citizen’s Engagement portal before review.

How much is a building permit in Davenport?

$50 for the first $2,500 of construction value and $5 for each further $1,000, plus a plan review fee of half that amount, a $40 administrative fee, a $20 support fee and state surcharges.

What impact fees apply to a new house in Davenport?

In 2026, $14,455 in City impact and connection fees and $15,503 in Polk County impact fees for a single-family home.

Do I need a permit for small repairs?

Work on a single-family home valued under $7,500 with no electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas or structural work can use the City’s Permit Exemption Request, which has a $40 fee.

When is a Notice of Commencement required?

For permits with a total cost of $5,000 or more, or $15,000 or more for mechanical work. It must be recorded.

How do I request an inspection?

Through the permit portal, by email to buildinginspections@mydavenport.org or by QR code, using the contractor code issued at registration.

Simplify Davenport permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Florida. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Davenport permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.