Hillsborough County's building program is run by the Development Services Department, which issues permits for unincorporated Hillsborough County. Since January 2021, everything — applications, plan uploads, inspections — runs through the county's HillsGovHub portal.
This guide covers what triggers a permit, how fees work (including Hillsborough's impact and mobility fees), the HillsGovHub submission process, trade permits, and inspections — so your Tampa-area project keeps moving.
Confirm you're in unincorporated Hillsborough. Development Services permits only the unincorporated county; the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City run their own building departments with separate portals and fees.
What requires a building permit in Hillsborough County?
Under the Florida Building Code (§105.1), a permit is required before you erect, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of most structures and systems. Common triggers include:
Permit required
- New homes, additions, and tenant build-outs
- Structural / load-bearing alterations and demolition
- Reroofing, window and door replacement, and exterior work
- Electrical service changes and most wiring alterations
- Mechanical / HVAC changeouts and boilers
- Plumbing alterations, repipes, and water heaters
- Pools and spas, sheds, signs, and fences
- Solar PV and gas (subtrade) systems
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, cabinetry, and cosmetic work
- Like-for-like minor repairs not altering systems
- Certain low non-structural fences (confirm limits)
- Routine maintenance not extending or rerouting systems
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Beginning without one exposes the owner to after-the-fact fees and penalties. Apply first and let the permit issue.
Who handles permitting in Hillsborough County?
Permitting for unincorporated Hillsborough is administered by Development Services, which combines planning, zoning, development review, and building inspection in one office. Applications and reviews are managed entirely through HillsGovHub.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Main phone | (813) 272-5600 |
| Inspection assistance | (813) 641-6970 |
| Online portal | HillsGovHub — hcfl.gov |
| Text inspections | Text to (844) 529-6141 (schedule / results) |
| Enforced code | Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023) |
All applications are 100% online through HillsGovHub. Any payment due will appear in your HillsGovHub account — the county warns that requests to pay outside the portal are fraudulent.
Hillsborough County permit types
A building permit is one record among many. Hillsborough County Development Services issues work under separate record types inside HillsGovHub, and filing under the wrong one is a rejection, not a correction — the application is closed and refiled, and the review clock restarts. Impact and mobility fees attach to record type as well, so the classification drives cost as much as it drives review path.
Residential permit types
| Permit type | What triggers it | Review path | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | New dwellings, additions, and accessory structures over the exempt threshold | Full plan review (structural, energy, zoning) | Valuation-based |
| Renovation / alteration | Structural or load-bearing changes, layout changes, substantial repair | Plan review scaled to scope | Valuation-based |
| Reroof | Roof covering replacement and most major roof repair | Product approval review; dry-in and nail-off inspections | Valuation or squares |
| Solar photovoltaic | Rooftop or ground-mount PV installation or replacement | Structural plus electrical review | Flat or system-size based |
| Solar thermal | Passive water heating or pool heating systems | Plumbing and structural review | Flat or per-permit minimum |
| Electrical | Service changes, panel upgrades, new circuits, most wiring alterations | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-device |
| Plumbing | New piping, repipes, water heaters, fixtures, gas piping | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-fixture |
| Mechanical / HVAC | Changeouts that are not like-for-like, ductwork, refrigeration | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-unit |
| Windows and doors | Replacement units and opening protection | Product approval review for wind-borne debris | Valuation or per-opening |
| Pool and spa | In-ground and above-ground pools, spas, barrier and enclosure work | Plan review plus barrier and electrical bonding | Valuation-based |
| Fence and accessory | Fences, sheds, decks, and carports over the exempt threshold | Zoning plus structural where applicable | Flat or valuation-based |
| Demolition | Full or partial demolition of a structure | Utility disconnect verification required | Flat |
Commercial permit types
| Permit type | What triggers it | Review path | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | Ground-up commercial, industrial, and multifamily | Full multi-discipline plan review | Valuation-based |
| Tenant improvement | Interior build-outs and suite fit-ups | Plan review across affected disciplines | Valuation-based |
| Renovation / alteration | Structural, envelope, or system changes to an existing building | Plan review scaled to scope | Valuation-based |
| Change of use | Converting a building from one occupancy classification to another | Zoning, life-safety, and accessibility review | Valuation or flat |
| Reroof | Commercial roof covering replacement | Product approval review plus fire review where applicable | Valuation or squares |
| Solar photovoltaic | Commercial rooftop, carport, and ground-mount PV | Structural, electrical, and often fire review | Valuation or system-size based |
| Electrical | Service, distribution, and branch circuit work | Trade review | Valuation or per-device |
| Plumbing | Supply, waste, vent, and gas systems | Trade review | Valuation or per-fixture |
| Mechanical / HVAC | Rooftop units, ductwork, exhaust, and refrigeration | Trade review | Valuation or per-unit |
| Fire protection | Sprinkler, standpipe, alarm, and suppression systems | Fire prevention plan review | Valuation or per-device |
| Sign | Wall, monument, and illuminated signage | Zoning plus electrical where illuminated | Flat or per-sign |
| Demolition | Full or partial commercial demolition | Utility disconnect and environmental clearance | Flat or valuation-based |
Residential
- Single-discipline review in most cases
- Master permit with trades filed against it
- Owner-builder route exists but carries statutory affidavits
- Product approval drives roofing and opening protection
Commercial — multi-discipline
- Concurrent review across building, fire, and zoning
- Signed and sealed plans across every affected discipline
- Accessibility and life-safety review attach to change of use
- Impact and concurrency fees can apply on top of permit fees
Solar permits in Hillsborough County
Solar is permitted as its own record type in most Florida jurisdictions rather than rolled into a general building permit, and residential and commercial photovoltaic are usually separate records with different document sets. Solar thermal — passive water and pool heating — is a third, distinct record.
A photovoltaic submittal is reviewed on two tracks at once: structural (roof load path, attachment spacing, uplift) and electrical (conductor sizing, rapid shutdown, point of interconnection). A single-line diagram and a signed and sealed structural attachment detail are the two attachments most often missing on a first submittal.
Under Fla. Stat. §163.04, a homeowners' association cannot prohibit a solar collector on a dwelling — HOA architectural approval is not a prerequisite to permit issuance, though it may still be a contractual matter between owner and association.
Utility interconnection runs parallel to the building permit, not inside it. Permission to Operate is issued by the utility after the final electrical inspection clears.
Roofing permits in Hillsborough County
A roof covering replacement requires a permit in every Florida jurisdiction. Repairs below the local threshold may not, but the threshold is scope-specific and confirming it with the building department before tear-off is cheaper than an after-the-fact permit.
Every roof product must carry a current Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance rated for the wind speed at the project address. A product approval number that has lapsed or is rated below the site wind speed is the single most common reroof rejection.
Reroof inspections are sequenced: dry-in after the underlayment, nail-off on the sheathing fastening, and final. Covering the deck before the dry-in inspection means tearing it back open.
Hurricane mitigation retrofit requirements can attach when an existing roof is replaced, including secondary water barrier and roof-to-wall connection work. These add scope and documents, and they are triggered by the replacement itself.
Under Fla. Stat. §553.7922, jurisdictions run expedited procedures for permits that need no technical review — reroofs, roof repairs, and similar — during a declared state of emergency.
Unincorporated Hillsborough runs a 140 mph ultimate design wind speed across most of the county, easing inland and stiffening toward the bay. Product approval must be rated for the wind speed at the project address, and Tampa Bay frontage parcels frequently carry flood requirements on top of the roofing scope.
Hillsborough County building permit cost
Hillsborough building fees are based on the type and valuation of work, with separate fees for each trade. Two county-specific charges matter most for budgeting: impact fees and mobility fees, which are assessed on qualifying new construction and must be paid before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Because fee schedules and impact/mobility rates are adjusted periodically, confirm the current figures in HillsGovHub or with Development Services before budgeting.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Building / construction fee | Based on type and valuation of work; minimum fees apply |
| Trade permits (E / P / M / gas) | Charged separately per subtrade unless rolled into a master permit |
| Impact fees | Assessed on qualifying new construction; due before CO |
| Mobility fees | Transportation mobility fees on qualifying development; due before CO |
| State surcharge | DBPR surcharge added per Florida statute |
| Work-without-permit | After-the-fact fees and penalties |
Want a precise number for a specific Hillsborough County project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Hillsborough County trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work generally needs its own subtrade permit and licensed contractor. For commercial projects, a licensed general contractor typically pulls the building permit while trade contractors pull their respective subtrade permits.
Electrical permits
Required for service installations, panel upgrades, solar PV, and most wiring alterations. Filed as a subtrade permit in HillsGovHub.
Plumbing permits
Required for new plumbing, repipes, water heater changeouts, fixtures, and gas piping. Fees follow the county schedule with a per-permit minimum.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC changeouts, ductwork, refrigeration, and boilers. Specialized systems are permitted and inspected separately.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Reroofs, pools and spas, sheds, signs, and fences are permitted separately. Hillsborough is outside the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone but enforces the Florida Building Code's high-wind provisions — use products with current Florida Product Approval.
Verify your contractor's license. Confirm the contractor is licensed in Florida (DBPR, (850) 487-1395) and registered with Hillsborough County before signing. The property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained.
How to get a building permit in Hillsborough County
Confirm scope & jurisdiction
Verify the work needs a permit and confirm the parcel is unincorporated Hillsborough, not the City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, or Plant City.
Prepare your documents
Assemble the application, owner/parcel info and valuation, signed/sealed plans for structural or larger work, energy calcs, and any zoning or environmental materials.
Submit through HillsGovHub
Create or use your HillsGovHub account, apply for the building permit and subtrade permits, and upload all required documents.
Plan review & corrections
Development Services reviews for Florida Building Code compliance. Upload revisions promptly if comments are issued; resubmittals re-enter review.
Pay fees & pull the permit
Pay the building, trade, impact, and mobility fees in HillsGovHub, then download the permit. Record and post a Notice of Commencement where required.
Schedule inspections through close-out
Request inspections in HillsGovHub or by text. Once all inspections pass and fees are paid, a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.
Inspections in Hillsborough County
Schedule inspections through HillsGovHub, by the inspection line, or via the county's text service — text SCHEDULE, RESCHEDULE, CANCEL, or RESULTS to (844) 529-6141 with your permit and inspection code. Typical checkpoints include foundation, rough-in MEP, framing, insulation, and final.
A Certificate of Occupancy is issued once all required inspections are approved and all fees — including impact and mobility fees — are paid. A re-inspection fee applies to failed inspections.
Official Hillsborough County permitting resources
- 🏛️ Hillsborough Development Services
- 💻 HillsGovHub portal
- 📋 Applications & forms
- 📘 Florida Building Code (8th Ed.)
- 🧰 Permitting tools & codes
- 🪪 DBPR license verification
Frequently asked questions
Who issues building permits in Hillsborough County?
The Hillsborough County Development Services Department issues permits for unincorporated Hillsborough County. The cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City run their own building departments.
How do I apply for a Hillsborough County permit?
All applications are submitted online through the county's HillsGovHub portal, which also handles plan uploads, fee payment, and inspection scheduling.
What are impact and mobility fees?
Impact fees fund services like schools, parks, and fire/EMS, and mobility fees fund transportation improvements. Both are assessed on qualifying new construction in Hillsborough and must be paid before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Can I schedule inspections by text?
Yes. You can text SCHEDULE, RESCHEDULE, CANCEL, or RESULTS to (844) 529-6141 with your permit number and inspection code, in addition to using HillsGovHub.
How much does a Hillsborough County building permit cost?
Fees are based on the type and valuation of work, with separate subtrade fees plus impact and mobility fees on qualifying projects. Confirm current figures in HillsGovHub before filing.
Which parts of Hillsborough County does Development Services cover?
Development Services permits unincorporated Hillsborough County only. The cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City run their own building departments with their own portals, fee schedules, and inspection processes. Because the unincorporated boundary is irregular across the Brandon, Riverview, and Carrollwood corridors, confirm the parcel before filing rather than assuming a mailing address determines the jurisdiction.
Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Hillsborough County?
Yes. Photovoltaic installations in Hillsborough County are permitted under a dedicated solar record type reviewed on both a structural and an electrical track. Solar thermal — passive water and pool heating — is a separate record. Under Fla. Stat. §163.04 a homeowners' association cannot prohibit a solar collector, so HOA approval is not a prerequisite to permit issuance. Utility interconnection and Permission to Operate run in parallel with the permit, not inside it.
Does a roof replacement require a permit in Hillsborough County?
Yes. A roof covering replacement requires a permit in every Florida jurisdiction, including Hillsborough County. Products must carry a current Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance rated for the wind speed at the project address, and inspections are sequenced — dry-in, nail-off, then final. Some minor repairs fall below the permit threshold, but the threshold is scope-specific.
What is the difference between a residential and a commercial permit in Hillsborough County?
Residential work is generally a single-discipline review filed as a master permit with trades filed against it. Commercial work in Hillsborough County runs concurrent review across building, fire, and zoning, requires signed and sealed plans for every affected discipline, and can carry impact and concurrency fees on top of permit fees. Change of use adds accessibility and life-safety review.
Do trade permits need to be pulled separately in Hillsborough County?
Yes in most cases. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work is permitted separately by the licensed contractor for each trade and filed against the master building permit. Each trade permit carries its own fee and its own inspection sequence.
What happens if I file under the wrong permit type in Hillsborough County?
The application is rejected rather than corrected. Hillsborough County Development Services closes the record, the filing is resubmitted under the correct record type, and the review clock restarts from zero. Confirming the record type before filing is the cheapest step in the entire process.
Can I apply for all Hillsborough permit types online?
Yes — all applications are 100% online through HillsGovHub, including plan uploads, fee payment, and inspection scheduling. Any payment due appears in your HillsGovHub account, and the county warns that requests to pay outside the portal are fraudulent. Availability of specific record types can still vary, and owner-builder filings carry additional statutory affidavits.
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Contractors and builders choose Alliance for Hillsborough County because we deliver:
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Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
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More Florida permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of July 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Hillsborough County Development Services before filing. This is not legal advice.