One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is:
“How long will it take to get permits for our remodel?”
It’s a great question—and like most things in remodeling, the answer is: it depends.
We’re a husband-and-wife remodeling team here in the Tampa Bay area, and we’ve walked through the permitting process with many homeowners just like you. In this article, we’ll break it all down: how long it typically takes, what factors affect the timeline, and what you can do to help speed things up.
Why Permits Matter
Before we dive into timing, let’s quickly cover why permits are even necessary. Permits exist to make sure your remodeling work is safe, up to code, and legally documented. They protect your investment, especially if you ever want to sell your home or deal with insurance.
Yes, the process can feel a bit like red tape—but skipping it could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Permit Timing: Simple vs. Complex Projects
Not all permits are created equal. Some projects are approved the same day, while others take weeks (or longer). Here’s how it typically breaks down:
Simple Permits
Some permits are straightforward and can be issued quickly—sometimes within a few days. This can include:
- Replacing windows or doors with the same size
- Minor electrical or plumbing work
- Siding & stucco
These kinds of permits are often submitted online and processed quickly if the paperwork is complete. Every building department has slightly different permitting requirements.
Standard Permits (No Plans Required)
For small remodeling jobs that don’t involve structural changes or require formal plans and engineering, the process can vary. Once submitted, permits can be issued anywhere within 3-8 weeks, depending on how busy the local building department is.
Permits That Require Plans and Engineering
Here’s where the timeline stretches out.
If your project includes structural changes—like moving walls, building an addition, or changing the roofline—you’ll need:
- Sealed plans from an engineer or architect
- Code compliance review
- More detailed documentation
This kind of work can take 2 to 6 weeks just to prepare the plans before you can even submit your permit application.
It Also Depends on Where You Live
Tampa Bay is made up of many cities and counties, and each one has its own permitting office with different review times. For example:
- City of Tampa often processes small residential permits quickly, but wait times can vary depending on workload.
- Hillsborough County often reviews residential permits within 30 business days, although simple permits can be faster.
- Pinellas County also has different timeframes depending on whether you live in St. Pete, Clearwater, other incorporated areas or in unincorporated Pinellas.
Some departments offer online permitting portals, while others still require in-person visits. And during hurricane season or after major storms, backlogs can build quickly.
Can You Speed Things Up?
Yes—sometimes. One of the best ways to shorten the wait is by using a private provider for plan review.
In Florida, certain licensed companies are allowed to review your plans for code compliance, instead of having to wait for the city or county to do it. This can shave 1 to 2 weeks off the process.
Private providers are especially helpful for larger or more complex remodels that would otherwise sit in a long review queue. If you’re trying to get your remodel moving quickly, it’s definitely worth considering.
Typical Timeline Breakdown
Here’s a general overview of how long the full permitting process can take:
| Step | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Engineering & sealed plans | 2–6 weeks |
| Submit to city/county | 1-3 days |
| Standard plan review (city) | 4–8 weeks |
| With private provider | 3–6 weeks |
| Permit issuance after approval | 5–7 business days |
These numbers can change depending on how organized your paperwork is, how busy the building department is, and how quickly your design professional can deliver plans.
Tips to Stay on Schedule
If you’re trying to keep your project timeline on track, here’s what we recommend:
- Hire your engineer or architect early so you’re not waiting on plans.
- Make sure the plans are complete and professionally sealed before submission.
- Ask about using a private provider for plan review if your timeline is tight.
- Submit your application during non-peak seasons (spring and fall are often better than summer or holidays).
Final Thoughts
Getting a permit in the Tampa Bay area doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does require a bit of patience and planning. The timeline can range from a few days to several months, depending on the scope of your remodel, your local building department, and how complete your plans are.
At Sherman General Contracting, we handle all of this for our clients—so you don’t have to stress about paperwork, engineering, or review timelines. If you’re thinking about a remodel and want a better idea of how long it’ll take to get started, just reach out. We’re happy to give you a realistic estimate based on your specific project and location.
Ready to start your remodel but unsure how long permitting will take?
Let’s take the guesswork out of it, reach out today for a personalized timeline based on your project and location.