The City of Lake Worth Beach Building Division and Planning & Preservation Division is reminding residents about new residential building permit exemption requirements that took effect on July 1, 2026, under Florida House Bill 803. Some small residential improvement projects valued at less than $7,500 may qualify for an exemption; however, City of Lake Worth Beach officials emphasize that the exemption is not automatic. Property owners must request and receive approval from the City before any work begins.
To help residents navigate the new law, the City's Building Division and Planning & Preservation Division have coordinated their review procedures to ensure projects continue to comply with local regulations. While certain projects may be exempt from obtaining a building permit, they must still meet the City's Land Development Regulations and, when applicable, Historic Preservation requirements.
City staff will review each exemption request to determine whether the proposed work qualifies under the new law. If the project requires zoning or historic preservation review, applicants will be directed to the Planning & Zoning Office before beginning work. The Planning & Zoning Office will evaluate projects for compliance with zoning, site development, landscaping, and tree protection requirements. These include application types such as fences, hardscape, landscape improvements and small accessory structures such as sheds and pergolas. When necessary, the Historic Preservation Office will also review projects to ensure they meet applicable preservation standards.
To support the new process, the City has established a standalone zoning permit process for certain improvements that no longer require a building permit. Internal procedures and public information are being updated to clearly explain which projects may qualify for a building permit exemption and whether a zoning permit, Certificate of Appropriateness, or other City approval is still required.
To qualify for a building permit exemption, a project must meet all of the following requirements:
• Be located on a single-family home.
• Have a total project value of less than $7,500.
• Not involve work regulated by the Florida Building Code, including electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical (HVAC), or gas work.
• Not be located within a flood hazard area.
Examples of projects that may qualify for exemption from a Building Permit include interior painting, flooring replacement, cabinet replacement without relocating plumbing, drywall repairs, and non-structural cosmetic improvements. Patios, walkways, fences, driveways, gazebos, pergolas, and certain sheds may be exempted from the Building Permit process but will require a Zoning Permit when applicable.
Residents should note that many projects still require a building permit regardless of cost. These include:
• Any electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical (HVAC), or gas work.
• Any work within a flood hazard area.
• All commercial property work.
• Projects intentionally divided to remain below the $7,500 threshold.
• Sheds, pergolas, and gazebos exceeding $7,500.
• Attached patio covers.
• Wooden or raised decks.
• Pool barriers.
• Awnings.
• Hurricane shutters.
• Exterior doors.
• Windows.
• Concrete masonry unit (CMU) block walls.
Even if a project qualifies for an exemption, homeowners are required by state law to submit a written exemption request with supporting documentation to the City's Building Division and wait for written approval before starting work. Beginning work without an approved exemption request on file may be considered unpermitted work and could result in code enforcement action. An administrative processing fee applies.
Click here for more information about what items under $7,500 may still require Planning & Zoning and Historic Preservation approval.
Residents with questions may contact:
• Building Division: [email protected] or 561-586-1647
• Planning & Zoning: [email protected] or 561-586-1687
• Historic Preservation: [email protected] or 561-586-1684
City officials encourage homeowners to contact staff before beginning any project to ensure all required approvals have been obtained.
