Unpermitted-Construction-Code-Violations-in-Florida-scaled

Unpermitted Construction & Code Violations in Florida

What is Unpermitted Work?

If a homeowner (or contractor) does construction, remodeling, or electrical/mechanical/plumbing work without obtaining the required permits, it's considered a building code violation

Examples of unpermitted work:

  • Adding a bedroom, bathroom, or extension without a permit
  • Converting a garage into living space
  • Installing a new roof, windows, or doors without permits
  • Electrical rewiring or panel upgrades done without an inspection
  • Plumbing changes (moving drains, adding bathrooms, etc.) without permits
  • Building pools, decks, sheds, or fences that need permits
Unpermitted Construction Code Violations Examples
How Cities and Counties Enforce Code Violations

How Cities / Counties Enforce It

  • Complaint or Inspector Visit – Often starts when a neighbor complains, or when inspectors notice work being done.
  • Notice of Violation (NOV) – City issues a written violation.
  • Stop Work Order – If construction is ongoing, they can post a red "Stop Work" notice.
  • Fines – Typically $100–$500 per day until compliance. In some cities (like Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach), fines can reach $1,000/day for serious cases.
  • Liens on Property – If unpaid, fines turn into a lien, which must be cleared before you can sell, refinance, or transfer ownership.
  • Required to "Legalize" – Homeowner must either:
  • Apply for after-the-fact permits, pay fees, and pass inspections
  • Or remove/demolish the unpermitted work

Florida Law & Rights

  • Florida Statutes Chapter 162 covers code enforcement.
  • Owners usually get a grace period (often 30–60 days) to correct or legalize the violation before daily fines stack up.
  • You can appeal violations at a code enforcement board or special magistrate hearing.
Florida Law and Property Owner Rights
Why Unpermitted Work Matters for Property Owners

Why It Matters

  • Safety – Work may not meet building codes (electrical/fire hazard, structural issues).
  • Insurance – Insurance may deny claims if damage comes from unpermitted work.
  • Property Value – Liens and open violations make it hard to sell.
  • Resale – Buyers and title companies almost always require violations to be cleared. We need to create a page on Elle Construction for this

How Elle Construction Helps

At Elle Construction, we assist homeowners and real estate investors in resolving unpermitted construction violations.

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Service Area

We proudly serve all of Miami-Dade County, including:

  • Miami Beach
  • North Miami
  • Aventura
  • Sunny Isles
  • Coral Gables
  • Kendall
  • Doral
  • Cutler Bay

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Whether you're in Boca Raton, Cooper, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, Sunrise, Weston, Elle Construction is your trusted partner in building beauty, function, and value into your home.