Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted shed: $150–$450 estimated city fees for a permitted residential shed in Orlando, FL (over 200 sq ft; plus 1.5% FL state surcharge; structures ≤ 200 sq ft without utilities typically require no building permit fee)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential building permit (sheds over 200 sq ft) | $150–$450 (estimated range) | City of Orlando permit fees are calculated based on construction valuation. A permitted residential shed in this size range typically lands here. Floodplain review, correction cycles, or reinspections can increase the total. |
| Plan review fee | Included or additional charge | Plan review is typically bundled with the building permit fee. Complex projects or those near flood zones may carry a separate review charge. |
| State surcharge | 1.5% of permit fee | Florida Building Code Section 553.721 requires a 1.5% surcharge on all building permit fees, remitted to DBPR. This applies to all permits statewide. |
| Electrical sub-permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required if the shed has any electrical wiring, outlets, or lighting, regardless of shed size or building permit status. |
| Plumbing sub-permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required if the shed includes a sink, toilet, hose bib, or other plumbing fixtures, regardless of shed size. |
| Inspections | Included; reinspection extra | Typical shed inspections include footing or slab, framing, and final. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits carry their own inspection stages. |
Affiliate slot
Need a contractor?
Licensed contractor matching — contextual placement.
Conditions
The rules that apply
- Sheds and accessory storage structures of 200 square feet or less, one story, and without electrical or plumbing are generally exempt from Orlando's building permit requirement under the Florida Building Code Residential (FBC 8th Edition) Section R105.2 permit exemptions. City of Orlando zoning setbacks, easement rules, and flood zone restrictions still apply.
- A building permit is required for any shed with a floor area exceeding 200 square feet.
- A building permit is required for any shed that is more than one story in height.
- An electrical sub-permit is required for any shed with wiring, outlets, or lighting, regardless of the shed's size or permit-exempt status.
- A plumbing sub-permit is required for any shed with a sink, toilet, hose bib, or other plumbing fixtures.
- Orlando is not in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), but permitted sheds must satisfy 2023 Florida Building Code wind-load requirements for the Orlando area's design wind speed of approximately 110–120 mph. Prefabricated shed kits must carry a Florida Product Approval (FPA) or provide engineer-stamped drawings for the local wind speed.
- Permit-exempt sheds must still comply with City of Orlando zoning setback requirements. Typical rear and side yard setbacks in residential zones are 5–7.5 feet, but the actual requirement depends on the specific zoning district.
- Sheds may not be placed in a front yard setback, within drainage or utility easements, or in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area without floodplain development review — even if the structure would otherwise be permit-exempt under the FBC.
- A Notice of Commencement (NOC) must be recorded with the Orange County Clerk of Courts before work begins on permitted projects that meet the applicable valuation threshold under Florida law.
- HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may impose stricter size, setback, material, or placement requirements and are enforced separately from City of Orlando rules.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Building permit application submitted through the City of Orlando Permitting Services portal.
- Scaled site plan showing property lines, easements, existing structures, setbacks, and the proposed shed location and dimensions.
- Floor plan and elevation drawings showing shed dimensions, height, roof pitch, wall and roof materials, and door or window locations.
- Florida Product Approval (FPA) documentation for prefabricated shed kits, or engineer-stamped drawings demonstrating FBC wind-load compliance for the site's wind speed.
- Foundation plan showing slab, piers, or anchoring system appropriate for the shed size and Florida wind-load requirements.
- Floodplain information or elevation certificate if the property is in or near a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area; check the City of Orlando floodplain maps.
- Notice of Commencement recorded with the Orange County Clerk of Courts if the project meets the Florida valuation threshold.
- Contractor license number and proof of insurance if a licensed contractor is submitting, or owner-builder documentation.
- HOA approval documentation if required by your subdivision's governing documents.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
-
Determine whether your shed requires a permit Check the shed's size, height, and utility plans. A shed of 200 square feet or less, one story, and with no electrical or plumbing is generally exempt from Orlando's building permit requirement under the Florida Building Code. Sheds over 200 sq ft, multi-story, or containing utilities require a building permit. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits are required regardless of the building permit status.
-
Verify Florida wind-load compliance Even permit-exempt sheds should be structurally adequate for Florida wind conditions. For permitted sheds, Orlando reviewers enforce FBC wind-load requirements based on the site's wind speed (approximately 110–120 mph in Orange County). Prefabricated kits must carry a Florida Product Approval listing at the applicable wind speed, or you'll need engineer-stamped drawings.
-
Check zoning setbacks and lot coverage Even permit-exempt sheds must comply with City of Orlando zoning setback requirements. Typical rear and side yard setbacks are 5–7.5 feet in standard residential zones, but actual requirements depend on your specific zoning district. Use Orlando's GIS or contact Orlando Permitting Services to verify your setbacks and any applicable overlay district requirements.
-
Verify flood zone status and easements Check whether the proposed shed location is in a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area using the City of Orlando floodplain maps or FEMA's map service center. Also verify that the shed location is clear of drainage, utility, and access easements. Flood zone properties require additional floodplain development review even for otherwise permit-exempt structures.
-
Prepare site plan and drawings Draw a site plan showing the lot boundary, existing structures, setbacks, and the shed's footprint and dimensions. Prepare elevations showing height, roof pitch, and materials. For permitted sheds, include a foundation plan and FBC wind-load documentation or Florida Product Approval.
-
Submit through Orlando Permitting Services Create or log in to an account at the City of Orlando Permitting Services portal. Upload the permit application, site plan, and construction drawings. Include electrical or plumbing sub-permit applications at this stage if applicable.
-
Clear plan review comments and record Notice of Commencement Orlando reviewers check plans against FBC 8th Edition, local ordinances, and any applicable floodplain requirements. Respond promptly to comments. Record the Notice of Commencement with the Orange County Clerk of Courts before work begins if required by the project valuation.
-
Pay fees and receive the permit After approval, pay permit charges including the 1.5% Florida state surcharge. Keep the issued permit and approved plans accessible at the job site before work begins.
-
Schedule and pass required inspections Request inspections through the City of Orlando permit portal as work progresses. For a typical shed, expect footing or slab, framing, and final inspections. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits have their own inspection stages. Do not cover or conceal framing or utility rough-in work before inspection.
-
Pass final and close out the record Once the shed passes final inspection, the permit is closed and the work enters the City's official record. Retain all documentation — it supports homeowners insurance claims and future resale. Florida law requires disclosure of unpermitted work in real estate transactions.
Affiliate slot
Tools & materials
Shed tools and supplies — Amazon affiliate block.
Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-29.
Florida Building Code (FBC) 8th Edition (2023) with City of Orlando local amendments, Section R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit), as administered by Orlando Permitting Services. Permitted sheds must satisfy FBC wind-load design for Orlando's local wind speed. Orlando is not in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ).
Residential permit page: https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Permitting/Apply-for-a-Permit
If you skip the permit
- Orlando Code Enforcement can issue a stop-work order for unpermitted shed construction if it exceeds the FBC exemption threshold.
- Florida law requires disclosure of unpermitted work in real estate transactions, which can delay or kill a sale.
- An unpermitted shed in Florida's high-wind environment carries no FBC wind-compliance record — that matters if the shed is damaged in a storm and you file an insurance claim.
- After-the-fact permits in Florida may require opening finished work for inspection, and some unpermitted structures cannot be retroactively approved.
- The City of Orlando can place a code enforcement lien on the property for unresolved violations.
- Flood zone or drainage violations from an improperly sited shed can result in separate code enforcement exposure.
- Unpermitted electrical work creates fire and safety hazards with no inspector verification.
FAQ
Common Orlando shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in Orlando, FL?
It depends on size and what's inside. A shed of 200 square feet or less, one story, and without electrical wiring or plumbing is generally exempt from Orlando's building permit requirement under the Florida Building Code. Any shed larger than 200 sq ft, more than one story, or containing electrical or plumbing requires a building permit. Regardless of permit status, your shed must comply with City of Orlando zoning setbacks and Florida wind-load standards.
What is the maximum shed size without a permit in Orlando?
Under the Florida Building Code 8th Edition, one-story accessory structures of 200 square feet or less used as storage sheds without electrical or plumbing are generally exempt from the building permit requirement. You must still meet City of Orlando zoning setback requirements (typically 5–7.5 feet from rear and side lines in standard residential zones) and avoid placement in easements or flood zones.
Why does Florida's wind code matter for a shed in Orlando?
Orlando is in Orange County with a design wind speed of approximately 110–120 mph. Permitted sheds must satisfy 2023 Florida Building Code wind-load requirements. Prefabricated shed kits must carry a Florida Product Approval (FPA) for the local wind speed, or your contractor must provide engineer-stamped drawings. Orlando is not in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), but Florida wind requirements still apply.
Does adding electricity to a shed in Orlando require a permit?
Yes. Any electrical work — including outlets, lighting, or a dedicated circuit — requires a separate electrical sub-permit regardless of whether the shed itself is exempt from the building permit. An electrical inspection is required before the work is closed out. This applies even to small, permit-exempt sheds.
What is a Notice of Commencement and do I need one in Orlando?
A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is a document recorded with the Orange County Clerk of Courts that establishes the legal start of a construction project in Florida. It is required before work begins on permitted projects meeting a certain valuation threshold. Your permit approval paperwork will indicate if one is required for your shed project.
What if my Orlando property is in a flood zone?
If your Orlando property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, the shed permit process includes additional floodplain management review. Sheds may need to meet floodplain requirements including flood-damage-resistant materials and proper elevation. Even permit-exempt sheds need to avoid placement in flood zones without floodplain development review.
How much does a shed permit cost in Orlando?
Building permit fees for a permitted shed (over 200 sq ft) are based on project valuation and typically run $150–$450 in city fees, plus the 1.5% Florida state surcharge. Electrical sub-permits add roughly $75–$200 depending on scope; plumbing sub-permits are similar. Sheds exempt from the building permit incur no building permit fee.
How long does an Orlando shed permit take?
Standard residential shed permit review typically takes 7 to 15 business days, with total project timing of roughly 3 to 6 weeks from submission to final inspection. Permit-exempt sheds can proceed after confirming setbacks, FBC wind compliance, and flood-zone clearance. Flood zone review and resubmittals extend the timeline.
§ A More permits for Orlando
§ B Compare across cities
§ C Companion calculators
Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Orlando permitting staff before you build.