Why get a permit?

A building permit certifies that a structure or utility meets minimum standards for safety and performance. Even if a job is of great quality, its credibility may be undefined by potential buyers, insurers, and safety officials without certified plans or inspection records.

Due to the prevalence of powerful wind and impact forces from hurricanes here in Florida, high standards are imposed on new construction via building codes to protect life and assets. Without permits, structures and utilities may be regarded as imminent hazards to occupants and surroundings when natural disasters arrive. Issuing permits for code compliance is how such risks can be mitigated.

Code-compliant credibility is desirable in real estate improvements — it certifies a measure of safety and guarantees a standard of comfort and service life. Permits convey the value of their respective projects in these measures.

Without permit documents to certify work:

• Projects may be categorized as civil liabilities

• Insurance coverage gets canceled, claims are denied, and rate increases are assessed

• Flooding and wind gusts from tropical storms wreck and mobilize poor construction

• Structural defects are far more common, reducing safety and comfort

• Value plummets; Real estate buyer offers are weaker or fall through

• Occupation, safety, and business certifications get revoked

• Hidden mistakes pose risks to health and assets: Fire, Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, Pestilence, Sanitation, Electrical Hazard, Escape Hazard