What's Required in Orlando
- Building permit required for structural work or layout changes.
- Electrical permit mandatory for new lighting, outlets, and appliances.
- Plumbing permit required for moving sinks or gas lines.
- Notice of Commencement required if project cost exceeds $2,500.
- Scale drawings must be verified by a Florida registered architect/engineer.
- GFCI protection required for all countertop receptacles.
Do You Need a Permit to Remodel a Kitchen in Orlando?
It depends on what you're changing, not on the word βremodel.β Orlando lists kitchen remodels as permit-required work, and in practice the permit attaches to the plumbing, electrical, and structural scope β not to cosmetic swaps. Permit fees typically run $300β$1,500 (valuation-based), issued by the Permitting Services Division. A remodel that moves the sink, adds circuits, relocates the range, or opens a wall is firmly in permit territory β and often means separate trade permits rather than one ticket.
Kitchen Work That Usually Doesn't Need a Permit
The cosmetic layer is generally yours to change freely: swapping cabinets in the same footprint, new countertops, flooring, backsplash, paint, and replacing appliances that use existing hookups. The moment the project touches what's behind the finishes β supply lines, drains, gas, new circuits, walls, or venting β it stops being cosmetic in the city's eyes. If your remodel straddles the line, describe the full scope to the Permitting Services Division up front; retrofitting a permit onto half-finished work is the expensive path.
How to Get a Kitchen Remodel Permit in Orlando
Step 1: Professional Design
Hire an architect/engineer for scale drawings.
Step 2: Submit Portal
Apply for Master Alteration and trade permits online.
Step 3: Record NOC
Record Notice of Commencement for projects over $2,500.
Step 4: Rough Inspections
Verify wiring and piping before closing walls.
Step 5: Final Check
Final inspection of all fixtures and safety features.