Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $300–$1,500 Building permit plus electrical and plumbing trade fees ($75 minimum per trade).
Fee Method Valuation-based

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 β€œremodel.” 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 $300–$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

1

Step 1: Professional Design

Hire an architect/engineer for scale drawings.

2

Step 2: Submit Portal

Apply for Master Alteration and trade permits online.

3

Step 3: Record NOC

Record Notice of Commencement for projects over $2,500.

4

Step 4: Rough Inspections

Verify wiring and piping before closing walls.

5

Step 5: Final Check

Final inspection of all fixtures and safety features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cosmetic changes like cabinets may be exempt if no plumbing/electrical is moved.
$75 for new construction or additions.
Yes, but you must sign an Owner/Builder declaration in person.
Only if the work goes beyond cosmetic scope. Plumbing, electrical, or structural changes require permits in Orlando; cabinet, countertop, and flooring swaps generally don't. Fees typically run $300–$1,500.