Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $50–$250 Minimum building fee of $26 plus valuation; trades are separate.
Fee Method Valuation-based
Apply Online Apply at Permitting Services Division →

What's Required in Orlando

  • Building permit mandatory for all accessory structures.
  • Must meet rear and side yard setbacks defined in Chapter 58 of City Code.
  • HOA approval letter may be required before permit issuance.
  • Electrical and plumbing permits required if wiring or sinks are added.
  • Recorded Notice of Commencement required if shed cost exceeds $5,000.
  • Owner-builders must sign the permit application in person.

What Size Shed Needs a Permit in Orlando

Whether you need a building permit for a shed in Orlando usually comes down to size. Most cities exempt small accessory structures — commonly those under about 120 to 200 square feet — and require a permit for anything larger; Orlando’s exact cutoff is set by the Permitting Services Division, so check the size threshold in the requirements above before you build. A popular 10x12 shed (120 sq ft) sits right at that common dividing line, so it’s worth confirming. Larger sheds, and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or a permanent foundation, almost always need a permit regardless of footprint.

Building a Shed Without a Permit in Orlando

Even when a shed is small enough to skip a building permit in Orlando, “no permit” doesn’t mean “no rules.” A permit-exempt shed generally must stay under the Permitting Services Division’s size threshold, sit on a non-permanent base (sheds on skids or a gravel pad are treated more leniently than those on a poured foundation), and have no electrical or plumbing run to it. Crucially, zoning setbacks still apply — your shed usually has to sit a minimum distance from property lines and other structures, and that holds even for a permit-free shed. Confirm both the size exemption and the setback distance with the Permitting Services Division before you build.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Orlando

1

Step 1: Check Zoning

Verify allowed shed locations and setbacks for your district.

2

Step 2: Prepare Site Plan

Draft a scale drawing showing structure dimensions and placement.

3

Step 3: Portal Submission

Apply online via the Orlando Citizen Access portal.

4

Step 4: Pay Fees

Submit valuation-based building fees once accepted.

5

Step 5: Inspections

Includes framing and final inspections; footers if field-built.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all sheds are referred to as Accessory Structures and require permits.
No, accessory structures must be in the rear or side yard per code.
Any wiring requires a separate trade permit and minimum fee.
It depends on Orlando’s threshold — many cities exempt sheds under roughly 120 to 200 square feet, but the exact cutoff is set by the Permitting Services Division (see the requirements above). The exemption usually also requires no permanent foundation and no electrical or plumbing, and zoning setbacks from property lines still apply even without a permit.
Often not, if it’s also under Orlando’s size threshold and has no utilities — many jurisdictions treat a shed on skids or a gravel pad as movable rather than a permanent building. A poured foundation or any electrical/plumbing typically triggers a permit. Confirm with the Permitting Services Division; zoning setbacks apply either way.