Post-Storm Recovery Permitting Guide
This page provides guidance for homeowners, contractors, and businesses on emergency repairs, permits, inspections, and rebuilding after a hurricane or severe storm.
Post-Storm Repairs that Require a Permit
Note: Permits will be expedited following a storm event
- Electrical service restorations
- Roof replacements and substantial roof repairs (greater than 100 square feet)
- Structural repairs (e.g., walls, roof rafters, trusses, decks, etc.)
- Window or door replacements
- Siding replacements and substantial siding repairs (greater than 100 square feet)
- Aluminum structures (e.g., sunrooms, screen rooms, pool enclosures)
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment replacements
- Water heater replacements
- Plumbing or gas line repairs
Post-storm Repairs that Don’t Require a Permit
- Temporary roof tarping
- Debris removal
- Minor, nonstructural roof and siding repairs (100 square feet or less)
- Screening replacement (screening material only)
- Residential fence repair or replacement
- Minor cosmetic repairs (e.g., paint, floor coverings, cabinets)
Floodplain Rules Still Apply
Post-storm rebuilding must comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and local floodplain ordinances, including elevation requirements related to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 50% rule for substantial damage and substantial improvement (SD/SI). All structures located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) are subject to the SD/SI rule.
If you live in a floodplain, the FEMA 50% rule may apply to your property. This rule states that if the cost of repairs or improvements to a structure equals or exceeds 50% of the structure’s market value, the entire structure must be elevated or rebuilt to comply with current floodplain management regulations.
County staff will determine whether your project meets the definition of substantial damage or substantial improvement.
For more information about FEMA’s 50% rule and SD/SI requirements, visit the FEMA Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvements website.
How to Apply for a Permit
Applications can be submitted through the Leon County Online Permit Portal.
Apply In Person
Renaissance Center, 2nd Floor
435 N. Macomb Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
If County offices become inaccessible, the Leon County Division of Emergency Management will establish permitting offices at a designated alternate location. Updates will be posted on the Development Services and Environmental Management webpage.
Inspections Information
To learn more about building inspections or to schedule an inspection, visit the Inspections Information webpage.
To contact a Building Inspector, visit the Staff Directory.
Permit Fees
Following a declared state of emergency by the Governor, post-storm permitting fees may be reduced or waived by a resolution from the Leon County Board of County Commissioners.
To view current fees, download the DSEM Fee Schedule Form.
Debris Removal
To learn more about debris removal guidelines, visit the LeonReady website.