Margate’s July 1 building-permit exemptions (HB 803): small projects—what’s exempt

Starting July 1, 2026, Margate will apply new CS/CS/HB 803 building-permit exemptions for certain single-family residential projects. The City says exemptions can reduce permit paperwork in narrow situations—but in both cases, you still must request the exemption in writing (with documentation) and pay a $75 processing fee per exemption before you begin.

Background: what HB 803 changes in Margate

CS/CS/HB 803 (effective July 1, 2026) creates two building-permit exemptions for eligible single-family residential work. Margate also lists specific exceptions/exclusions and conditions where a permit is still required.

Exemption #1: minor residential work under $7,500 (but key exclusions apply)

For single-family dwellings, the City says exemptions apply to work valued at less than $7,500—but the exemption does not cover certain types of work, even if the overall value is under the threshold.

A permit is still required for these work types (regardless of cost):

• Electrical work
• Plumbing work
• Mechanical work
• Gas work
• Structural work (the City lists examples including railings/guards, pool barrier/fences, windows and doors, siding and soffits, roofing, and elevated decks)
• Any work in a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code

The City also says no project phasing is permitted: a construction project can’t be divided into smaller projects just to stay under the $7,500 threshold. The exemption applies only to complete, single projects valued under $7,500.

How to request Exemption #1 in Margate

Margate says the property owner or contractor must submit a written exemption request to the Building Department that includes:

• a copy of the written contract, or
• other documentation showing the nature and value of the work.

Margate also notes a $75 processing fee per exemption.

Exemption #2: temporary hurricane/flood protection barriers (voluntary option)

The second exemption applies to the voluntary installation of temporary hurricane and flood protection walls or barriers—but only if multiple conditions are met.

Important location limit: Margate says this exemption applies only to properties NOT located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If your property is within a designated SFHA, the City says permit requirements remain in effect.

All five conditions must be satisfied:

1. The wall or barrier is non-load-bearing and non-habitable.
2. It’s installed on a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or townhouse.
3. It’s constructed to mitigate or prevent storm surge or floodwaters from entering a structure or property.
4. It’s installed by a contractor licensed under Part I of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.
5. It complies with applicable local zoning, drainage, easement, and setback requirements.

Margate also states that if any condition isn’t met, a permit is required.

How to request Exemption #2 in Margate

The City says you must submit a written exemption request with a copy of the written contract or other documentation showing the nature of the work, and include the $75 processing fee per exemption.

What still requires Margate permits (even with HB 803)

Even with these state exemptions, Margate’s baseline permit rules still apply to work that isn’t covered by an exemption or that otherwise falls within the City’s permitting framework. The City’s Permit Requirements page lists examples that commonly require permits, including hurricane shutters, reroofing, installation of electrical systems, and window replacement.

If you’re unsure whether a permit is required for your specific project, Margate says to contact the Chief Inspector before starting.

Inspections and stop-work risk: why you should confirm before work starts

Margate’s inspection guidance emphasizes that required inspections must be made in order and prior to concealment, and that all permits require a final inspection. The City also says that when projects become unsafe during construction or when work is started without a permit, a STOP WORK ORDER will be issued and the work must stop.

Quick checklist before work begins in Margate

• For Exemption #1: confirm your job is a qualifying single-family project and the work value is less than $7,500 (and not split/phased to qualify).
• Check the exclusions: does your scope include electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, structural work (as defined by the City), or involve a flood hazard area under the Florida Building Code?
• For Exemption #2: confirm your property is NOT in an SFHA, and can you meet all five City conditions for temporary non-load-bearing, non-habitable barriers?
• Request the exemption in writing first: include the required contract copy or documentation showing the nature and value of the work.
• Plan for the fee: remember Margate states there’s a $75 processing fee per exemption.
• When in doubt, ask: contact Margate’s Building Department/Chief Inspector before any work begins to reduce the risk of compliance problems.

Bottom line: HB 803 can narrow the situations where you may avoid a building permit in Margate—but only if your project fits the City’s defined eligibility rules and you follow Margate’s exemption request process before starting.

Sources

• City of Margate: Building Permit Exemptions for Residential Properties (HB 803)
• Seminole County (FL): New State Law Affecting Permits (HB 803 context)

Look for updates to this story

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