Pompano Beach Explains Permit Exemptions for Some Small Home Repairs

By Villij News Staff

For a homeowner planning to replace worn cabinets or patch damaged drywall, figuring out the paperwork can feel like another project of its own.

Pompano Beach has published new guidance on building permit exemptions to help residents understand which smaller jobs may qualify and what they need to do before starting. The October 14 announcement explains the city’s process under Florida’s HB 803, which took effect July 1, 2026. The exemption applies to qualifying work valued below $7,500, with important limits on the property and the type of repair. Residents still need to submit a request to the city before work begins.

Which home repairs may qualify

Under Pompano’s guidance, the $7,500 limit covers labor and materials for the building portion of the project. The city separates out costs for electrical, plumbing and other work that needs its own permit. The city’s request form limits eligibility to single-family residences and excludes duplexes, condominiums, townhouses, multifamily buildings and commercial properties. Properties located partly or entirely in the specified FEMA flood-hazard zones are also excluded.

Examples the city lists include painting, nonstructural drywall repairs and replacing cabinets without plumbing or electrical connections. Interior-door replacement without structural changes and replacing screens on existing enclosures may also qualify when the other requirements are met. Structural work and electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas work fall outside the exemption. The city also identifies exterior-window and exterior-door installation or replacement as work requiring a standard building permit.

A request is still part of the process

Homeowners or their licensed contractors must submit the Building Permit Exemption Request through the city’s ePlan system before starting. An itemized estimate or signed contractor agreement must document the nature and cost of the building work.

The request itself carries no fee. Any required trade, zoning or engineering permits still have their usual fees and must be submitted alongside the exemption request. The city says it will review complete submissions within three business days. Approved applicants receive an acknowledgment letter to keep with their project records, and the covered work must be completed within 180 days of that letter.

Getting clarity before getting started

The exemption does not remove building-code requirements, applicable city rules or contractor-licensing requirements. Homeowners may also need approval under their homeowners association’s rules. A larger project cannot be split into smaller requests simply to stay below the dollar limit.

For residents unsure about their property’s flood zone or the scope of a repair, checking with the Building Department can help clarify the next step before materials are bought or work begins. The department’s main support number is 954-786-4669, and its general email is building@copbfl.com.

Villij News will continue sharing updates on Pompano Beach services and local decisions, helping readers stay informed about changes that affect their homes and daily lives.