What Buyers Should Know About Property Permits in Florida
Purchasing a property in Florida is an exciting milestone, but understanding the intricacies of property permits is essential to making an informed decision. Property permits ensure that past renovations and construction projects meet Florida’s building codes and safety standards. But what happens if a home doesn’t have the proper permits? And how can buyers protect themselves?
In this blog, we’ll break down everything buyers need to know about property permits in Florida, from why they matter to how you can verify them before closing a deal. Let’s explore the facts so you can buy with confidence.
Why Property Permits Matter
Understanding the Importance of Proper Permits
Property permits are issued by local governments to ensure that construction and renovation work complies with building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations. Without the proper permits, a property may have hidden issues that could lead to costly repairs, fines, or even insurance complications.
Key Reasons Permits Matter:
Safety: Ensures work was done correctly and won’t pose a risk to occupants.
Resale Value: Unpermitted work can decrease a property’s market value.
Insurance Claims: Insurance companies may deny claims if unpermitted work is involved.
Fines and Penalties: Buyers could inherit fines for unpermitted projects.
How to Check Property Permits Before Buying
Steps to Verify Permits
Before finalizing a purchase, it’s crucial to verify that the property has all necessary permits for past construction or renovations. Here’s how:
Request a Permit History Report: Services like ours provide a detailed history of permits issued for a property, saving you time and effort.
Contact the Local Building Department: Check with the municipality to confirm whether permits were pulled and closed for all work.
Review Seller Disclosures: Sellers are typically required to disclose unpermitted work, but buyers should verify independently.
Get a Professional Inspection: Inspectors can identify potential unpermitted work and advise on next steps.
What to Do If You Discover Unpermitted Work
Steps to Resolve Permit Issues
Finding unpermitted work doesn’t have to derail your purchase. Here are steps you can take to address the issue:
Negotiate with the Seller: Request that the seller resolve the issue before closing, either by obtaining retroactive permits or reducing the sale price.
Consult with a Contractor: A licensed contractor can assess the work and determine what’s needed to bring it up to code.
Obtain Retroactive Permits: In some cases, local governments allow retroactive permitting, though it may involve inspections and fees.
Factor Repairs Into Your Budget: Be prepared to handle any necessary repairs or updates after purchase.
Understanding property permits is a vital step in the home-buying process in Florida. Proper permits not only protect your investment but also ensure the safety and longevity of your property. By verifying permits and addressing any issues before closing, you can avoid costly surprises down the road.
At Online Certified Property Inspections, we offer permit history reports to help buyers uncover hidden issues before making an offer. Contact us at (305) 910-0151 or visit our website to learn more about how we can assist you.