Direct answer
Usually, yes. The Florida Building Code says work must be installed according to the approved construction documents. Any changes made during construction that do not comply with those documents must be resubmitted for approval as an amended set. Miami-Dade calls this a permit revision. You submit updated plans, and the revision is reviewed like a new submittal. Get the revision approved before you build the change, because inspectors check the work against the approved plans.
Disclaimer
This article is general information about permitting and code-enforcement processes. It is not legal advice, not a substitute for advice from a Florida-licensed attorney, and not a guarantee of any result, timeline, or fee. Permit Busters, LLC is not a law firm and does not appear as your legal representative. Building and code rules vary by county and municipality and can change. Confirm current requirements, forms, and fees with the building or code office that has jurisdiction over the property, and consult a Florida attorney and, where construction work is required, a Florida-licensed contractor.
Este artículo es información general sobre procesos de permisos y cumplimiento del código. No es asesoramiento legal, no sustituye el consejo de un abogado con licencia en Florida y no garantiza un resultado, un plazo ni un costo. Permit Busters, LLC no es un bufete de abogados y no comparece como su representante legal. Las normas de construcción y de código varían según el condado y el municipio y pueden cambiar. Confirme los requisitos, formularios y tarifas vigentes con la oficina de construcción o de código que tenga jurisdicción sobre la propiedad, y consulte a un abogado de Florida y, cuando se requiera obra, a un contratista con licencia en Florida.
The rule: build what was approved
Florida Building Code section 107.4 (8th Edition, 2023; Palm Beach County’s amendments repeat it) reads: “Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, and any changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.”
In practice, that covers changes such as moving or removing a wall, changing window or door sizes or locations, relocating plumbing fixtures or equipment, changing structural elements, or swapping a product that has its own approval. Small field adjustments may or may not need a revision. The building official decides, so ask before you build the change.
How Miami-Dade handles revisions
Miami-Dade’s homeowner permit FAQ says:
- To make changes after your permit has been issued, you must submit your updated plans and apply for a permit revision.
- The revision is reviewed and approved in the same manner as a new submittal.
- A revision will not extend the expiration date of a permit.
- A revision may be submitted any time before final inspection. Once a permit has been finalized, it cannot be revised, and a new permit must be applied for.
The County’s Construction and Permitting Guidelines say revision applications, including plan revisions and shop drawings, are submitted through its portal. They add that some revisions require the original plans along with the revised pages. The County’s Application for Plan Revision asks which disciplines the revision affects, such as building, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, zoning, or fire. For a revision to a roofing, shutter, window, fence, or fire-system permit, it asks for that permit’s specific number.
Palm Beach and Broward
Palm Beach County applies section 107.4 through its local amendments. Broward cities each set their own revision process through their building portals. Ask the department that issued your permit how it wants a revision submitted, and which sheets it needs.
Revisions are not the same as other permit changes
| Situation | What it usually needs |
|---|---|
| The design or scope changed | A plan revision on the existing permit |
| The contractor changed | A change-of-contractor application. See change of contractor permit help |
| The permit expired | An extension, renewal, or reissue under the department’s rules. See How to Keep a Florida Building Permit From Expiring |
| Work was built that was never approved | An after-the-fact review. See How to Legalize Unpermitted Work in South Florida |
Miami-Dade lists these as separate submittals: revisions, change of contractor, permit extensions, and reissues of expired permits.
Tips that help a revision go smoothly
- Stop work on the changed portion until the revision is approved.
- Have the original designer update the plans. If signed and sealed plans are required, they must be prepared by a Florida-licensed engineer or architect. Permit Busters, LLC can help coordinate that step.
- Mark every change on the revised sheets, and include a short narrative if the department asks for one.
- Keep the approved revised set on site for inspections.
- Keep inspections moving on unchanged work, since a revision does not extend the permit in Miami-Dade.
Get help with a permit revision
Permit Busters, LLC can help you find out what the issuing department requires, coordinate revised plans with your design professional, and submit the revision package. See residential permits, commercial permits, the Miami-Dade permit help page, Broward County permit help, and Palm Beach County permit help. Approval always rests with the city or county. Call (954) 616-5823, email info@permitbusters.com, or book an appointment. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Permit Busters, LLC is based in Lauderhill, FL 33351.
FAQ
Do I need a permit revision if my plans change during construction?
Usually, yes. The Florida Building Code says changes made during construction that do not comply with the approved construction documents must be resubmitted for approval as an amended set. The building official decides whether a change needs a revision.
How do I submit a permit revision in Miami-Dade?
Miami-Dade says to submit your updated plans and apply for a permit revision. The County takes revision applications through its portal, and some revisions require the original plans along with the revised pages.
Does a permit revision extend my permit?
Not in Miami-Dade. The County says a revision will not extend the expiration date of a permit, so keep required inspections moving on the rest of the work.
Can I build the change and submit the revision later?
It is safer not to. Work must match the approved construction documents, and inspectors check the work against them. Get the revision approved before you build the changed portion. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is a revision the same as a change of contractor?
No. A revision changes the approved plans. A change of contractor is a separate application. Miami-Dade lists revisions, change of contractor, extensions, and reissues of expired permits as different submittals.