As Collier County residents and business owners begin the clean up and start the rebuilding process after the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Collier County Growth Management Community Development Services Department wants to assist you with a speedy recovery process.

Permits will not be required for the clean up and removal of wet drywall, cabinets, carpeting, and baseboards. Please keep the demo to the minimum necessary to not negatively impact the ability to rebuild within the guidelines of FEMA regulations. For example, you may not have to remove the electrical wiring system because it has an outer sheath that is water-resistant.

COMMERCIAL

• All commercial and multi-family buildings will require a permit for any work performed.
• All work performed on life safety systems, e.g. fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems, requires a permit. Please contact your local fire district. 
• All temporary generators for commercial and multi-family buildings are required to be permitted.
  

RESIDENTIAL

• A building permit is required for all repair, replacement and rebuild work.
• All electrical service repairs/repowers will be expedited.

Properties located in a Special Flood Hazard Area will fall under the Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Determination (known as the 50% rule). Under the 50% rule, if the repair amount is equal to or exceeds 50% of the improved value of the structure before the event, the structure must comply with current elevations standards outlined in the Florida Building Code 8th edition. Any homeowners or flood insurance claims made will require a permit and 50% documents.

You may find the improved value of the structure on the Collier County Property Appraiser website https://www.collierappraiser.com/.

For more information regarding the 50% rule, please visit https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/government/growth-management/divisions/building-plan-review-inspection/floodplain-management-section/substantial-damage-determination

Electrical Power Restoration: For important post-hurricane information regarding electrical repairs, please see Post Hurricane Electrical Power Restoration notice.

For Contractor Licensing questions, click here.

Updated October 10, 2024