Additions and Renovations in Sarasota
Additions and renovations in Sarasota, including room expansions, structural changes, and HVAC upgrades, require permits and must comply with the 2023 Florida Building Code. This page outlines the permitting process, special requirements for flood zones, and practical guidance to help property owners in both the City and County of Sarasota complete upgrades efficiently and in full compliance.
Permitting Process
Structural additions (e.g., new rooms, decks).
Mechanical upgrades (e.g., HVAC, plumbing).
Major repairs (e.g., roof replacements).
Flood Zone Requirements
Elevate appliances (e.g., HVAC units) above base flood elevation.
Use flood-resistant materials.
Comply with FEMA flood insurance rules.
Compliance for Older Properties
Older homes in Sarasota must be brought up to current Florida Building Code standards when undergoing renovations, even if they were originally constructed under previous codes. This often includes required upgrades to electrical, structural, or safety systems to ensure modern compliance and resilience.
Practical Tips
Verify Contractors
Check licenses at DBPR.
Plan for Flood Zones
Submit Complete Plans
Review Codes
Things to Know for Additions and Renovations in Sarasota County
Most home additions, renovations, or repairs require a building permit to comply with the Florida Building Code, focusing on health, safety, and welfare; minor cosmetic work may not need one, but assume a permit is required until confirmed. Hire a licensed and insured contractor (certified by Florida); they typically pull the permit on your behalf, and you can verify their status online. Submit applications electronically via the Accela Civic Application (ACA) online portal; include detailed architectural plans, site plans showing property lines and setbacks, structural drawings, and any utility connection forms like the EDU Conversion Table (https://www.scgov.net/government/planning-and-development-services/online-permitting).
Check if your property is in a flood zone using the Sarasota County Property Appraiser site, as this adds elevation and other requirements; coastal or high-risk areas may need extra reviews (https://www.sc-pa.com/propertysearch).
For renovations involving demolition or potential asbestos (e.g., older homes), an asbestos survey is required before starting work to follow federal, state, and local rules. Processing times: 1-2 weeks for minor renovations, 3-4 weeks for additions; larger projects take longer—start early and ensure complete submissions to avoid delays. Expedited options exist for speculative homes in new subdivisions (up to 75% permits after preliminary approval) or storm damage repairs; requires bonds, hold harmless agreements, and pre-approved plans (https://www.scgov.net/government/planning-and-development-services/planning-and-zoning/land-development).
Permits are valid 6-18 months depending on project type; inspections must occur within this window, and failure to get permits can void insurance claims or complicate home sales. Contact the Permit Center at building@scgov.net for questions, assistance with Accela, or expedited processes; inspection hotline is 941-861-3271.
Good Online Resources:
Sarasota County Online Permitting Portal (Accela) (https://www.scgov.net/government/planning-and-development-services/online-permitting) – Main hub for submitting applications, tracking status, and resources like training videos.
Sarasota County Building Permits Page (https://www.scgov.net/residents/permits-license-and-tax/building-permits) – Overview of code enforcement, flood checks, and permit guidance.
Sarasota County Permit Search Tool (https://building.scgov.net/) – Search existing permits by address, type, or number.
Sarasota County Property Appraiser (Flood Zone Search) (https://www.sc-pa.com/propertysearch) – Enter address to check elevation requirements and flood status.
Sarasota County Code Enforcement Citizen Guide (https://www.scgov.net/government/planning-and-development-services/code-enforcement/code-enforcement-citizen-guide) – Details on when permits are needed, asbestos rules, and violations.
Sarasota County Land Development Page (https://www.scgov.net/government/planning-and-development-services/planning-and-zoning/land-development) – Info on expedited residential permitting for new builds or subdivisions.
PermitFlow Sarasota County Building Permit Guide (https://www.permitflow.com/blog/sarasota-county-building-permit) – Step-by-step process, timelines, and document checklists (non-official but detailed).
FAQs
Do renovations need permits?
Yes, for structural or mechanical work.
What are flood zone rules?
Elevate appliances and use resistant materials.
Can older homes meet new codes?
Yes, with necessary upgrades.