Planning a home improvement project in Coral Springs?

A change in Florida law could make some smaller jobs easier to complete without going through the usual building permit process.

But before you hire a contractor or pick up your tools, there's something important to understand.

A project costing less than $7,500 isn't automatically exempt from permits.

The new law includes several restrictions, and even qualifying homeowners must complete a specific step with the city.

Here's how the rules work and what they mean for Coral Springs residents.

What Changed in Florida?

Effective July 1, 2026, Florida established a limited building permit exemption for certain work valued at less than $7,500 on single-family residential property.

Under Florida Statutes Section 553.79(1)(g), local governments must provide the exemption when the property's owner or the owner's contractor meets the law's requirements.

The intent is to reduce the permitting burden for qualifying smaller projects.

However, the dollar amount is only one part of the eligibility test.

The type of work matters just as much as the cost.

Five Types of Work Still Require Permits

The new exemption specifically excludes five categories of work:

Electrical: Work involving electrical systems, wiring or service.

Plumbing: Work involving plumbing systems and fixtures.

Structural: Work affecting a building's structural components.

Mechanical: Work involving mechanical systems, including air-conditioning equipment.

Gas: Work involving gas systems.

These exclusions apply even when the job costs considerably less than $7,500.

For example, replacing an air-conditioning unit or water heater doesn't become permit-exempt simply because the price falls below the new threshold.

Coral Springs' own permitting guidance confirms these exclusions.

The city's existing FAQ also identifies several specific projects that require permits, including water heater replacements, air-conditioning replacements, electrical service work and repairs following a fire.

The lesson is simple: Don't use the price of the project as your only test.

Your Flood-Zone Status Matters

There's another restriction that may surprise homeowners.

The new exemption does not apply to work on a property located partially or entirely within a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code.

That means two homeowners planning similar projects at similar prices may face different permitting requirements depending on their properties.

Before assuming a project qualifies, confirm whether your property falls within a designated flood hazard area.

If you're uncertain, the Coral Springs Building Department can help you determine how the restriction applies.

There's Still Paperwork

One of the most easily overlooked parts of the new law is its documentation requirement.

To qualify, the homeowner or contractor must submit a written exemption request to the local building authority.

That request must include a copy of the contract or other documentation showing the nature of the proposed work and the value of the work to be performed.

In other words, the exemption does not mean you can simply decide that your project is under $7,500 and begin work without contacting the city.

The request is part of qualifying for the exemption.

The law also prohibits dividing a larger construction project into smaller jobs to get around the permitting requirements.

If a project would ordinarily require a permit, splitting it into separate invoices doesn't create an exemption.

What About Coral Springs' Older $1,500 Rule?

Here's where homeowners may encounter some confusion.

The city's permitting FAQ still describes an exception for certain general maintenance or repair work valued at no more than $1,500 in labor and materials, provided it doesn't change the property's occupancy.

That language predates the new statewide $7,500 provision.

But the two rules shouldn't be treated as interchangeable.

The newer state law establishes a separate exemption with its own eligibility requirements, exclusions and written-request process.

Meanwhile, the city's FAQ continues to describe its older general-maintenance exception.

For homeowners, the safest approach is to ask the Building Department which provision applies to the specific work being planned.

The important point is that $7,500 is not a blanket authorization to perform any home improvement without a permit.

What About Painting, Flooring or Other Small Projects?

These are exactly the kinds of questions the new rule is likely to generate.

Suppose you're planning cosmetic improvements, replacing finishes or arranging a relatively small home renovation.

You may reasonably wonder whether the project falls within the exemption.

But the answer depends on more than whether the work seems minor.

You need to consider whether it involves an excluded category, whether the property is in a flood hazard area and whether the required exemption documentation has been submitted.

Other applicable building, zoning or property requirements may also matter.

Rather than treating a list of familiar home projects as automatically exempt, ask the city about your specific scope of work.

That small step could prevent a much larger problem later.

Three Things to Do Before Starting

If you're planning work on your Coral Springs home, a few minutes of preparation can help.

First, describe the project clearly. Know what is being repaired, replaced or altered, including whether electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work is involved.

Second, establish the full project value. The exemption applies only to qualifying work valued at less than $7,500, not work costing exactly $7,500 or more.

Third, contact the Building Department before work begins. Ask whether the project requires a permit or qualifies for an exemption, and what documentation the city needs.

The Coral Springs Building Department can be reached at 954-344-1025 or buildingpermits@coralsprings.gov.

The city also provides online permitting resources and guidance for homeowners and contractors.

The Bottom Line for Homeowners

Florida's new law may remove an administrative hurdle for certain smaller home projects.

But the $7,500 threshold is not a blanket exemption. The type of work, the property's flood-zone status and the required documentation all matter.

Homeowners who are uncertain whether their project qualifies should check directly with the Coral Springs Building Department before beginning work.

The new rule may make some improvements easier. Knowing whether your particular project qualifies is still your responsibility.

Need to check your project? Visit the Coral Springs Building Department or review the city’s current permitting guidance. You can also read Florida Statutes Section 553.79 for the statewide requirements.

Have you recently applied for a home improvement permit in Coral Springs, or encountered confusion about which projects require one?

Share your experience or questions in the comments below.

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This story is part of The Bright Side, which is an ongoing series from Coral Springs Insider that highlights positive developments and community moments around Coral Springs.

Editor's note: This piece was selected and adapted for Coral Springs Insider to provide local context and perspective on an issue relevant to our community.

This article provides general information about Florida's 2026 permit exemption and Coral Springs' published guidance. Requirements depend on the specific property and scope of work. Homeowners should confirm eligibility with the Coral Springs Building Department before starting a project.