Homeowners

This page provides essential information for homeowners planning construction, renovation, or repairs in Osceola County.

Can I be my own contractor?

Yes, pursuant to Florida Statute 489.103(7), property owners can act as their own contractor if they meet certain conditions.

For residential projects:

  • Owners may build or improve one- or two-family homes or farm outbuildings for personal use.
  • All work not performed by licensed contractors must be personally supervised by the owner.
  • The property cannot be sold or leased within 1 year after the work is finished.

Requirements:

  1. Licensed subcontractors must be hired for regulated trades such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and roofing.
  2. Complete and sign the Owner-Builder Statement/Affidavit, available under “Building Permit Applications” on our Permitting Applications page.
  3. Submit the signed Owner-Builder affidavit, along with your permit application, to our Permitting office at 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 1400, Kissimmee, FL 34741. This must be done in-person, not online.

If you have questions, contact our Building office at 407-742-0200.

Hiring a contractor

How to choose a contractor

Before you hire a contractor for construction or home remodeling work, we highly recommend the following steps:

  1. Ask to see the contractor’s license and write down the license number for future reference. All licensed contractors should present you with a business card that should contain the contractor’s license number.
  2. Get recommendations from friends and neighbors. Use a local, well established contractor. Ask the contractor to give you references.
  3. Ask the contractor if the company is insured against claims covering worker’s compensation, property damage and general liability.
  4. Get all estimates in writing! Estimates should be very specific and should include exactly the services you’ll be getting for the estimated cost. If a bidding process is used, ensure that the estimated costs are based on the same set of specifications. Get a written contract that specifies all work to be done and make sure a completion date is included on the contract.
  5. Be sure to see the building permit before work starts. The building permit should not be in your name, but rather the name of the contractor. Never obtain the building permit yourself for work being done by a contractor. By doing so, you assume all the risks and it will be difficult to recoup money for inferior work.

Before signing a contract

  • Get at least three written bids / quotes.
  • Verify the contractor’s license number. You can do this online using DBPR's License Verification tool.
  • Ensure all work and warranties are written in the contract.
  • Read and understand all fine print.
  • Include in the contract that the contractor will supply you with a Contractor’s Final Affidavit of No Liens / Release of Lien when the job is completed and they are given final payment.

Warning signs of unlicensed contractors

  • Requests for large cash deposits or checks made out to cash. They may even offer to drive you to the bank to obtain these funds.
  • Tells you to personally apply for the permit or says you don’t need one.
  • They provide no written contract or license number.
  • Offers weekend-only work or immediate discounts.
  • Beware of people soliciting to do a roof repair, asphalt or texture coating of driveways.
  • Uses vague or temporary addresses.
  • Claims to have just completed a job down the street and has materials left over, offering to do the work cheap.
  • Offers free home inspections without a license.
  • Targets vulnerable homeowners such as the elderly, uninformed, young and inexperienced.
  • Uses unmarked vehicles.
  • Becomes aggressive if you decline to do business with them.

If you suspect a problem, contact our Building Office before signing anything.

Manufactured and Mobile Homes

Both modular and mobile homes are built off-site and require a local permit to be set up on any lot.

Modular Homes:

  • Regulated by the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs (FDCA)
  • Must have a DCA insignia showing compliance with Florida Building Code

Mobile Homes:

Helpful resources:

Environmental and Safety Topics

Asbestos

A permit is required for demolition or renovation of an existing structure containing asbestos. You must sign and include an Asbestos Disclosure Statement(PDF, 78KB). You must notify the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and comply with state and federal laws. An owner of a residential building may qualify for a licensing exemption if comply with the provisions of Section 469.002, Florida Statutes.

Helpful links

Mold

Resources for preventing and addressing mold in your home:

Carbon monoxide

Learn how to protect your household from carbon monoxide exposure:

Energy efficiency

Improve your home’s energy performance:

Farm building exemptions

Non-Residential Buildings on farms are exempt from the Florida Building Code as provided by law. Below you will find links to Florida Statutes for more information.

Product approvals

Wind speed

Find wind speed information, visit our Building Codes, Rules & Regulations page.

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