Do Roof Repairs Need a Permit in Hillsborough County? The 25% Rule Explained

Written by the Valrico Roof Leak Pros editorial team. Updated October 30, 2026. How we research our pages

Who issues roof permits in Valrico

Valrico is a census-designated place, not a city. That means Hillsborough County, through its Development Services, handles building permits and inspections for homes in ZIP codes 33594 and 33596. The county accepts roofing submittals through its HillsGovHub portal, and its At Your Service portal at hcfl.gov/atyourservice is the place to ask questions.

The 25% rule in plain English

The Florida Building Code, Existing Building, says that no more than 25% of a roof or a roof section may be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the whole roof or section is brought up to current code. The idea is that a house shouldn't be patched forever with outdated materials.

A 2022 law, Senate Bill 4-D, changed how the rule applies. Under Florida Statute 553.844(5), if a roof or roof section was built, repaired or replaced in compliance with the 2007 Florida Building Code or any later edition, then even if 25% or more is being repaired, replaced or recovered, only the repaired, replaced or recovered portion has to meet the current code. Hillsborough County's own page describes the same thing:

What counts as a roof section?

The code defines a roof section as part of a roof divided from the rest by things like expansion joints, parapet walls, flashing (not valley flashing), a difference in elevation (not hips and ridges), a different roof type or a different legal description. The area needed to tie a repair into the existing roof doesn't count. So a lower garage roof or a roof over an addition can be its own section, and the 25% is measured against that section, not the whole house.

Do repairs need a permit?

Replacing a roof does. For repairs, it depends on scope. Florida jurisdictions commonly treat small repairs, like replacing a few shingles or sealing a small leak, as not needing a permit, and treat structural work, new roof penetrations and work above the 25% line as needing one. That's how the City of Cedar Key describes the code, as one example. Valrico is governed by Hillsborough County, so confirm with the county. A good roofer will tell you whether your repair needs a permit before work starts.

Inspections: what Hillsborough County describes

• Attestation. During a re-roofing permit application, the contractor of record or an authorized representative agrees that the decking, underlayment and roof covering will be installed to code. False information voids the request.
• Progress Check. The contractor can request one, or schedule a virtual inspection using photos or videos. Inspectors verify that roof attachments are strengthened and corrected as required.
• Final inspection. It happens after the Progress Check, or after the Roof Mitigation Verification Statement is uploaded through HillsGovHub.
• Homeowners doing their own roof also have to schedule a Progress Check or use the virtual option.

The county's page doesn't cover every question, such as exact fees or exactly when a permit is required for a repair. For those, contact Development Services.

What does a permit cost?

The county publishes a building permit fee schedule at hcfl.gov. We couldn't confirm a specific fee for a roof repair, so check the current fee schedule and ask the roofer to put the permit cost in the quote. Be skeptical of any flat number you see online.

Why permits matter

Roofing and insurance sources warn that unpermitted work can cause problems. Insurers may question a roof that was replaced without a permit, because there's no inspection record proving it meets wind code, and problems can come up when you sell a home. A permit also gives you an inspection record you can show an insurer asking about your roof's age. See Florida's 15-year roof rule.

Questions to ask your roofer

• Does this repair need a permit, and who pulls it?
• Was my roof built or replaced under the 2007 code or later? How will you check?
• Could this repair push me over 25% of a roof section?
• Is the permit cost in your quote?
• Will you schedule the inspections and give me the records?