Rebuilding? Check First with Local Authorities About Permits

LAKE MARY, Fla. – FDEM’s Office of Floodplain Management and FEMA remind residents planning to make repairs or rebuild after Hurricane Idalia to consult with their community’s building or planning department first to see if permits are necessary before work can start. Do not rely solely on the contractor’s opinion as to whether permits are required or not.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to make sure all necessary permits have been obtained – including, if necessary, complying with any floodplain regulations that apply. Construction must adhere to the Florida building code and the local floodplain management ordinance. To find local building contacts, go to the Florida League of Cities Municipal Directory (floridaleagueofcities.com) if you live in a municipality or the Florida Association of Counties Directory – Florida Association of Counties (fl-counties.com) if you live in an unincorporated area. If you would like the contact information for your local Floodplain Administrator, please contact FDEM’s Office of Floodplain Management at (850) 815-4556 or [email protected].

Contractors should be licensed and insured. The State of Florida provides residents the ability to look up contractor licensing information online at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp.

Here is a link to a video on how to Protect Your Home from Flood Damage – YouTube

For a video on making your roof wind-resistant, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8PhTekho3s.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.