Whether you're buying a house, prepping to sell, or just wondering if your neighbor actually pulled a permit for that "DIY" lanai, checking property permits is one of the smartest (and most overlooked) moves you can make.
Permits tell a story. A story of additions, upgrades, repairs, and sometimes, red flags waving wildly in the wind. Knowing how to look them up can save you money, headaches, and lawsuits.
Let’s break down how to do it, why you should, and where to find the right links for each local county. Because Florida doesn’t exactly make it easy or obvious.
Why Look Up Permits?
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Buying a home? Make sure that roof, lanai, or converted garage wasn’t a sketchy weekend project.
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Selling a home? Confirm your improvements were properly permitted so you don’t hit a last-minute inspection disaster.
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Owning a home? Stay informed before starting a new project and avoid code enforcement knocking on your door.
What You Can Find on Permit Portals
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Permit type (roof, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
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Status (issued, finaled, expired, etc.)
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Inspection records
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Contractor info (or suspiciously, lack of one)
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Permit number and issue dates
Where to Look Up Permits
Here’s your cheat sheet for local permit portals across the counties I work in regularly.
Hillsborough County
If you’re dealing with Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, this is the place to start:
Hillsborough County Permit Portal
Manatee County
Buying or selling in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, or Parrish? Here’s your go-to:
Manatee County Permit Search
Sarasota County (AFTER August 18, 2023)
Sarasota switched systems in mid-2023. For anything current or recent, use this portal:
Sarasota County Permitting Hub
Sarasota County (BEFORE August 18, 2023)
Yes, they archived it. If you're looking up anything older, you’ll need this link:
Old Sarasota Permit System Archive
City of Venice
For homes in the charming little city of Venice, which runs its own system, use:
Venice Permit Search Portal
Charlotte County
Buying near Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte? Permits for Charlotte County are here:
Charlotte County Permit Lookup
Pro Tip: Don’t Just Search the Address
Always double-check the parcel ID (also called a STRAP number or tax ID), especially if the property is a condo, vacant lot, or newer build. Some addresses don’t match the database exactly and one typo can send you into a rabbit hole of frustration.
Need Help Digging Into the Details?
If you’re my client, I already handle this for you. Because no one wants to find out the "new roof" was actually a new liability. And if you’re not my client (yet), consider this your free crash course in not getting stuck with someone else’s unfinished home improvement fantasy.
Final Thoughts
Permits matter. And knowing how to find them puts you ahead of 90 percent of buyers and sellers. Bookmark this blog, save the links, and flex your due diligence muscle. Because in Florida real estate, what you don’t know absolutely can cost you.
