Owner/Builder Information

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • If you have obtained an owner-builder permit to perform electrical, mechanical, plumbing or gas work, you must perform all work yourself and you cannot subcontract or hire day labor employees.
  • If you are a holder of a building permit, you can subcontract to licensed contractors, use day labor or persons to be paid on an hourly per diem basis for the building trade. However, you will be responsible for all work done by your employees.
  • If you obtain an owner/builder permit and hire an unlicensed contractor to do the work you may be subject to a $5,000 fine. Anyone contracting (including labor) with you, verbally or in writing, on a fixed fee basis for any work, which is not properly licensed, will be subject to a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for six months.
  • As an owner/builder you will be responsible also for the requesting and scheduling of inspections required under the Florida Building Code.
  • Warning!  Under an owner/builder permit any persons doing work on your property will be your employees. If your employees cause any damage to property or if any injuries occur at the job site, you are liable. Homeowner insurance policies ordinarily do not cover this type of liability. Please check with your insurance agent before you obtain an owner/builder permit.
  • You may be responsible for withholding Social Security, Federal and State Unemployment taxes from the wages of your employees. Please contact the appropriate agencies for information.