Permits

Can you sell a Florida house with open permits or unpermitted work?

Yes. Open permits, expired permits and unpermitted additions do not stop a Florida sale. They stop many mortgage buyers, which is why these houses often sell to cash buyers as-is.

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The short answer

Yes. You can sell a house with an open or expired permit, or with an addition, garage conversion, screen room or roof done without one. The permit problem stays with the property, so a buyer either resolves it or prices it in.

Howler Property Group LLC, a Tampa-based company that buys Florida houses directly, publishes this guide. It is general information and not legal advice.

What is the difference between open, expired and missing permits?

  • Open permit. Work was permitted but never inspected and closed out. Often it was finished long ago and only the final inspection is missing.
  • Expired permit. The permit lapsed before the work passed inspection. Many Florida building departments have a process to reopen or renew one, and the rules and fees are local.
  • No permit. The work was never permitted. A building department can require an after-the-fact permit, an engineer's letter or, in some cases, removal.

How does it affect the sale?

  • Mortgage buyers. An appraiser or inspector who spots unpermitted square footage can sink a financed deal, and insurers may hesitate on the work in question.
  • Title. Open permits generally do not show up as liens on title, but code enforcement fines for unpermitted work can be recorded. See code violation liens in Florida.
  • Contractor liens. If a contractor was never paid for permitted work, a recorded claim of lien is a separate issue. See selling a house with liens in Florida.

What must you disclose?

Florida case law (Johnson v. Davis, 1985) expects a seller to disclose known problems that materially affect value and that the buyer cannot easily see. Work you know was done without a permit, or a permit you know is still open, belongs in that disclosure. Hiding it is what creates liability later. See what you must disclose in an as-is sale.

Do you have to fix it first?

No. Closing out a permit can take weeks and can lead to more required work, so many owners sell as-is instead. If you do want to try, start by asking the building department for the permit history on your address; most Florida counties let you look it up online.

Where does Howler Property Group fit in?

Howler Property Group buys Florida houses as-is for cash, including houses with open permits or unpermitted work, without repairs or an agent. We run a title search, check what the county has on file and put terms in a written contract. If closing out the permit yourself would leave you better off, we say so.

Written 2026-10-27. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice, and we are not a law firm. For your own deadlines and rights, talk to a Florida attorney.

Related questions

Good Questions

Frequently asked

Can I sell a house with an open permit in Florida?
Yes. An open permit does not prevent a sale. The buyer either closes it out or accounts for it in the terms, and many cash buyers take the house as-is.
Does unpermitted work have to be disclosed in Florida?
Yes if you know about it. Florida case law expects a seller to disclose known defects that materially affect value and that the buyer cannot easily see.
Can unpermitted work stop a buyer from getting a mortgage?
It can. An appraiser or inspector who notices unpermitted square footage can sink a financed deal, and insurers may hesitate on the work in question.
Can the county fine me for unpermitted work?
Yes. Code enforcement can fine unpermitted work, and unpaid fines can be recorded as a lien that is paid from the sale proceeds.
How do I find out what permits are open on my house?
Ask the county or city building department for the permit history on the address. Most Florida jurisdictions offer an online permit search.
Do I have to close out permits before selling?
No. Closing a permit can take time and can lead to more required work, so many owners sell as-is.