Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.
The Florida Building Commission adopts the FBC. All counties and cities must enforce it. No local jurisdiction can adopt less restrictive standards. The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties with even stricter requirements.
Primary Code
Florida Building Code (FBC)
Code Version
8th Edition (2023) FBC based on 2021 IBC with extensive FL amendments
Adoption Level
Statewide
Statewide Enforcement
Yes
Every county and municipality enforces the FBC. No exceptions for unincorporated areas. Plan review is thorough and may require multiple revision cycles.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Required
Non-residential farm buildings on land classified as agricultural may be exempt from the FBC if they meet specific criteria. Must still comply with HVHZ requirements in Miami-Dade and Broward.
Florida has limited size exemptions. Non-utility sheds under 100 sq ft may be exempt in some counties. Agricultural buildings on bona fide agricultural land have separate broader exemptions.
Hurricane wind loads are the dominant structural concern. HVHZ (Miami-Dade, Broward) requires up to 180 mph design wind speed. Panhandle and north Florida are 130-150 mph. Products must have Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA.
Wind Load
120–180 mph
hurricane zone
Snow Load
0 psf
Seismic
A
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
Florida Energy Conservation Code
Version
8th Edition (2023) based on IECC with FL amendments
Focus on cooling efficiency and hurricane-resistant envelope design. Insulated metal panel systems must meet Florida energy code.
License Type
Certified or Registered Contractor (DBPR)
Florida requires all contractors to be licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Certified contractor license is valid statewide; registered is county-specific.
Front
25–35 ft
Side
7.5–15 ft
Rear
15–25 ft
Setbacks vary by county and zone. Coastal setback lines may restrict construction near the shoreline.
Sandy soils throughout most of the state. High water table in many areas affects foundation design. Slab-on-grade is the most common type. Flood zone construction may require elevated foundations.
Full FBC compliance required. Wind load engineering critical. Product approvals needed for all components.
Limited agricultural exemptions available. Must still meet wind load requirements in most of the state.
Possible but challenging. Full residential FBC compliance required. Wind load engineering and product approvals add cost. North Florida and panhandle are most feasible.
Full FBC compliance required. Garage doors must have wind load ratings matching the building's wind zone.
Full FBC commercial compliance. ADA, fire sprinkler, and energy code all required. HVHZ adds significant requirements in SE Florida.
Florida is one of the most HOA-regulated states in the country. Metal building homes are frequently prohibited in HOA communities. Focus on North Florida panhandle and interior rural counties for unrestricted land.
Extensive flood zones throughout the state, especially in coastal areas and near waterways. Buildings in flood zones must be elevated above BFE. Flood insurance is typically required. Storm surge zones add additional requirements.
Key counties with specific permit information for Florida.
HVHZ — strictest building requirements in the US. 180 mph wind speed design. All products require NOA.
Typical fees: $2,000 – $10,000
HVHZ — same strict requirements as Miami-Dade.
Typical fees: $1,500 – $8,000
Full FBC enforcement. 140 mph wind zone.
Typical fees: $800 – $5,000
Full FBC enforcement. 130 mph wind zone. More affordable than south FL.
Typical fees: $600 – $4,000
Rural county. FBC required but process is more streamlined. Good area for steel buildings.
Typical fees: $400 – $2,500
Ag Exemption AvailableRural panhandle county. More build-friendly. Lower permit costs.
Typical fees: $300 – $2,000
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
