Florida demolition starts with the local permit checklist

Before taking down a building, start with the city or county permit list. Florida does not use one order for every power, water, gas, and sewer step.

Orange County’s business path, for example, asks for proof that service was cut off and for reviews before the work. Its home path is different. In Pinellas County, the cited sewer closeout comes after the permit, the tear-down, and the final sewer cut-and-cap check. Do not carry either order to a new address without asking its permit office.

Check the asbestos rules early as well. Work on a building covered by the regulated-facility rules will usually need notice at least 10 working days before it starts, even if no asbestos is found. The home exception is narrower than saying all houses are exempt. Use the DEP guide and local office to place the building in the right group.

Keep the permit, utility papers, asbestos finding or notice, contractor file, site plan, photos, and final closeout together. The file should show what was cut off, which rules applied, and when the address was closed out.