Last updated: February 2026
Can You Sell a House With Open Permits in Florida?
Last updated: February 2026
Quick Answer
Yes, but open permits can complicate traditional sales. Lenders may require permits to be closed before financing. Title companies may flag open permits as exceptions. Cash buyers like FL Home Buyers purchase properties with open permits and handle the resolution after closing.
What Are Open Permits?
An open permit means a building permit was pulled for work but never received final inspection and sign-off. This is extremely common in Florida — previous owners start projects, hire contractors who don't close permits, or do DIY work without understanding the process. Open permits from roof replacements, HVAC installations, pool construction, and additions are the most common in Florida.
How Open Permits Affect Your Sale
Title companies run permit searches as part of their due diligence. Open permits appear as potential liens or unresolved issues. Most lenders require open permits to be closed before financing a purchase. Closing a permit requires calling the county, scheduling an inspection, and potentially making corrections if the work doesn't meet code. For permits older than a few years, counties may require bringing the entire project up to current code — which can be significantly more expensive.
Florida County Permit Resolution
Each Florida county handles old permits differently. Some counties (like Palm Beach) offer amnesty programs for older permits. Others (like Miami-Dade) require full compliance regardless of age. Re-inspection fees typically run $100-$500 per permit, but if work doesn't pass current code, remediation can cost thousands. Some counties will close very old permits (10+ years) administratively without re-inspection.
Selling As-Is With Open Permits
When you sell to FL Home Buyers, open permits aren't a problem. As licensed general contractors, we resolve permit issues as part of our renovation process. We know every Florida county's permit office and their specific requirements. No need to hire contractors, schedule inspections, or navigate county bureaucracy — we handle everything after closing.
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