Can You Sell a House With Unpermitted Work?
Last updated: February 2026
Quick Answer
Yes, you can sell a house with unpermitted work in Florida. You're required to disclose known unpermitted improvements. Cash buyers like us purchase properties as-is—no need to retroactively permit or tear out work.
What Counts as Unpermitted Work?
In Florida, most structural changes, additions, and major renovations require building permits. Common unpermitted work includes:
- Room additions or enclosed patios — Screened-in porches converted to living space
- Bathroom or kitchen remodels — Moving plumbing, adding outlets
- Garage conversions — Converting to a bedroom or living area
- Electrical or plumbing upgrades — New panels, re-piping
- Roofing work — Full re-roofs without permits
- Sheds, fences, and driveways — Depending on county requirements
If the previous owner did the work and you weren't aware, you still inherit the issue when you sell.
Florida Disclosure Requirements
Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects, including unpermitted work. Failing to disclose can expose you to legal liability after closing.
That said, if you genuinely didn't know about the unpermitted work, you're not legally required to disclose it. However, a buyer's inspector or appraiser may flag discrepancies between the property's actual layout and what's on record with the county.
How Unpermitted Work Affects Your Sale Price
Unpermitted work typically reduces your home's value by 10-25% because:
- Traditional lenders may refuse to finance the purchase
- Appraisers may not count unpermitted square footage
- Insurance companies may deny coverage for unpermitted areas
- Buyers worry about code compliance and future resale
Retroactive permitting can cost $5,000-$25,000+ depending on the scope and whether the work meets current code. In many cases, selling as-is to a cash buyer is more cost-effective.
Your Options for Selling
You have three main paths:
Option 1: Retroactive Permitting
Apply for after-the-fact permits. This can take 2-6 months and may require bringing work up to current building code, which could mean tearing out and redoing portions.
Option 2: List on the MLS With Disclosure
Disclose the unpermitted work and price accordingly. This limits your buyer pool to cash buyers or those with flexible lenders, and typically extends your time on market.
Option 3: Sell to a Cash Buyer (Fastest)
We buy houses with unpermitted work as-is. No permitting needed, no repairs, close in 7-14 days. We handle the permitting after purchase.
How We Can Help
We buy Florida homes with unpermitted work regularly. Here's what we offer:
- Cash offer within 24 hours — no financing contingencies
- Buy as-is — we handle permits after closing
- Close in 7-14 days — no drawn-out inspections
- No commissions or fees — we pay closing costs
Call (561) 258-9405 or get a free cash offer today.