Government permit fees
Hillsborough County publishes its current permit fee schedules at hcfl.gov. Ask your contractor to list government fees separately from design and permit-handling charges.
Confirm the authority and scope
Start with the building department that serves your property. Describe a new enclosure, replacement frame or mesh-only repair accurately, and ask which approvals apply.
For county-administered projects, use the [Hillsborough County screen enclosure checklist](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/residential-and-mobile-home-checklists/residential-screen-enclosure-and-glass-room-additions). Do not assume that a repair and a structural replacement follow the same requirements.
Prepare the application documents
The county checklist directs applicants to HillsGovHub and calls for a scaled site plan and digitally signed and sealed building plans from a Florida-registered architect or engineer. The site plan identifies boundaries, structures, setbacks and easements.
Ask your contractor who prepares and submits these documents. The county also lists Notice of Commencement documentation before the initial inspection; confirm how that requirement applies to your project. Review the [county submission checklist](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/residential-and-mobile-home-checklists/residential-screen-enclosure-and-glass-room-additions).
Discuss wind design before choosing materials
Ask the contractor and design professional to explain the proposed frame, anchoring and connections for your site. Discuss mesh changes and roof options before approving the design because enclosure engineering addresses structural loads and construction details. See the [Aluminum Association's design overview](https://www.aluminum.org/designing-aluminum-screened-enclosures).
Request any project-specific storm preparation and maintenance instructions at handover. Follow those instructions rather than assuming advice for a different enclosure applies to yours.
Check flood conditions and association requirements
Check your parcel's flood designation early. Hillsborough County identifies additional documentation and design requirements for construction in special flood hazard areas, with further review possible for coastal conditions or suspect soils. Consult the [county flood-area requirements](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/miscellaneous-checklists-and-submittal-requirements/special-flood-hazard-area-requirements).
If your property has an association, ask its architectural reviewer about the enclosure's appearance and placement before ordering materials. Coordinate association permission and government approvals with your contractor.
Keep responsibility and closeout clear
Ask the contractor to identify who responds to plan-review comments, schedules required inspections and provides closeout records. Keep the approved documents and inspection results with your home records.
Fees and scheduling vary; ask the permitting authority about current requirements and get several contractor quotes. RG Holdings operates this referral service and does not prepare plans, obtain permits or perform construction.
Questions homeowners ask
Does replacing mesh require the same permit as replacing the frame?
Ask the building department about your exact scope. Describe any changes to framing, anchors, doors or roofing as well as the mesh. Do not rely on a mesh-only description if the contractor also proposes structural work.
Does association approval cover the building permit?
Treat them as separate approvals. Ask your association about its review and have the contractor confirm government requirements with the applicable building department.
How much are permit fees, and how long does approval take?
Fees and review timing vary with the application and required reviews. Ask the permitting authority for current information. Have each contractor explain which permitting expenses its proposal includes.
Will the referral service handle my permit?
No. RG Holdings provides referrals. Agree directly with the contractor you choose on responsibility for plans, applications, inspections and closeout.
Get quotes from licensed local screen enclosure companies
Tell us about the job or call (813) 559-0998. We pass it to an independently licensed local contractor who contacts you. Free for homeowners; you decide who to hire.