Permitting Authorities / Alachua County - Building Division

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Unincorporated Alachua County, FL?

Adopted code

Alachua County - Building Division

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Unincorporated Alachua County, FL, issued by Alachua County - Building Division. Roofing is permit work in unincorporated Alachua County. The County's building code (Alachua County Code Chapter 331, which adopts the Florida Building Code with local Chapter 1 amendments) requires anyone who intends to "construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure" to "first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit" (Section 105.1). The Building Division's fee schedule lists flat-rate "Roof: New Residential" and "Roof: Repair Residential" permit fees ($220.00 each on the schedule posted with an effective date of 10/01/2026), and "residential roofing" is one of the permit types that can be applied for online without plan review. The Division's Roofing Replacement - Residential submittal sheet (Reroof Inspection Checklist - Residential 09/2026) states: "Per Florida Statute 553.79 for non-structural repairs valued under $7500 will not require a permits. Minor repairs would qualify for this as long as structural sheathing is not being replaced. Per the same statute a job may not be divided in an attempt to qualify for this exemption. Roof repairs would qualify for this exemption, re-roofing an entire structure would not qualify even if valued under $7500." Mobile homes are the exception the Division names: "Per Alachua county policy, a mobile home does not need a permit for roofing," and its online permitting page lists "Mobile Home roofing" among cases that do not need a building permit. Required submittals for a residential reroof: a roofing scope of work listing the roofing to be removed, the replacement roofing and underlayment and the area in squares; Florida product approvals for all finish roofing materials, underlayment, drip edge, skylights and vents; and the manufacturer's Florida installation instructions ("We cannot inspect without these being accurate and matching products on site!"). Repairs to trusses, rafters or other structural members need a repair from a Florida licensed design professional and an added framing inspection. A recorded Notice of Commencement "must be uploaded to Citizenserve before inspections can be scheduled if the cost of the project is $5,000 or more." Townhouse reroofs need a notarized Townhome Reroof Permission Form signed by the owners of connected units. Apply through the County's Citizenserve portal; contractors and owner-builders must be registered with the County before applying. Cost of skipping the permit: County Code Section 109.4 subjects anyone who starts work before obtaining the permit "to a penalty of 100 percent of the usual permit fee in addition to the required permit fees," and the Division states: "We would not be able to issue a permit on a roof that is completed. We have no way to verify underlayment, fastening, materials used, etc.".

Roof code checklist: Unincorporated Alachua County, FL

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYesgrowth-management.alachuacounty.us2026-09-26
Repair permit thresholdPublishedBLD_20260902113548_Reroof_inspect...2026-09-26
Layer limit / roof-overPublishedR908.3codes.iccsafe.org2026-09-26
Deck & sheathingPublishedcodes.iccsafe.org2026-09-26
Drip edgeYesR905.2.8.5codes.iccsafe.org2026-09-26
Ice & water shieldNoR905.1.2codes.iccsafe.org2026-09-26
Mid-roof inspectionYesSec. 331.03BLD_20260902113548_Reroof_inspect...2026-09-26
Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofingNolibrary.municode.com2026-09-26
Wind design criteriaPublishedR905.2.6.1BLD_Fl_Codes_i.pdf2026-09-26
Adopted codePublishedSec. 331.02growth-management.alachuacounty.us2026-09-26
Contractor license / registrationYeslibrary.municode.com2026-09-26
Sales & use taxPublisheddr15dss_26.pdf2026-09-26

Each row comes from the sourced record on this page; full wording is in the table below. "Not published" means no official source for that item was found when the record was last verified.

Jurisdiction
Alachua County, Florida (unincorporated)
Jurisdiction type
county
Address
County Annex Building, 10 SW 2nd Avenue, 1st Floor, Gainesville, FL 32601
Contact
  • url: https://growth-management.alachuacounty.us/building/
  • phone: 352-374-5243
  • email: [email protected]
Permit portal
Roofing permit required
Required
Contractor registration required
Required
Registration details
  • state_level: Florida licenses roofing as its own trade. Section 489.113(2), Florida Statutes: "A person must be certified or registered in order to engage in the business of contracting in this state." Section 489.105(3)(e) defines a "Roofing contractor" as a contractor whose services are unlimited in the roofing trade. A state-certified roofing contractor may work anywhere in Florida; under section 489.117, "Registration allows the registrant to engage in contracting only in the counties, municipalities, or development districts where he or she has complied with all local licensing requirements, if any, and only for the type of work covered by the registration." Verify a licence on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation licence search, which the Building Division links for checking a contractor and reporting unlicensed activity.
  • county_level: Alachua County Code Chapter 101 (Contractors) applies in the unincorporated area and names the roofing trade: "no person shall engage in any of the trades or businesses defined in section 101.03 unless he or she has first registered with the codes enforcement department and unless he or she holds either a current certificate of competency from the Florida Department of Professional Regulation for the trade in which he or she wishes to engage in the county, or holds a current local certificate of competency or identification card from Alachua County for the trade in which he or she wishes to engage in the county" (Section 101.05(a)). Section 101.03(r) defines a roofing contractor, and a local certificate of competency requires a written Block examination with a passing grade of 75 percent and, for a roofing contractor, 4 years of work experience (Section 101.06); a holder of a local certificate must also be registered with the state (Section 101.05(b)). A certificate of competency from the City of Gainesville or another Florida city or county may be accepted by reciprocity after registering with the County (Section 101.09). Contractors register and renew through the County's Citizenserve portal; to stay on active status and "remain on our local contractor list," the County's renewal form asks for a copy of the current state license, a current certificate of liability insurance and a current certificate of workers' compensation or exemption, renewed "every 2 years." The Building Division's fee schedule lists "License Renewal for Registered Contractor" at $65.00 and states that "Licenses require bi-annual renewal." Only the license holder can create a contractor account; authorized signers are added under that account.
  • owner_builder: Section 489.103(7)(a), Florida Statutes, exempts "Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors" when "building or improving farm outbuildings or one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease." County Code Section 101.10(b) carries a local owner-builder exemption and disclosure statement, and "an owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application." The Building Division's reroof sheet answers "Can I replace my roof myself?" with "Yes you can per Florida Statutes 489.103 (7)(a). There is an Owner/Builder process. If you are the listed owner of the property and supervise all the work being done. You are still subject to Alachua County's permitting and inspection process." Its permits page adds that the home "cannot be offered for sale or lease for one year after final completion of the project." Whether a particular owner qualifies is for the statute and the County to say, not this record.
Permit process note
Roofing is permit work in unincorporated Alachua County. The County's building code (Alachua County Code Chapter 331, which adopts the Florida Building Code with local Chapter 1 amendments) requires anyone who intends to "construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure" to "first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit" (Section 105.1). The Building Division's fee schedule lists flat-rate "Roof: New Residential" and "Roof: Repair Residential" permit fees ($220.00 each on the schedule posted with an effective date of 10/01/2026), and "residential roofing" is one of the permit types that can be applied for online without plan review. The Division's Roofing Replacement - Residential submittal sheet (Reroof Inspection Checklist - Residential 09/2026) states: "Per Florida Statute 553.79 for non-structural repairs valued under $7500 will not require a permits. Minor repairs would qualify for this as long as structural sheathing is not being replaced. Per the same statute a job may not be divided in an attempt to qualify for this exemption. Roof repairs would qualify for this exemption, re-roofing an entire structure would not qualify even if valued under $7500." Mobile homes are the exception the Division names: "Per Alachua county policy, a mobile home does not need a permit for roofing," and its online permitting page lists "Mobile Home roofing" among cases that do not need a building permit. Required submittals for a residential reroof: a roofing scope of work listing the roofing to be removed, the replacement roofing and underlayment and the area in squares; Florida product approvals for all finish roofing materials, underlayment, drip edge, skylights and vents; and the manufacturer's Florida installation instructions ("We cannot inspect without these being accurate and matching products on site!"). Repairs to trusses, rafters or other structural members need a repair from a Florida licensed design professional and an added framing inspection. A recorded Notice of Commencement "must be uploaded to Citizenserve before inspections can be scheduled if the cost of the project is $5,000 or more." Townhouse reroofs need a notarized Townhome Reroof Permission Form signed by the owners of connected units. Apply through the County's Citizenserve portal; contractors and owner-builders must be registered with the County before applying. Cost of skipping the permit: County Code Section 109.4 subjects anyone who starts work before obtaining the permit "to a penalty of 100 percent of the usual permit fee in addition to the required permit fees," and the Division states: "We would not be able to issue a permit on a roof that is completed. We have no way to verify underlayment, fastening, materials used, etc."
Inspection requirements
A residential reroof gets two inspections: 1000 In Progress and 9000 Final. Inspections are scheduled through the County's Citizenserve portal, which "will not let you schedule a final inspection if fees are due." The permit card must be posted in a visible location on the job site, and the manufacturer's installation instructions must be on site for the final. At the final the inspector reviews all documents and earlier inspections, checks the roof for completeness and flashing, and verifies that the Roofing Inspection Affidavit is completed and uploaded; "Failure to have affidavit completed at final inspection will result in a failed with fee result." The affidavit may only be completed by a Florida licensed general, building, residential or roofing contractor, engineer, architect or building inspector. The Building Division's fee schedule lists a $90.00 re-inspection fee, paid before the next inspection is requested. A roof permit that was never closed: "if the permit is older than 3 years we can close the permit administratively. If the permit is less than 3 years old we would like to conduct a final inspection." Building permits are valid for 180 days, and the Division warns that failure to obtain a final inspection within 180 days results in an expired permit recorded on the property and renewal fees.
Adopted code
Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), Residential (2021 IRC base), effective December 31, 2023, adopted statewide by Rule 61G20-1.001, Florida Administrative Code. The Building Division lists its adopted codes as the "2023 Florida Building Code 8th Edition," "Effective date: December 31, 2023," including the Building, Residential and Existing Building volumes. Alachua County Code Chapter 331 (the Building Code of Alachua County, restated by Ordinance No. 2018-22 and amended by Ordinance No. 2022-06) states in Section 331.02: "The Florida Building Code as published by the State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation is hereby adopted in its entirety by reference." Section 331.03 amends only Chapter 1 (Scope and Administration) of the Florida Building Code: permits, local permit exemptions, plan review, fees, inspections and enforcement, plus the tiny-house appendix. Chapter 331, read in full, contains no amendment to the roofing chapters (Residential Chapter 9, Building Chapter 15) or the Existing Building reroofing provisions. The Division's page says the County's original 2002 adoption ordinance also adopted wind speed lines for Alachua County; the current Chapter 331 contains none.
Drip edge
Required — Required on shingle roofs. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Section R905.2.8.5: "Provide drip edge at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Overlap to be a minimum of 3 inches," and "Drip edge shall be mechanically fastened a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) on center," or 4 inches on center where the allowable stress design wind speed (Vasd) is 110 mph or greater or the mean roof height exceeds 33 feet. The Alachua County Building Division's residential reroof checklist lists, at the in-progress inspection, "Drip edge lap and fastening per R905.2.8.5" with a minimum 3-inch lap and fastening at 4 inches on center maximum, and the County's roofing inspection affidavit lists drip edge among the items the signer certifies. Alachua County Code Chapter 331, read in full, amends only the code's administrative chapter and does not touch drip edge. About drip edge
Ice & water shield
Not required — Not required anywhere in Florida. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), reads "R905.1.2 Ice barriers. Reserved." Alachua County Code Chapter 331, read in full, amends only the code's administrative chapter and does not address ice barriers. A self-adhered underlayment may still be used as one of the state code's underlayment and secondary water barrier options. About ice & water barrier
Mid-roof inspection
Required — Alachua County's own amendment to the Florida Building Code's required inspections (County Code Section 331.03, Section 110.3, item 5) reads: "Roofing inspection. Shall at a minimum include the following building components:" dry-in, insulation, "Roof coverings (including in-progress)" and flashing. On a residential reroof the Building Division schedules two inspections, 1000 In Progress and 9000 Final. Its residential reroof checklist: where existing shingles are removed, the in-progress inspection "should occur after some underlayment, flashing, drip edge, and starter strip is installed" and checks deck re-nailing, underlayment, product approvals against the products on site, and drip edge; where shingles are not removed it occurs "after about 1/3 to 1/2 of the work is underway"; for metal roofing, "after purlins have been fastened." Townhouses need an added "Roof Sheathing" inspection before any underlayment for fire separation. The in-progress inspection may be done virtually. "If this inspection is skipped or missed, removal of at least 100 SF or roofing material will be required in one or multiple locations as requested by the inspector. Pictures are not an acceptable replacement for an inspection." The checklist carries the date 09/2026 and an effective date of 10/1/2026; the Division's earlier Roof Replacement Requirements form (revised March 3, 2009, still posted) states: "An in-progress inspection will be made on the day requested and no finished roof covering will be allowed until the inspection is made."
Impact-resistant roofing
Not required — Alachua County Code Chapter 331 amends only the Florida Building Code's administrative chapter and adds no roof-covering requirement; no UL 2218 or Class 4 impact requirement appears in the Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023) Chapter 9, the Building volume's roofing chapter, the Existing Building volume's reroofing provisions, or the County's building code. The references to "impact resistant coverings" in the County's administrative chapter concern protection of openings such as windows and doors, not roof coverings, and the County's code requirements sheet states "NO AREA OF ALACHUA COUNTY IS IN A WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION." The state code's shingle classifications (ASTM D3161, TAS 107, ASTM D7158) are wind ratings, not hail-impact ratings. An insurer's discount for an impact-rated roof is not a code requirement.
Repair permit threshold
The Building Division's Roofing Replacement - Residential sheet (Reroof Inspection Checklist - Residential 09/2026, marked effective 10/1/2026) states: "Per Florida Statute 553.79 for non-structural repairs valued under $7500 will not require a permits. Minor repairs would qualify for this as long as structural sheathing is not being replaced. Per the same statute a job may not be divided in an attempt to qualify for this exemption. Roof repairs would qualify for this exemption, re-roofing an entire structure would not qualify even if valued under $7500." The same sheet states: "If you replace more than 25% of the total roof, the entire roof must be replaced per FBC-EB 706.1.1." The state exemption it applies, section 553.79(1)(g), Florida Statutes (effective July 1, 2026): "A local government that issues building permits shall exempt an owner of a single-family dwelling or the owner's contractor from the requirement to obtain a building permit to perform any work valued at less than $7,500 on the owner's property." It "does not apply to" "Work on a property that is partially or entirely located in a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code" or "Any electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work performed on property containing a single-family dwelling," "A construction project may not be divided into more than one project for the purpose of evading the requirements of this paragraph," and the owner or contractor "must submit a written request for exemption to the local enforcement agency with a copy of the contract or other documentation demonstrating the nature and the value of the work to be performed." The County's own building code adds a smaller exemption, Section 105.2 (Building, item 1): "Building permits are not required for replacement or repair work having value of less than $500, providing, however, that such work will not adversely affect the structural integrity, fire rating, exit access or egress requirements," and Section 105.2.2 allows "Ordinary minor repairs" to be made "with the approval of the building official without a permit." A full reroof exceeds both dollar tests. Mobile homes: "Per Alachua county policy, a mobile home does not need a permit for roofing." The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Section R908.1.1 limits piecemeal work: "Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the roof covering on the entire existing roof system or roof section is replaced or recovered to conform to the requirements of this code," except that where the existing roof "was built, repaired, or replaced in compliance with the requirements of the 2007 Florida Building Code, or any subsequent editions," "only the repaired, replaced, or recovered portion is required to be constructed in accordance with the Florida Building Code in effect, as applicable." This record does not decide whether a particular roof repair qualifies for either exemption.
Wind design criteria
The Alachua County Building Division's code requirements sheet, linked from its Florida Building Codes page as "All code requirements," states: "FOR DESIGN PURPOSES THE FOLLOWING BASIC WIND SPEED AS PER TABLE 1604.5 & FIGURE 1609 A, B OR C OF FBC 6TH EDITION (2017) SHALL BE USED: 1. RISK CATEGORY I (POLE BARNS, STORAGE BUILDINGS) SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED TO 120 MPH. 2. RISK CATEGORY II (MOST RESIDENTIAL, SMALL COMMERCIAL) SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED TO 130 MPH. 3. RISK CATEGORY III (LARGE ASSEMBLY COMMERCIAL) SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED TO 140 MPH. 4. RISK CATEGORY IV (HOSPITALS, EMERGENCY SERVICES) SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED TO 140 MPH. 5. NO AREA OF ALACHUA COUNTY IS IN A WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION." That sheet was written for the 6th Edition (2017) Florida Building Code; it is the wind speed statement the Division links from its codes page, which names the 8th Edition (2023) as the code in force. Homes are Risk Category II. Alachua County Code Chapter 331 contains no wind speed lines of its own. Alachua County is not in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (Miami-Dade and Broward counties). Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Section R905.2.6.1: "Asphalt shingles shall be tested and classified in accordance with ASTM D3161, TAS 107 or ASTM D7158 and shall meet the required classification in accordance with Table R905.2.6.1 to resist the basic wind speed in accordance with Figure R301.2(4)."
Roof layer limit / recover
Maximum two layers. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Section R908.3 (Recovering versus replacement): "New roof coverings shall not be installed without first removing all existing layers of roof coverings where any of the following conditions occur: 1. Where the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing. 2. Where the existing roof covering is wood shingle or shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile. 3. Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering." Tear-off is also required where blisters are not cut open and secured, or where the existing covering is used for attachment and the securement provisions of Section R905 cannot be met. The state code applies in Alachua County without local adoption; Alachua County Code Chapter 331, read in full, amends only the administrative chapter and does not amend the reroofing section or state a layer count. The Building Division's own forms agree: its Roof Replacement Requirements form says a "New roof covering being installed over one layer of existing roof covering" is "still allowed," and its residential reroof checklist provides an in-progress inspection for jobs where "existing shingles are not removed."
Deck & sheathing requirements
On a reroof of an older home, the Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Section R908.7 (Wind mitigation): "When a roof covering on an existing structure with a sawn lumber, wood plank or wood structural panel roof deck is removed and replaced, the following procedures shall be permitted to be performed by the roofing contractor: (a) Roof-decking attachment shall be as required by Section R908.7.1. (b) A secondary water barrier shall be provided as required by Section R908.7.2. Exception: Structures permitted subject to the Florida Building Code are not required to comply with this section." Section R908.7.1.1 deems sawn lumber or plank decking "secured with at least two nails (minimum size 8d) to each roof framing member it crosses" to be "sufficiently connected," and Table R908.7.1.2 sets supplemental ring-shank fastener spacing for wood structural panel decks. Section R908.7.2: "When a roof covering is removed and replaced, a secondary water barrier shall be installed in accordance with Section R905.1.1 or Section 1518.2 of the Florida Building Code, Building." The Alachua County Building Division's residential reroof checklist applies the same provisions through the Existing Building volume (FBC-EB 706.7.1): "Additional fasteners shall be 2 1/4 in. 8d round head ring shank nails. Rings shall extend at least 1 1/2in. from nail tip. Spacing of nails on the wood deck shall be 6 in. on center along the supporting members below. Existing fasteners that are 8d clipped head, round head or ring shank nails may be counted toward the 6 in. o.c. fastener spacing requirements." The contractor certifies roof sheathing, deck nailing mitigation and the water barrier on the County's Roofing Inspection Affidavit, which "must be completed, dated after work begins, and uploaded to permit prior to the final inspection being scheduled." The Division's older Roof Replacement Requirements form (revised March 3, 2009) states that these requirements "apply to Single Family site built residences constructed prior to the 2001 Florida Building Code (March 1, 2002) and not to manufactured homes (Mobile Homes) or DCA residential manufactured buildings or commercial buildings." Replacing structural sheathing takes a roof repair outside the County's reading of the $7,500 permit exemption. Alachua County Code Chapter 331 sets no deck thickness or sheathing rule of its own.
Sales & use tax
7.5% combined on materials: the 6% Florida state sales and use tax plus Alachua County's 1.5% discretionary sales surtax, made up of a 0.5% surtax (effective January 1, 2019, with an expiration date of December 31, 2030) and a 1% surtax (effective January 1, 2023, with an expiration date of December 31, 2032), per the Florida Department of Revenue's Form DR-15DSS for calendar year 2026. "Discretionary sales surtax applies to the first $5,000 of the sales amount on the sale, use, lease, rental, or license to use any item of tangible personal property" (Department of Revenue). Florida treats roofing as a real property contract (Rule 12A-1.051, Florida Administrative Code, lists "(cc) Roofing work"): "Contractors are the ultimate consumers of materials and supplies they use to perform real property contracts and must pay tax on their costs of those materials and supplies, unless the contractor has entered a retail sale plus installation contract," and "They should charge no tax to their customers, regardless of whether they itemize charges for materials and labor in their proposals or invoices." Repairs and replacements are treated the same way.

The Building Division of the Alachua County Department of Growth Management reviews plans, issues building permits, including residential roofing permits, inspects construction and registers contractors for unincorporated Alachua County, Florida. Its page describes its work as reviewing and inspecting construction projects that require building permits "in the unincorporated areas of the County and several municipalities." Permits are applied for through the County's Citizenserve online portal or at the County Annex Building in Gainesville.

Hail reports near the center of Alachua County, FL

Reports, last 24 months
6
Largest, last 24 months
2.50 in Apr 11, 2025
Most recent
Apr 11, 2025 2.50 in
Reports, last 5 years
12
5 most recent reports, last 5 years
DateHail sizeDistance
Apr 11, 20252.50 in1 mi NW
Apr 11, 20252.00 in8 mi ENE
Apr 11, 20251.75 in2 mi NNW
Apr 11, 20251.75 in2 mi WNW
Apr 11, 20251.75 in3 mi W

Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database and daily storm reports (reports since the start of the current year are preliminary), within 10 miles of the center of Alachua County, FL. Data through Sep 30, 2026. A report is an observation, not a damage record.

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Roofing questions: Unincorporated Alachua County, FL

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Unincorporated Alachua County, FL?

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Unincorporated Alachua County, FL. The Building Division's Roofing Replacement - Residential sheet (Reroof Inspection Checklist - Residential 09/2026, marked effective 10/1/2026) states: "Per Florida Statute 553.79 for non-structural repairs valued under $7500 will not require a permits. Minor repairs would qualify for this as long as structural sheathing is not being replaced. Per the same statute a job may not be divided in an attempt to qualify for this exemption. Roof repairs would qualify for this exemption, re-roofing an entire structure would not qualify even if valued under $7500." The same sheet states: "If you replace more than 25% of the total roof, the entire roof must be replaced per FBC-EB 706.1.1." The state exemption it applies, section 553.79(1)(g), Florida Statutes (effective July 1, 2026): "A local government that issues building permits shall exempt an owner of a single-family dwelling or the owner's contractor from the requirement to obtain a building permit to perform any work valued at less than $7,500 on the owner's property." It "does not apply to" "Work on a property that is partially or entirely located in a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code" or "Any electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work performed on property containing a single-family dwelling," "A construction project may not be divided into more than one project for the purpose of evading the requirements of this paragraph," and the owner or contractor "must submit a written request for exemption to the local enforcement agency with a copy of the contract or other documentation demonstrating the nature and the value of the work to be performed." The County's own building code adds a smaller exemption, Section 105.2 (Building, item 1): "Building permits are not required for replacement or repair work having value of less than $500, providing, however, that such work will not adversely affect the structural integrity, fire rating, exit access or egress requirements," and Section 105.2.2 allows "Ordinary minor repairs" to be made "with the approval of the building official without a permit." A full reroof exceeds both dollar tests. Mobile homes: "Per Alachua county policy, a mobile home does not need a permit for roofing." The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Section R908.1.1 limits piecemeal work: "Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the roof covering on the entire existing roof system or roof section is replaced or recovered to conform to the requirements of this code," except that where the existing roof "was built, repaired, or replaced in compliance with the requirements of the 2007 Florida Building Code, or any subsequent editions," "only the repaired, replaced, or recovered portion is required to be constructed in accordance with the Florida Building Code in effect, as applicable." This record does not decide whether a particular roof repair qualifies for either exemption.

Is ice & water shield required in Unincorporated Alachua County, FL?

No. Not required anywhere in Florida. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), reads "R905.1.2 Ice barriers. Reserved." Alachua County Code Chapter 331, read in full, amends only the code's administrative chapter and does not address ice barriers. A self-adhered underlayment may still be used as one of the state code's underlayment and secondary water barrier options.

Is drip edge required in Unincorporated Alachua County, FL?

Yes. Required on shingle roofs. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Section R905.2.8.5: "Provide drip edge at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Overlap to be a minimum of 3 inches," and "Drip edge shall be mechanically fastened a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) on center," or 4 inches on center where the allowable stress design wind speed (Vasd) is 110 mph or greater or the mean roof height exceeds 33 feet. The Alachua County Building Division's residential reroof checklist lists, at the in-progress inspection, "Drip edge lap and fastening per R905.2.8.5" with a minimum 3-inch lap and fastening at 4 inches on center maximum, and the County's roofing inspection affidavit lists drip edge among the items the signer certifies. Alachua County Code Chapter 331, read in full, amends only the code's administrative chapter and does not touch drip edge.

Can you roof over an existing roof in Unincorporated Alachua County, FL?

Maximum two layers. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Section R908.3 (Recovering versus replacement): "New roof coverings shall not be installed without first removing all existing layers of roof coverings where any of the following conditions occur: 1. Where the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing. 2. Where the existing roof covering is wood shingle or shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile. 3. Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering." Tear-off is also required where blisters are not cut open and secured, or where the existing covering is used for attachment and the securement provisions of Section R905 cannot be met. The state code applies in Alachua County without local adoption; Alachua County Code Chapter 331, read in full, amends only the administrative chapter and does not amend the reroofing section or state a layer count. The Building Division's own forms agree: its Roof Replacement Requirements form says a "New roof covering being installed over one layer of existing roof covering" is "still allowed," and its residential reroof checklist provides an in-progress inspection for jobs where "existing shingles are not removed."

Do roofing contractors need a license or registration in Unincorporated Alachua County, FL?

Yes.

What building code does Unincorporated Alachua County, FL use?

Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), Residential (2021 IRC base), effective December 31, 2023, adopted statewide by Rule 61G20-1.001, Florida Administrative Code. The Building Division lists its adopted codes as the "2023 Florida Building Code 8th Edition," "Effective date: December 31, 2023," including the Building, Residential and Existing Building volumes. Alachua County Code Chapter 331 (the Building Code of Alachua County, restated by Ordinance No. 2018-22 and amended by Ordinance No. 2022-06) states in Section 331.02: "The Florida Building Code as published by the State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation is hereby adopted in its entirety by reference." Section 331.03 amends only Chapter 1 (Scope and Administration) of the Florida Building Code: permits, local permit exemptions, plan review, fees, inspections and enforcement, plus the tiny-house appendix. Chapter 331, read in full, contains no amendment to the roofing chapters (Residential Chapter 9, Building Chapter 15) or the Existing Building reroofing provisions. The Division's page says the County's original 2002 adoption ordinance also adopted wind speed lines for Alachua County; the current Chapter 331 contains none.