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Permitting Authorities / City of Lake Worth Beach - Building Division

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Lake Worth Beach, FL?

Adopted code

City of Lake Worth Beach - Building Division

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Lake Worth Beach, FL, issued by City of Lake Worth Beach - Building Division. Re-roofing in Lake Worth Beach is permit work. The Building Division states that "Building permits are required to construct, modify, repair, demolish, or alter buildings in the City of Lake Worth Beach. Work without a permit may result in code compliance action." Its published list of "Permit Exceptions" does not include roof covering work (see the repair threshold field). State law makes it "unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or governmental entity to construct, erect, alter, modify, repair, or demolish any building within this state without first obtaining a permit" (section 553.79(1)(a), Florida Statutes). A master permit application is used for all scopes of work; the City accepts either its own application or the Palm Beach County universal permit application, filed online or in person, with "One (1) copy of submittal documents." Plan review is digital, and "Once reviewed by all appropriate departments the permit is sent by email or file transfer service to the contractor of record." Permit fees are set in the City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule. For help, the Division lists (561) 586-1647.

Roof code checklist: Lake Worth Beach, FL

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYeslakeworthbeachfl.gov2026-10-16
Repair permit thresholdPublishedlakeworthbeachfl.gov2026-10-16
Layer limit / roof-overNot published
Deck & sheathingPublishedcodes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Drip edgeYesR905.2.8.5codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Ice & water shieldNot published
Mid-roof inspectionYesSec. 110.3codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofingNot published
Wind design criteriaNot published
Adopted codePublishedSec. 553.73(6)library.municode.com2026-10-16
Contractor license / registrationYesleg.state.fl.us2026-10-16
Sales & use taxPublisheddr15dss_26.pdf2026-10-16

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
City of Lake Worth Beach, Florida
Jurisdiction type
city
Address
1900 2nd Ave N., Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461
Contact
  • url: https://lakeworthbeachfl.gov/community-sustainability/building
  • phone: 561-586-1647
Permit portal
Permit portal
Roofing permit required
Required
Contractor registration required
Required
Registration details
  • state_level: Roofing contractor is a separately licensed trade in Florida. Section 489.105(3)(e), Florida Statutes, defines a "Roofing contractor" as "a contractor whose services are unlimited in the roofing trade," with a scope that includes "required roof-deck attachments; any repair or replacement of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof repair or replacement." Section 489.113(2) provides that a person "must be certified or registered in order to engage in the business of contracting in this state." A state-certified contractor may work statewide; under section 489.117(1)(b), "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." Section 489.103(7) contains an owner-builder exemption for "Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors," including one- and two-family residences for the owner's own occupancy or use and not offered for sale or lease; this record does not decide whether a particular reader falls within it.
  • city_level: The Building Division issues the permit to the contractor of record. The City's business license (business tax) is a separate application and is not a trade credential.
Permit process note
Re-roofing in Lake Worth Beach is permit work. The Building Division states that "Building permits are required to construct, modify, repair, demolish, or alter buildings in the City of Lake Worth Beach. Work without a permit may result in code compliance action." Its published list of "Permit Exceptions" does not include roof covering work (see the repair threshold field). State law makes it "unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or governmental entity to construct, erect, alter, modify, repair, or demolish any building within this state without first obtaining a permit" (section 553.79(1)(a), Florida Statutes). A master permit application is used for all scopes of work; the City accepts either its own application or the Palm Beach County universal permit application, filed online or in person, with "One (1) copy of submittal documents." Plan review is digital, and "Once reviewed by all appropriate departments the permit is sent by email or file transfer service to the contractor of record." Permit fees are set in the City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule. For help, the Division lists (561) 586-1647.
Inspection requirements
"Required inspections are requested through the City's automated phone line at (561) 586-1691. All next day inspections shall be scheduled by 4:00 pm. Inspections may also be scheduled online at lakeworthbeachfl.gov. If a same day inspection is needed a call must be made to (561) 586-1647 for availability of inspectors. (additional fees are assessed)"
Adopted code
Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), Residential volume (2021 International Residential Code base), effective December 31, 2023, adopted statewide by the Florida Building Commission under Rule 61G20-1.001, Florida Administrative Code; section 553.73(6), Florida Statutes, provides that the code and each update "is deemed adopted for use statewide without adoptions by local government." City Code section 9-2.1 states that "The City of Lake Worth Beach hereby adopts the Florida Building Code, 2023 Edition, with administrative amendments as set forth in Exhibit A of Ordinance 2024-04" (February 6, 2024); the exhibit "is not set out at length herein, but is on file in the offices of the city," and its text was not read for this record. The rest of the City's building chapter (City Code Chapter 9, read in full) contains no technical amendment to the roofing chapters, and the Florida Building Commission's registry of local technical amendments to the 8th Edition lists none from Lake Worth Beach or Palm Beach County to Residential Chapter 9 or Building Chapter 15. The Building Division states that "The City of Lake Worth Beach follows the latest adopted versions of the Florida Building Code."
Drip edge
Required — Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), section R905.2.8.5 Drip edge: "Provide drip edge at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Overlap to be a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm). Eave drip edges shall extend 1/2 inch (13 mm) below sheathing and extend back on the roof a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edge shall be installed over the underlayment." It "shall be mechanically fastened a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) on center," with closer spacing where the Vasd is 110 mph or greater. The requirement is written for shingle roofs. No registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9. About drip edge
Mid-roof inspection
Required — The Florida Building Code, Building, 8th Edition (2023), section 110.3, which Residential section R101.2.1 applies to the Residential code, lists a "Roofing inspection" that "Shall at a minimum include the following building components" listed as dry-in, insulation, roof coverings and flashing; the dry-in inspection is made while the roof is in progress. In Lake Worth Beach, "Required inspections are requested through the City's automated phone line."
Repair permit threshold
The Building Division's "Permit Exceptions" list names work that needs no permit, including "Gutters and downspouts: Single family/R-3 occupancy," "Soffit and /or Fascia: Repair and replace up to 25% of total" and "Wood Deck: Repair up to 100 square feet of previously permitted deck boards (no framing members)"; it names no roof covering repair or replacement. Section 553.79(1)(g), Florida Statutes (effective July 1, 2026), reads: "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," does not apply to "Work on a property that is partially or entirely located in a flood hazard area" or to "Any electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work," requires "a written request for exemption to the local enforcement agency with a copy of the contract," and provides that "A construction project may not be divided into more than one project for the purpose of evading the requirements of this paragraph." The City's notice of September 7, 2026 states that "the exemption is not automatic. Property owners must request and receive approval from the City before any work begins," that owners must "submit a written exemption request with supporting documentation to the City's Building Division and wait for written approval before starting work," that "Beginning work without an approved exemption request on file may be considered unpermitted work and could result in code enforcement action," and that "An administrative processing fee applies." The Florida Building Code's own relief, Building section 105.2.2, allows "Ordinary minor repairs" without a permit only "with the approval of the building official." Separately, the Florida Building Code's 25 percent rule applies to roof repairs (see the deck and sheathing field).
Deck & sheathing requirements
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." Under section R908.7.1.1, plank decking "secured with at least two nails (minimum size 8d) to each roof framing member it crosses shall be deemed to be sufficiently connected." Section R908.1.1 (the 25 percent rule): "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," with an exception for roofs built, repaired or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, where only the repaired, replaced or recovered portion must meet the code in effect. No registered local technical amendment changes these sections in Lake Worth Beach.
Sales & use tax
6.5% combined on materials: the 6% Florida state sales and use tax plus Palm Beach County's 0.5% discretionary sales surtax. The Florida Department of Revenue's Form DR-15DSS for calendar year 2026 lists Palm Beach at ".5% Total Surtax Rate": a "New .5% school capital outlay surtax begins 1/1/2026 and expires 12/31/2035," and the "Current 1% local government infrastructure surtax is repealed effective 12/31/2025." Per the Department, the 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." Under Rule 12A-1.051, Florida Administrative Code, "Roofing work" is a real property contract, and "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"; such contractors "should charge no tax to their customers, regardless of whether they itemize charges for materials and labor in their proposals or invoices." The rate is the roofer's cost on materials, repair and replacement alike, not a tax charged to the homeowner.

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The permitting authority for the City of Lake Worth Beach. The City's Building Division "protects the life, health, safety, and welfare of the community by enforcing building codes, issuing permits, and conducting inspections for all construction projects," under the Florida Building Code.

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Sources

Roofing questions: Lake Worth Beach, FL

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Lake Worth Beach, FL?

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Lake Worth Beach, FL. The Building Division's "Permit Exceptions" list names work that needs no permit, including "Gutters and downspouts: Single family/R-3 occupancy," "Soffit and /or Fascia: Repair and replace up to 25% of total" and "Wood Deck: Repair up to 100 square feet of previously permitted deck boards (no framing members)"; it names no roof covering repair or replacement. Section 553.79(1)(g), Florida Statutes (effective July 1, 2026), reads: "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," does not apply to "Work on a property that is partially or entirely located in a flood hazard area" or to "Any electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work," requires "a written request for exemption to the local enforcement agency with a copy of the contract," and provides that "A construction project may not be divided into more than one project for the purpose of evading the requirements of this paragraph." The City's notice of September 7, 2026 states that "the exemption is not automatic. Property owners must request and receive approval from the City before any work begins," that owners must "submit a written exemption request with supporting documentation to the City's Building Division and wait for written approval before starting work," that "Beginning work without an approved exemption request on file may be considered unpermitted work and could result in code enforcement action," and that "An administrative processing fee applies." The Florida Building Code's own relief, Building section 105.2.2, allows "Ordinary minor repairs" without a permit only "with the approval of the building official." Separately, the Florida Building Code's 25 percent rule applies to roof repairs (see the deck and sheathing field).

Is drip edge required in Lake Worth Beach, FL?

Yes. Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), section R905.2.8.5 Drip edge: "Provide drip edge at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Overlap to be a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm). Eave drip edges shall extend 1/2 inch (13 mm) below sheathing and extend back on the roof a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edge shall be installed over the underlayment." It "shall be mechanically fastened a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) on center," with closer spacing where the Vasd is 110 mph or greater. The requirement is written for shingle roofs. No registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9.

Do roofing contractors need a license or registration in Lake Worth Beach, FL?

Yes.

What building code does Lake Worth Beach, FL use?

Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), Residential volume (2021 International Residential Code base), effective December 31, 2023, adopted statewide by the Florida Building Commission under Rule 61G20-1.001, Florida Administrative Code; section 553.73(6), Florida Statutes, provides that the code and each update "is deemed adopted for use statewide without adoptions by local government." City Code section 9-2.1 states that "The City of Lake Worth Beach hereby adopts the Florida Building Code, 2023 Edition, with administrative amendments as set forth in Exhibit A of Ordinance 2024-04" (February 6, 2024); the exhibit "is not set out at length herein, but is on file in the offices of the city," and its text was not read for this record. The rest of the City's building chapter (City Code Chapter 9, read in full) contains no technical amendment to the roofing chapters, and the Florida Building Commission's registry of local technical amendments to the 8th Edition lists none from Lake Worth Beach or Palm Beach County to Residential Chapter 9 or Building Chapter 15. The Building Division states that "The City of Lake Worth Beach follows the latest adopted versions of the Florida Building Code."

Is a mid-roof inspection required in Lake Worth Beach, FL?

Yes. The Florida Building Code, Building, 8th Edition (2023), section 110.3, which Residential section R101.2.1 applies to the Residential code, lists a "Roofing inspection" that "Shall at a minimum include the following building components" listed as dry-in, insulation, roof coverings and flashing; the dry-in inspection is made while the roof is in progress. In Lake Worth Beach, "Required inspections are requested through the City's automated phone line."