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Permitting Authorities / City of Panama City - Building Services Division

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Panama City, FL?

Adopted code

City of Panama City - Building Services Division

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Panama City, FL, issued by City of Panama City - Building Services Division. Re-roofing in Panama City is permit work. The City's Permits, Inspections and Certificates page states that "Permits must be issued before a project begins," including "installations or alterations of building systems such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, roofing, irrigation, and insulation," and that "It is the owner's or the owner's authorized agent's responsibility to ensure that all required permits are issued prior to the start of any work." The City's Permit Fee Schedule and Valuation Guide (updated September 23, 2026, rates set by City Commission Resolution No. 20241008.7) lists a "Residential roof / re-roof" permit at a "$40 flat" fee for one- and two-family homes, plus the state surcharges under sections 553.721 and 468.631, Florida Statutes, and charges a "Double fee" for work started before a permit where a permit was required. All plans, documents and applications "are to be submitted online" through Cloudpermit; "Hard copies and emailed plans will not be accepted." A completed reroof receives a certificate of completion: the City issues one "when a certificate of occupancy is not applicable, such as when a reroof or building system alteration has been completed and found to be in compliance." A permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 6 months of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 6 months. 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). The City states: "If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact the Building Services Division for more details.".

Roof code checklist: Panama City, FL

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYespanamacity.gov2026-10-16
Repair permit thresholdPublishedpanamacity.gov2026-10-16
Layer limit / roof-overPublishedR908.3codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Deck & sheathingPublishedcodes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Drip edgeYesR905.2.8.5codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Ice & water shieldNoR905.1.2codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Mid-roof inspectionYesSec. 110.3codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofingNolibrary.municode.com2026-10-16
Wind design criteriaNot published
Adopted codePublishedSec. 553.73(6)panamacity.gov2026-10-16
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 Panama City, Florida
Jurisdiction type
city
Address
501 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL 32401
Contact
  • url: https://www.panamacity.gov/793/Building-Services
  • phone: 850-872-3025
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: City Code section 6-3 requires all contractors and subcontractors registered or certified under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, "to provide a certificate of liability insurance with the City of Panama City listed as a certificate holder." The City's 2026 fee schedule lists "State-certified contractor registration / Cloudpermit profile" at $0 and states that "Contractors provide current licensing and required insurance information. Any lawfully required local business tax receipt is separate from Building Services registration." The City's Laws and Helpful Tips page lists Roofing among the construction trades that "the State of Florida requires" to be licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Owners building under the owner-builder exemption sign the City's Owner-Builder Permit Disclosure Statement, which states that "as the owner-builder, I must provide direct, onsite supervision of the construction."
Permit process note
Re-roofing in Panama City is permit work. The City's Permits, Inspections and Certificates page states that "Permits must be issued before a project begins," including "installations or alterations of building systems such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, roofing, irrigation, and insulation," and that "It is the owner's or the owner's authorized agent's responsibility to ensure that all required permits are issued prior to the start of any work." The City's Permit Fee Schedule and Valuation Guide (updated September 23, 2026, rates set by City Commission Resolution No. 20241008.7) lists a "Residential roof / re-roof" permit at a "$40 flat" fee for one- and two-family homes, plus the state surcharges under sections 553.721 and 468.631, Florida Statutes, and charges a "Double fee" for work started before a permit where a permit was required. All plans, documents and applications "are to be submitted online" through Cloudpermit; "Hard copies and emailed plans will not be accepted." A completed reroof receives a certificate of completion: the City issues one "when a certificate of occupancy is not applicable, such as when a reroof or building system alteration has been completed and found to be in compliance." A permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 6 months of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 6 months. 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). The City states: "If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact the Building Services Division for more details."
Inspection requirements
Inspections are scheduled online through Cloudpermit. The City states that "Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection," that a valid copy of the permit "shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project, preferably posted facing the addressing street," and that a certificate of completion is issued when a reroof "has been completed and found to be in compliance." The City's 2026 fee schedule lists a $50 reinspection fee and a $50 fee for failure to call for inspection.
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." The City's Building Process page states that "The current state adopted codes are the 2023 Florida Building Code, (8th Edition)," including the building, residential and existing building volumes. The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Building and Fire Safety Standards, read in full) creates the inspections department and sets contractor and insurance rules but contains no technical amendment to the Florida Building Code, and the Florida Building Commission's registry of local technical amendments to the 8th Edition lists none from Panama City or Bay County.
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. The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, read in full) does not amend it, and no registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9. About drip edge
Ice & water shield
Not required — Not required. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023) reads "R905.1.2 Ice barriers. Reserved." and, for asphalt shingles, "R905.2.7 Ice barrier. Reserved." Neither the City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, read in full) nor any registered local amendment adds an ice barrier. A self-adhering ASTM D1970 underlayment remains one of the permitted underlayment methods under section R905.1.1.1; it is not prohibited. About ice & water barrier
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. The City's permit page states that "Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection. Such construction or work shall remain exposed and provided with access for inspection purposes until approved."
Impact-resistant roofing
Not required — The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Building and Fire Safety Standards, read in full) makes no technical amendment to the Florida Building Code, and the Florida Building Commission's registry lists no Panama City or Bay County technical amendment to the roofing chapters; no UL 2218 or Class 4 impact requirement appears in the Florida Building Code, Residential Chapter 9, Building Chapter 15 or Existing Building Chapter 7 as they apply in Panama City. Florida's shingle classes under section R905.2.6.1 (ASTM D3161, TAS 107, ASTM D7158) are wind ratings, not impact ratings.
Repair permit threshold
The City publishes no roof-repair size or dollar line below which a permit is not needed; its permit page lists roofing among the building systems whose installation or alteration needs a permit, and states that the list "is not a complete list of items that may require a permit." The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Building and Fire Safety Standards, read in full) contains no permit exemption. 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." 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." Separately, the Florida Building Code's 25 percent rule applies to roof repairs (see the deck and sheathing field).
Roof layer limit / recover
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 to be used for attachment and the securement provisions cannot be met. A single re-cover over one existing layer is therefore the most the code allows. The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, read in full) states no layer limit of its own and does not amend section R908.3, and no registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9.
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. The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, read in full) does not amend these sections.
Sales & use tax
7% combined on materials: the 6% Florida state sales and use tax plus Bay County's 1% discretionary sales surtax, made up of two 0.5% levies, one effective January 1, 2011 with an expiration date of December 31, 2030 and one effective January 1, 2017 with an expiration date of December 31, 2036 (Florida Department of Revenue Form DR-15DSS for calendar year 2026). 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 Panama City. The Building Services Division of the City's Development Services Department "continues to enforce the Florida Building Code by reviewing plans, issuing permits for construction and building systems, performing inspections, and granting Certificates of Occupancy once all requirements are met," with permit applications and inspection requests handled online through Cloudpermit.

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Sources

Roofing questions: Panama City, FL

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Panama City, FL?

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Panama City, FL. The City publishes no roof-repair size or dollar line below which a permit is not needed; its permit page lists roofing among the building systems whose installation or alteration needs a permit, and states that the list "is not a complete list of items that may require a permit." The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Building and Fire Safety Standards, read in full) contains no permit exemption. 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." 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." Separately, the Florida Building Code's 25 percent rule applies to roof repairs (see the deck and sheathing field).

Is ice & water shield required in Panama City, FL?

No. Not required. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023) reads "R905.1.2 Ice barriers. Reserved." and, for asphalt shingles, "R905.2.7 Ice barrier. Reserved." Neither the City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, read in full) nor any registered local amendment adds an ice barrier. A self-adhering ASTM D1970 underlayment remains one of the permitted underlayment methods under section R905.1.1.1; it is not prohibited.

Is drip edge required in Panama City, 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. The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, read in full) does not amend it, and no registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9.

Can you roof over an existing roof in Panama City, FL?

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 to be used for attachment and the securement provisions cannot be met. A single re-cover over one existing layer is therefore the most the code allows. The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, read in full) states no layer limit of its own and does not amend section R908.3, and no registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9.

Do roofing contractors need a license or registration in Panama City, FL?

Yes.

What building code does Panama City, 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." The City's Building Process page states that "The current state adopted codes are the 2023 Florida Building Code, (8th Edition)," including the building, residential and existing building volumes. The City's building chapter (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Building and Fire Safety Standards, read in full) creates the inspections department and sets contractor and insurance rules but contains no technical amendment to the Florida Building Code, and the Florida Building Commission's registry of local technical amendments to the 8th Edition lists none from Panama City or Bay County.