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Permitting Authorities / City of Riviera Beach - Building Division

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

Adopted code

City of Riviera Beach - Building Division

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Riviera Beach, FL, issued by City of Riviera Beach - Building Division. Re-roofing in Riviera Beach is permit work. City Code section 22-34(a) states: "No construction of any type shall be commenced until the building division and any other appropriate agency with jurisdiction issues all required permits. Any person who commences construction without all required permits shall be subject to code enforcement proceedings." The City's administrative amendments to Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code, adopted by City Code section 22-31(b), require 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), and their only general building exemption is for "replacement or repair work having a value of less than $1,000.00" (section 105.2), which a full re-roof exceeds. "Reroofs (as determined by local jurisdiction)" are exempt from plans examination only. State law also 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). Permits are filed through the City's Permits & Zoning Portal, and fees follow the City's valuation-based building permit fee schedule (Resolution 14-24, effective February 1, 2024). The same amendments charge a double fee where permits for emergency work are not applied for within three business days, and the payment of a double fee "shall not preclude or be deemed a substitute for prosecution for commencing work without first obtaining a permit.".

Roof code checklist: Riviera Beach, FL

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYesRiviera_Beach_Amendments_to_Chapt...2026-10-16
Repair permit thresholdPublishedRiviera_Beach_Amendments_to_Chapt...2026-10-16
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. 110.3Riviera_Beach_Amendments_to_Chapt...2026-10-16
Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofingNoRiviera_Beach_Amendments_to_Chapt...2026-10-16
Wind design criteriaNot published
Adopted codePublishedSec. 553.73(6)rivierabch.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 Riviera Beach, Florida
Jurisdiction type
city
Address
600 West Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Contact
  • url: https://www.rivierabch.com/government/development/building
  • phone: 561-845-4020
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," and 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"; this record does not decide whether a particular reader falls within it.
  • city_level: The Development Services Department states that it ensures construction work "is performed by qualified and licensed contractors." The City's building permit fee schedule (Resolution 14-24) carries change-of- contractor fees for primary permits and sub-permits. A City business tax receipt is a general business tax, not a contractor credential.
Permit process note
Re-roofing in Riviera Beach is permit work. City Code section 22-34(a) states: "No construction of any type shall be commenced until the building division and any other appropriate agency with jurisdiction issues all required permits. Any person who commences construction without all required permits shall be subject to code enforcement proceedings." The City's administrative amendments to Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code, adopted by City Code section 22-31(b), require 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), and their only general building exemption is for "replacement or repair work having a value of less than $1,000.00" (section 105.2), which a full re-roof exceeds. "Reroofs (as determined by local jurisdiction)" are exempt from plans examination only. State law also 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). Permits are filed through the City's Permits & Zoning Portal, and fees follow the City's valuation-based building permit fee schedule (Resolution 14-24, effective February 1, 2024). The same amendments charge a double fee where permits for emergency work are not applied for within three business days, and the payment of a double fee "shall not preclude or be deemed a substitute for prosecution for commencing work without first obtaining a permit."
Inspection requirements
Inspections are scheduled Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and "Inspections can now be scheduled up to three business days in advance." Under section 110.3 of the City's Chapter 1 amendments, roofing is inspected in at least two inspections covering dry-in, insulation, roof coverings (including in progress as necessary), insulation on roof deck, flashing and sheathing; a notarized roofing contractor's affidavit for re-roof sheathing fasteners may be accepted at the building official's discretion.
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." Riviera Beach City Code section 22-31(a) incorporates "The Florida Building Code, as adopted by the state legislature," as the City's building code, and section 22-31(b) (Ord. No. 4162, March 3, 2021) adopts the "Riviera Beach Amendments to the Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020)" as recommended by the Palm Beach County Building Code Advisory Board. That amendment document, published on the City's Codes & Regulations page, amends Chapter 1 (Scope and Administration) only and contains no technical amendment to the roofing provisions; it still carries the 7th Edition (2020) title. City Code Chapter 22 (Buildings and Building Regulations), read in full, contains no other building code amendment, and the Florida Building Commission's registry of local technical amendments to the 2023 code lists none from Riviera Beach.
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. Riviera Beach's building chapter (City Code Chapter 22, read in full) and its Chapter 1 amendments do 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." Riviera Beach's building chapter (City Code Chapter 22, read in full) and its Chapter 1 amendments add no ice barrier, and no registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9. A self-adhering ASTM D1970 underlayment remains one of the permitted underlayment methods; it is not prohibited. About ice & water barrier
Mid-roof inspection
Required — Riviera Beach's amendments to Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code (section 110.3, Required inspections) list: "Roofing inspection. Shall at a minimum be made in at least two inspections and include the following building components," listed as dry-in, insulation, "Roof coverings (including In Progress as necessary)," insulation on roof deck, flashing and sheathing, and provide for a "Re-Roof sheathing inspection. An affidavit with a notarized signature of a state or locally licensed roofing contractor for the installation of additional sheathing fasteners as required by the Existing Building Code may be accepted at the discretion of the building official." The same section states that "The building official shall determine the timing and sequencing of when inspections occur and what elements are inspected at each inspection."
Impact-resistant roofing
Not required — Neither Riviera Beach's building chapter (City Code Chapter 22, read in full) nor its amendments to Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code (read in full) amends the roofing chapters, and the Florida Building Commission's registry lists no Riviera Beach technical amendment to the 2023 code; 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 Riviera Beach. The "impact-resistant coverings" named in the City's permit section are storm protection for openings, not roof coverings, and Florida's shingle classes under the Residential code are wind ratings, not impact ratings.
Repair permit threshold
Riviera Beach's amendments to Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code (section 105.2): "As determined by the building official, permits shall not be required for the following: Building: 1. Building permits are not required for replacement or repair work having a value of less than $1,000.00, providing, however, that such work will not adversely affect the structural integrity, fire rating, exit access or egress requirements." Section 105.2.2 adds: "Ordinary minor repairs may be made with the approval of the building official without a permit." 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 for roof repairs applies (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. Riviera Beach's building chapter (City Code Chapter 22, read in full) and its Chapter 1 amendments state no layer limit of their own and do 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." 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. Riviera Beach's Chapter 1 amendments list sheathing among the components of the roofing inspection and allow a notarized roofing contractor's affidavit for re-roof sheathing fasteners "as required by the Existing Building Code" at the building official's discretion. The City's building chapter does not amend these sections.
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 Building Division of the City of Riviera Beach's Development Services Department. It enforces construction-related codes, reviews development plans and handles building permit issues, issues certificates of occupancy and performs building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections, with permits filed through the City's online Permits & Zoning Portal.

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Sources

Roofing questions: Riviera Beach, FL

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

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Riviera Beach, FL. Riviera Beach's amendments to Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code (section 105.2): "As determined by the building official, permits shall not be required for the following: Building: 1. Building permits are not required for replacement or repair work having a value of less than $1,000.00, providing, however, that such work will not adversely affect the structural integrity, fire rating, exit access or egress requirements." Section 105.2.2 adds: "Ordinary minor repairs may be made with the approval of the building official without a permit." 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 for roof repairs applies (see the deck and sheathing field).

Is ice & water shield required in Riviera Beach, FL?

No. Not required. The Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023) reads "R905.1.2 Ice barriers. Reserved." Riviera Beach's building chapter (City Code Chapter 22, read in full) and its Chapter 1 amendments add no ice barrier, and no registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9. A self-adhering ASTM D1970 underlayment remains one of the permitted underlayment methods; it is not prohibited.

Is drip edge required in Riviera 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. Riviera Beach's building chapter (City Code Chapter 22, read in full) and its Chapter 1 amendments do not amend it, and no registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9.

Can you roof over an existing roof in Riviera Beach, 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. Riviera Beach's building chapter (City Code Chapter 22, read in full) and its Chapter 1 amendments state no layer limit of their own and do not amend section R908.3, and no registered local amendment reaches Residential Chapter 9.

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

Yes.

What building code does Riviera 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." Riviera Beach City Code section 22-31(a) incorporates "The Florida Building Code, as adopted by the state legislature," as the City's building code, and section 22-31(b) (Ord. No. 4162, March 3, 2021) adopts the "Riviera Beach Amendments to the Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020)" as recommended by the Palm Beach County Building Code Advisory Board. That amendment document, published on the City's Codes & Regulations page, amends Chapter 1 (Scope and Administration) only and contains no technical amendment to the roofing provisions; it still carries the 7th Edition (2020) title. City Code Chapter 22 (Buildings and Building Regulations), read in full, contains no other building code amendment, and the Florida Building Commission's registry of local technical amendments to the 2023 code lists none from Riviera Beach.