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Permitting Authorities / City of Sebastian - Building Department

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

Adopted code

City of Sebastian - Building Department

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Sebastian, FL, issued by City of Sebastian - Building Department. A re-roof in Sebastian is permit work. The City's Building Code Specialty Permits fee table lists "Residential Roof - All types" at a $165 flat fee, and the City's Re-Roofing Permit Application Addendum (FBC 2023) is "to be provided by roofing contractor or owner/builder on all re-roof applications." The City's re-roofing guide for single-family detached structures sets out the inspections: a Sheathing Inspection after the deck is re-nailed, a "Dry-in/Flashing Inspection" after the underlayment and flashings are installed, a "Roof in Progress Inspection" once "approximately one-third of the roof covering has been installed," and a Final Inspection; "All inspections will be required to be scheduled one day in advance." Applications are made through the City's MyGovernmentOnline (MGO Connect) customer portal or by email. 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). City Code section 26-86 provides that "If any person commences any work before obtaining the necessary permit, he shall be subject to the penalty prescribed in this article." The City's permit exemption page adds that "Florida Statute 713.13 requires any work that is valued more than $5000 to file a Notice of Commencement and have it recorded with the clerk of courts prior to starting the work.".

Roof code checklist: Sebastian, FL

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYescityofsebastian.org2026-10-16
Repair permit thresholdPublishedcityofsebastian.org2026-10-16
Layer limit / roof-overPublishedR908.3codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Deck & sheathingPublishedcityofsebastian.org2026-10-16
Drip edgeYesR905.2.8.5codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Ice & water shieldNoR905.1.2codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-16
Mid-roof inspectionYescityofsebastian.org2026-10-16
Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofingNolibrary.municode.com2026-10-16
Wind design criteriaPublishedlibrary.municode.com2026-10-16
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 Sebastian, Florida
Jurisdiction type
city
Address
1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
Contact
  • url: https://www.cityofsebastian.org/171/Building-Business-Tax
  • phone: 772-589-5537
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"; 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: City Code section 26-165(a) (as amended by Ord. No. O-25-16, December 3, 2025) provides: "No persons shall engage in the business of construction, contracting or sub-contracting as regulated by Florida Statute or this chapter without first being state certified, state registered or locally licensed with a valid certificate of competency issued by the City of Sebastian Building Department." To obtain a certificate, "an applicant shall submit proof of licensure, proof of insurance, proof of business tax receipt," with the fee, and section 26-165(b) sets minimum liability insurance and workers' compensation evidence. Section 26-163(d) provides that the permit official "shall ascertain that the applicant contractor is duly certified before issuing the permit." Section 26-164 carries over the exemptions in sections 163.211 and 489.103, Florida Statutes. The City's re-roofing guide is written for "roofing contractors and owner/builders who qualify for a permit to re-roof their own residence."
Permit process note
A re-roof in Sebastian is permit work. The City's Building Code Specialty Permits fee table lists "Residential Roof - All types" at a $165 flat fee, and the City's Re-Roofing Permit Application Addendum (FBC 2023) is "to be provided by roofing contractor or owner/builder on all re-roof applications." The City's re-roofing guide for single-family detached structures sets out the inspections: a Sheathing Inspection after the deck is re-nailed, a "Dry-in/Flashing Inspection" after the underlayment and flashings are installed, a "Roof in Progress Inspection" once "approximately one-third of the roof covering has been installed," and a Final Inspection; "All inspections will be required to be scheduled one day in advance." Applications are made through the City's MyGovernmentOnline (MGO Connect) customer portal or by email. 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). City Code section 26-86 provides that "If any person commences any work before obtaining the necessary permit, he shall be subject to the penalty prescribed in this article." The City's permit exemption page adds that "Florida Statute 713.13 requires any work that is valued more than $5000 to file a Notice of Commencement and have it recorded with the clerk of courts prior to starting the work."
Inspection requirements
Inspections are scheduled through the City's MGO Connect customer portal one day in advance; remote video inspections are available for certain inspection types. For a re-roof, the City's guide lists a Sheathing Inspection ("the Sheathing inspection can be done in phases"), a Dry-in/Flashing Inspection, a Roof in Progress Inspection and a Final Inspection "after roof is completed and site is clean." For a roof-over, the permit holder must schedule an inspection of the existing roof before the new roof system is installed, "to verify adequacy of existing roof." The Re-roof Inspection Affidavit, signed by a licensed contractor, engineer, architect or building inspector and notarized, is to be provided "to the Jobsite Inspector at the required jobsite inspection." On shingle applications, "the high wind method shall be used requiring 6-nails per shingle."
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 26-31(a) (Ord. No. O-12-08, as amended by Ord. Nos. O-21-05 and O-22-12) adopts the "Florida Building Code, except Chapter 1, Administration" and "Chapter 1 , Model Administrative Code 2020, Building Officials Association of Florida," providing that "the latest editions set forth in the Florida Statutes, as the same may be amended from time to time, shall apply." The City's Ultimate Wind Speeds page states: "The Florida Building Code ( FBC ) 2023 8th Edition effective date is December 31st, 2023." City Code Chapter 26, Buildings and Building Regulations, read in full, contains no roofing technical amendments; section 26-31 sets design wind speeds (see the wind design field). The Model Administrative Code 2020 itself was not read.
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." The requirement is written for shingle roofs. City Code Chapter 26 (read in full) does not amend it. 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." City Code Chapter 26 (read in full) adds no ice barrier. The City's re-roof addendum offers, as one option for the secondary water barrier, "A self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen underlayment complying with ASTM D1970 applied over the entire roof"; it is permitted, not required. About ice & water barrier
Mid-roof inspection
Required — The City's re-roofing guide requires a Sheathing Inspection before the deck is covered ("The existing roof deck fasteners is required to be inspected by the Building Department prior to proceeding to the next step in the roof application"), then: "After the underlayment, and all flashings and roof accessories have been installed, a Dry-in/Flashing Inspection will need to be scheduled," and "A Roof in Progress Inspection is required to be scheduled once approximately one-third of the roof covering has been installed." The City's Re-roof Inspection Affidavit states: "THIS AFFIDAVIT DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE MANDATORY SHEATING INSPECTION" and that it "is in addition to the required inspections to be performed by the City of Sebastian Building Department."
Impact-resistant roofing
Not required — City Code Chapter 26 (read in full, including its code adoption in section 26-31) does not amend 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 Sebastian. 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
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." It 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 page on the exemption states that "the owner or the owner's contractor must fill out the Single-Family Dwelling Exemption Request Form and submit it to the building department for review and approval," with "A copy of the contract showing value of the full scope of work from a licensed contractor" or "Other documentation demonstrating the nature and the value of the work to be performed"; that "Valuation includes reasonable costs for labor even if it is the homeowner's labor and proof of material costs"; that a $45 review fee applies; and that the exemption does not apply to "Any work involving Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing or Gas," to "Property located entirely or partially in a Flood Hazard Area" or to "Properties other than single-family." The City also warns that exempt work "found to be in violation of the applicable laws and codes of the city may be subject to further action, including but not limited to; stop work orders, correction notices, disciplinary hearings which may include daily fines." The City's specialty fee table lists a "Miscellaneous with a Value Under $3000 and Only One Inspection Required" permit at a $75 flat fee. City Code Chapter 26 (read in full) enacts no repair exemption of its own; the City has adopted the Building Officials Association of Florida Model Administrative Code 2020 in place of the Florida Building Code's Chapter 1. Separately, the Florida Building Code's 25 percent rule applies to roof repairs (see the deck and sheathing field).
Wind design criteria
City Code section 26-31(a) (Ord. No. O-12-08, August 22, 2012, as amended by Ord. No. O-21-05, May 12, 2021, and Ord. No. O-22-12, July 13, 2022): "For purposes of determining compliance with the Florida Building Code, the city adopts the following design strength wind speeds," for risk categories I through IV, "as set forth in section 1609 and figures 1609 A, B, C." The section lists "Risk Category I: 150 mph," "Risk Category II: 160 mph" and "Risk Category III and IV: 170 mph." Ordinary houses fall in Risk Category II. The City's Ultimate Wind Speeds page, which names the 2023 8th Edition, repeats the same figures "By City Ordinance Number O-12-08," adding that values from the code's figures "using Exposure B, C, or D will be applicable in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 1609.4 of the FBC."
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." A single re-cover over one existing layer is therefore the most the code allows. City Code Chapter 26 (read in full) states no layer limit of its own and does not amend section R908.3. The City's re-roofing guide agrees: a roof-over "is allowed for a total of two layers of roofing applications," after an inspection of the existing roof.
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. In Sebastian, the City's Re-Roofing Permit Application Addendum (FBC 2023), which applies to "Site Built Single Family Detached Residential Structures built prior to implementation of the Florida Building Code on March 1, 2002," states: "All re-roofs: regardless of value; shall Re-nail sheathing/decking and install a Secondary Water Barrier." Additional fasteners "shall be 8d nails 0.113 in. shank diameter, 16-20 rings per inch," with round heads "spaced at 6 in. o.c. along framing," and the secondary water barrier is one of three listed options. A "Residential Structure valued at $300,000 or more: shall have roof to wall connections enhanced per FEBC 706.8 up to a 15% increase in the cost of the re-roofing," subject to the addendum's exceptions, and "A certified or registered general, building or residential contractor permit application must accompany the re-roof permit application." City Code Chapter 26 does not amend these sections.
Sales & use tax
7% combined: 6% Florida state sales and use tax plus Indian River County's 1% discretionary sales surtax, which the Department of Revenue's Form DR-15DSS for calendar year 2026 lists as effective June 1, 1989, with an expiration date of December 31, 2034. 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 City of Sebastian Building Department, which, with the City's Fire Prevention Office, provides plan review, permitting and inspection of building construction in the City of Sebastian, including residential re-roof permits, under the Florida Building Code and Chapter 26 of the City Code. The building official issues building permits, and the department also issues contractor certificates of competency.

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Roofing questions: Sebastian, FL

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

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Sebastian, FL. 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." It 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 page on the exemption states that "the owner or the owner's contractor must fill out the Single-Family Dwelling Exemption Request Form and submit it to the building department for review and approval," with "A copy of the contract showing value of the full scope of work from a licensed contractor" or "Other documentation demonstrating the nature and the value of the work to be performed"; that "Valuation includes reasonable costs for labor even if it is the homeowner's labor and proof of material costs"; that a $45 review fee applies; and that the exemption does not apply to "Any work involving Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing or Gas," to "Property located entirely or partially in a Flood Hazard Area" or to "Properties other than single-family." The City also warns that exempt work "found to be in violation of the applicable laws and codes of the city may be subject to further action, including but not limited to; stop work orders, correction notices, disciplinary hearings which may include daily fines." The City's specialty fee table lists a "Miscellaneous with a Value Under $3000 and Only One Inspection Required" permit at a $75 flat fee. City Code Chapter 26 (read in full) enacts no repair exemption of its own; the City has adopted the Building Officials Association of Florida Model Administrative Code 2020 in place of the Florida Building Code's Chapter 1. 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 Sebastian, 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." City Code Chapter 26 (read in full) adds no ice barrier. The City's re-roof addendum offers, as one option for the secondary water barrier, "A self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen underlayment complying with ASTM D1970 applied over the entire roof"; it is permitted, not required.

Is drip edge required in Sebastian, 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." The requirement is written for shingle roofs. City Code Chapter 26 (read in full) does not amend it.

Can you roof over an existing roof in Sebastian, 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." A single re-cover over one existing layer is therefore the most the code allows. City Code Chapter 26 (read in full) states no layer limit of its own and does not amend section R908.3. The City's re-roofing guide agrees: a roof-over "is allowed for a total of two layers of roofing applications," after an inspection of the existing roof.

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

Yes.

What building code does Sebastian, 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 26-31(a) (Ord. No. O-12-08, as amended by Ord. Nos. O-21-05 and O-22-12) adopts the "Florida Building Code, except Chapter 1, Administration" and "Chapter 1 , Model Administrative Code 2020, Building Officials Association of Florida," providing that "the latest editions set forth in the Florida Statutes, as the same may be amended from time to time, shall apply." The City's Ultimate Wind Speeds page states: "The Florida Building Code ( FBC ) 2023 8th Edition effective date is December 31st, 2023." City Code Chapter 26, Buildings and Building Regulations, read in full, contains no roofing technical amendments; section 26-31 sets design wind speeds (see the wind design field). The Model Administrative Code 2020 itself was not read.