Screen Enclosure Permit Cost
in Florida — Full Breakdown

The Two Costs Most Homeowners Don’t Separate

When a contractor quotes a “permit cost,” they almost always mean the county building permit fee only — not the engineering drawings that the county requires before they’ll accept the application. These are two separate expenses paid to two separate parties:

Detailed Cost Table — Screen Enclosure Permit in Florida

What Affects the Engineering Fee?

1. Location — HVHZ vs. Standard Florida Counties

Miami-Dade and Broward counties are High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) jurisdictions. Engineering for HVHZ projects is more complex because every product must carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and the drawings must meet stricter format requirements. Expect to pay $500–$1,000 more for HVHZ work compared to a similar project in Orange or Hillsborough County.

2. Whether the Enclosure Includes a Pool

A screen enclosure over an existing pool requires the engineer to verify that the enclosure structure does not add loads to the pool shell. The pool deck attachment, drainage around footings, and clearance from the waterline all require additional design attention — adding roughly $200–$400 to the engineering fee.

3. Size and Complexity

A simple rectangular 10×20 enclosure costs less to engineer than an L-shaped 40×30 enclosure with varying heights. More frames, more load paths, more detail sheets — the fee scales with the complexity of the drawings.

4. Existing Structure Attachment Details

If the enclosure attaches to an older home without available structural drawings, the engineer must design the attachment conservatively and may need to call for a site visit to verify the existing wall construction. This adds time and cost.

County Permit Fees — What Counties Actually Charge

Permit fees in Florida are set by ordinance and typically calculated as a percentage of project value or a flat fee per square foot. Here are approximate ranges for major Florida counties:

Is an Unpermitted Screen Enclosure Worth the Risk?

In a word — no. The engineering fee may feel like an unwanted line item, but consider the alternative:

• Fines: $250–$5,000 per violation, plus stop-work orders
• Double permit fees when you apply after the fact
• Required demolition if the county decides the structure cannot be permitted as-built
• Insurance denial for storm damage to an unpermitted structure
• Title defect that can block a home sale or refinancing

An engineering package that costs $1,500 today protects a structure you’re spending $15,000–$40,000 to build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pull the screen enclosure permit myself as a homeowner?

In Florida, homeowners can pull permits for their primary residence without a contractor license in most counties — this is the “owner-builder” exemption. However, you still need PE-stamped engineering drawings. The engineer prepares and stamps the drawings; you submit them to the building department and manage the inspection process yourself. This can save you the contractor’s permit markup, but it puts you responsible for scheduling inspections and ensuring the work is done correctly.

Does the engineer come to the job site?

For most standard screen enclosures, a site visit is not required. The homeowner provides dimensions, photos, and a site plan — the engineer designs remotely and prepares permit drawings without visiting the property. This is how Franca Engineering operates for all standard projects.

How long does the permit process take?

Engineering package: 5–7 business days from approval. County review: 10–21 business days. Comment response (if needed): 3–5 business days plus another review cycle. Total: typically 4–8 weeks from first contact to permit issuance.