Hillsborough County Permits Guide
Need to check a Tampa-area building permit, inspection result, open permit, parcel record, or old construction file? Hillsborough County uses different official tools depending on the record date, permit type, inspection need, and whether the property is in unincorporated Hillsborough County or inside a city.
Use this guide as a practical search desk before buying, remodeling, hiring a contractor, submitting an application, scheduling inspections, or checking whether previous work was properly closed.
Start with the right record
Hillsborough County permit research is easier when you choose the correct official route first. Current records, older records, inspection results, certificates of occupancy, parcel details, code cases, and city permits may live in different places.
| Need | Use | Search with | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current permit status | HillsGovHub | Address, permit record, parcel or contact details | No login may be needed for status checks, but login helps with active applications |
| Older permit records | Building Permitting Records Search | Record date range, permit number, address or parcel | County separates guidance by 1976–2004, 2005–Jan. 19, 2021, and Jan. 20, 2021–present |
| Inspection history | Inspections page / permit record | Permit number and inspection type | Issued does not mean finaled |
| Parcel or property details | Property Appraiser | Address, owner or parcel information | Use parcel details when address search is weak |
| Code cases | Development Services Records / Code Compliance | Address, parcel, case or violation details | Code cases can exist even when permit search looks clean |
| City permits | City building department | City address, parcel, permit number | Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace may require city portal checks |
For a serious property check, do not stop at one permit search. Check HillsGovHub, older records, parcel details, inspections, code cases, CO records, and city jurisdiction if the property is inside a municipality.
Choose your permit path
Use these cards like a quick desk. Pick the task, then follow the matching section.
Permit status
Search current permits, active applications, invoices, record details and permit updates.
Search permitsOld records
Use date-range guidance for older records, plans, inspection results, EC and CO documents.
Find recordsFinal status
Schedule, verify or review inspections. Check whether permits were actually finaled.
Check inspectionsBuyer check
Check open permits, code compliance, old records, city jurisdiction and property details.
Run checklistSearch permits
Use HillsGovHub for online permit access, permit status checks, record searches, applications and inspection-related tasks.
Open HillsGovHub
HillsGovHub is Hillsborough County’s official Accela Citizen Access portal. It is available online and supports record/application searches across building, enforcement, fire, licenses and related services.
Use the correct search field
Try site address, parcel number, record information, contractor license information, contact information or permit number. Use fewer words if the search fails.
Open the record details
Review permit status, project type, application history, fees, inspection status, holds, contractor details and related documents when available.
If a full street address fails, try fewer address words, remove apartment or unit text, use the parcel number, or check the Property Appraiser first.
Find old records
Hillsborough County gives separate guidance for building permit records by filing date. This matters because older permits, plans, inspections, elevation certificates and CO records may not appear in the same search path.
| Record type | Official guidance | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1976–2004 building permits | Use county record search guidance for older records | Older files may require a different lookup path or record request process |
| 2005–Jan. 19, 2021 permits | Use the mid-range county record search route | These may not follow the same process as current HillsGovHub records |
| Jan. 20, 2021–present permits | Use newer online record guidance | Current records are more likely to be found through modern online systems |
| Elevation Certificates | County gives date-based EC search guidance | Important for flood, insurance and property due diligence |
| Certificates of Occupancy | County gives CO search guidance by issue date | Useful for occupancy, completed work and commercial property checks |
Open the records search page
Use this page when you need permit applications, building/site plans, permit placards, inspection results, elevation certificates or certificates of occupancy.
Match the record date
Before searching, estimate when the permit or certificate was filed. The correct search process depends on whether the record is older, mid-range or current.
For older additions, roofs, garage conversions, pools and commercial remodels, ask for both permit status and plan/inspection records when possible. Permit existence alone may not prove final approval.
Find the parcel
Parcel details are useful when address search fails or when a property has unit numbers, old street names, rural-style addresses or multiple structures.
Use the Property Appraiser
Search by address, owner or property details. Confirm that the parcel matches the correct property before using it in permit searches.
Use parcel details in permit research
After finding the parcel, return to HillsGovHub or county records tools and search with parcel information if address search is incomplete.
For condominiums, townhomes and multi-building parcels, search both the unit-level property and the broader building or parcel record when the project may have been permitted at a master-property level.
Check inspections
A permit is not truly complete until required inspections are approved. Hillsborough County notes that after receiving a building permit, one or more inspections are required. Some inspections may be virtual, but most are completed in person.
| Task | Need | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule inspection | Permit number and inspection type | Required to move work toward completion |
| Check inspection history | Permit number or record details | Shows pass, fail, pending or reinspection information |
| Virtual inspection | Eligible inspection type and official instructions | Some inspections can be completed online |
| Contact inspector | Trade type and permit details | Useful for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and gas inspection questions |
Open inspections page
Use this page for inspection scheduling, virtual inspections, inspector contacts and inspection-related help.
Check final approval
Look beyond the permit issue date. Search for final inspections, failed inspections, cancelled inspections, holds and outstanding requirements.
For roofs, electrical panels, pools, additions, windows, HVAC, plumbing and garage conversions, final inspection status is more important than seeing that a permit was opened.
Before applying
Hillsborough County says building permitting, fire alarm and tree removal applications must be submitted through HillsGovHub. Prepare the property and project details before starting.
| Prepare | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Property address and parcel | Confirms the correct property and jurisdiction |
| Owner and contractor details | Needed for permit responsibility and contractor checks |
| Project scope | Helps determine building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, tree or fire permit needs |
| Plans and forms | Incomplete documents can delay review |
| Notice of Commencement when applicable | Important for qualifying construction projects and property improvements |
Open Building Permits and Records
This is the official county hub for applications, permit status, contractor license information, fees, codes, office locations and submittal instructions.
Check applications and forms
Use the official forms page for building and subtrade forms, contractor licensing, fire marshal and natural resources forms.
Do not begin a permit application until you confirm whether the property is in unincorporated Hillsborough County or inside a city. Wrong jurisdiction can waste time before review even starts.
Homeowner permits
Hillsborough County has homeowner-focused permit guidance. Most construction requires approval and permits from Building Services, but some work may be exempt. Always check the official exemption and homeowner permit guidance before starting work.
Common projects
Roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, additions, pools, structural work, windows and major remodels may require permits.
Small work
Some work may be exempt, but exemption rules should be verified before work begins.
Hire carefully
Check contractor license details and permit responsibility before signing or paying.
Do not guess
Unpermitted work can create resale, insurance and code compliance problems.
Open homeowner permit guidance
Use the county’s homeowner permit page for permit categories, contractor selection guidance, tree resources and work exempt from permit rules.
Check code cases
Permit search does not always show code problems. Hillsborough County’s Development Services Records page includes code compliance record guidance for reported cases of possible code violations and investigation results.
Open Development Services Records
Use this page to access building permitting records search and code compliance records search guidance.
Pay close attention to roofs, additions, garage conversions, electrical panels, HVAC, pools, sheds, fences, docks, drainage work, tree removal and commercial build-outs. These can create permit or code problems if not handled correctly.
County or city?
This is the most important local warning. Hillsborough County Development Services provides building and inspection services for unincorporated Hillsborough County. Properties inside Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace or another municipal permitting area may require city records too.
Confirm jurisdiction
Use the property address and Property Appraiser information first. Do not assume that a Tampa mailing address means the permit is handled by Hillsborough County.
Search city portals when needed
If the property is inside a municipality, search the city building department records in addition to county records, especially for older work, open permits, CO records and code cases.
For Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace properties, city records may be essential. For unincorporated areas, Hillsborough County Development Services is usually the main permitting route.
Buyer checklist
Use this before closing, refinancing, remodeling, legalizing work, switching contractors or checking old improvements.
| Step | Check | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Current permit records | Find visible permit activity in HillsGovHub |
| 2 | Older permit records | Catch records before the current portal period |
| 3 | Parcel details | Confirm property identity and jurisdiction |
| 4 | Inspection history | Issued permit does not always mean finaled permit |
| 5 | CO and elevation records | Useful for occupancy, flood and insurance research |
| 6 | Code compliance records | Find reported cases and investigation results |
| 7 | City permit records | Needed when property is inside Tampa, Plant City or Temple Terrace |
Do extra checks for roof replacements, impact windows, electrical panels, HVAC, pools, garage conversions, additions, sheds, fences, drainage work, tree removal and commercial interior changes.
Office and phones
Call or visit only after you know the address, parcel, permit number, record date range or exact task. Always verify the current office floor and service availability before visiting County Center.
| Item | Official detail to verify |
|---|---|
| Development Services / County Center | 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Development Services assistance | 813-272-5600 |
| Tech Center hours | County page lists Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; verify current location/floor before visiting |
| Best before calling | Address, parcel, permit number, record date, application number or inspection type |
Official links
Only directly useful official resources are included.
Important notice
CountyPermitSearch.org is an independent guide, not the official Hillsborough County website.
Only the official building department, plan reviewer, inspector, code compliance staff or city/county permit office can confirm whether a permit is required, complete, legal, finaled or approved.
Do not submit applications, payments, plans, IDs, owner documents or contractor documents to an independent guide page. Use official government portals only.
FAQs
How do I search Hillsborough County permits online?
Use HillsGovHub or the county Building Permitting Records Search page. Search by address, parcel, permit number, record information, contractor details or contact information where available.
What is HillsGovHub used for?
HillsGovHub is the county’s online Accela portal for permit records, applications, status checks, invoices, inspections and related Development Services tasks.
How do I find old Hillsborough County permit records?
Use the Building Permitting Records Search page. Hillsborough County separates record search guidance by filing periods, including 1976–2004, 2005–January 19, 2021 and January 20, 2021–present.
How do I check inspection history?
Use HillsGovHub, the county inspection pages or the permit record tools. Prepare the permit number, address, parcel and inspection type before searching.
Can inspections be virtual?
Some Hillsborough County inspections can be completed virtually, but most inspections must be completed in person. Check the county Virtual Inspections page for eligible inspection guidance.
Where is Hillsborough County Development Services?
Development Services is associated with County Center at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602. Check the official Permit Office Location page before visiting because Tech Center location and floor details can change.
What is the Hillsborough County permit phone number?
Hillsborough County lists Development Services assistance at 813-272-5600 on official permitting pages.
Do Hillsborough County permits include Tampa city permits?
Not always. Hillsborough County Development Services mainly handles unincorporated Hillsborough County. If the property is inside Tampa, Plant City or Temple Terrace, city permit records may also need to be searched.
How do I know if homeowner work needs a permit?
Use the official Homeowner Permits and Work Exempt from Permits guidance. Do not guess, because unpermitted work can create resale, insurance and code compliance problems.
What should buyers check before closing?
Buyers should check current permits, older records, parcel details, inspection final status, CO records, elevation certificates, code compliance cases and city records where applicable.