Quick answer: In most cases, yes. Most Florida cities and counties, including Brevard County, require a building permit to replace a garage door. The new door must have Florida product approval and meet the wind-load requirements of the Florida Building Code for your property, and it must be installed exactly as its approval specifies. A licensed garage door contractor typically pulls the permit and handles the paperwork for you.

Replacing a garage door in Florida involves more than picking a style and scheduling installation. Because garage doors play a big role in protecting your home during hurricanes, Florida regulates them closely.

Here's what homeowners need to know about permits, product approvals and wind requirements.

Why Do Garage Doors Need a Permit in Florida?

Garage doors are one of the largest openings in your home, and if one fails in a hurricane, wind can rush inside and cause major structural damage.

When a garage door blows in, the pressure inside the home can build quickly and put the roof and walls at risk. That's why the Florida Building Code sets strict requirements for how garage doors perform in high winds, and why most local building departments require a permit and inspection when one is replaced.

Does Brevard County Require a Permit for Garage Door Replacement?

Yes. Brevard County requires a permit to replace a garage door on a single-family or two-family home.

Cities within the county, such as Rockledge, have their own building departments and requirements, which typically include a copy of the door's Florida product approval and installation instructions. Indian River and St. Lucie counties and their cities have their own permitting rules as well. Always check with the building department that covers your address, or let your contractor handle it.

Who Pulls the Permit?

Usually your garage door contractor.

Licensed contractors, including garage door contractors, can apply for these permits. Homeowners can sometimes pull their own permit as an "owner-builder," but that makes them responsible for meeting every code requirement themselves. Hiring a licensed installer who handles the permit for you is the simplest route. [Confirm: Paradise pulls permits for all replacements.]

Are the Requirements the Same Everywhere in Florida?

No. Requirements depend on your home's location, wind zone, local building department and the current code.

A home on the beach may need a stronger door than one farther inland. Miami-Dade and Broward counties fall within Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone and have their own stricter approval system. That's why advice from someone in another county, or an old online forum post, may not apply to your home.

What Is Florida Product Approval?

Florida product approval confirms that a specific garage door has been tested and approved to meet the Florida Building Code.

Each approved door has an approval number, often called an "FL number," with documents that spell out:

• The wind pressures the door is rated for
• Approved sizes and configurations
• Exactly how it must be installed
• Any limitations

The door you buy, and how it's installed, has to match what your project requires.

What Is a Wind-Load Rating?

A wind-load rating (also called design pressure) shows how much wind pressure a garage door is built to withstand.

The rating your door needs depends on where your home is and how exposed it is to wind. You can usually find it on a label on the inside of the door or on the track. [Link: hurricane-rated garage doors page]

Is Wind-Rated the Same as Impact-Rated?

No. They're related but not the same.

• Wind-rated means the door can handle a certain amount of wind pressure.
• Impact-rated means the door has also been tested to withstand being hit by flying debris.

Whether your home needs an impact-rated door depends on your location and local requirements. If your door has windows, the glass must also be part of the door's approved configuration.

Why Does Professional Installation Matter?

Even an approved door only performs as rated if it's installed exactly as its approval requires.

The right hardware, fasteners, reinforcement and mounting are all part of what makes a door hold up in a storm. The permit inspection is there to confirm the installation was done correctly.

What Happens If You Replace a Garage Door Without a Permit?

Unpermitted work can cause problems when you sell your home, file an insurance claim or face a code violation.

Buyers, inspectors and insurance companies may question work that wasn't permitted, and you may be required to correct it. It's much easier to get it done right the first time.

Florida Garage Door Permit Quick Guide

QuestionShort answerDo I need a permit?In most Florida cities and counties, yes, including Brevard CountyWho pulls it?Usually your licensed garage door contractorWhat's required?Typically the door's Florida product approval and installation instructionsDoes every home have the same requirements?No. It depends on location, wind zone and local rulesIs wind-rated the same as impact-rated?No. Requirements depend on your home and locationIs there an inspection?Yes, to confirm the door was installed correctly

Garage Door Replacement in Brevard, Indian River and St. Lucie Counties

Paradise Garage Doors has served Florida homeowners since 1996, providing professional garage door replacement throughout the Space Coast and Treasure Coast, including Merritt Island, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Vero Beach, and Port St, Lucie. We'll help you choose a door that meets your home's requirements [and handle the permit for you].

Planning a new garage door? Schedule your free estimate or call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to replace my garage door in Florida?
In most cases, yes. Most Florida cities and counties, including Brevard County, require a permit for garage door replacement.

Who is responsible for getting the garage door permit?
Typically your licensed garage door contractor pulls the permit. Confirm it's included in your quote.

What is a Florida product approval number?
It's a number showing a garage door has been tested and approved to meet the Florida Building Code. It comes with documents listing the door's wind rating and required installation.

Do I need a hurricane-rated garage door in Florida?
Replacement doors must meet the wind-load requirements for your property. Whether you need an impact-rated door depends on your location and local rules.

How do I find my garage door's wind rating?
Look for a label on the inside of the door or on the track. It usually lists the product approval number and design pressure.

What happens if I replace a garage door without a permit?
Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home, filing an insurance claim or during a code inspection, and you may have to correct it.