Florida Condo Renovations: The Association Approval Process
By Unique Building Contractors ·
The short answer
Request the condominium alteration rules before finalizing a remodel. Submit the scope, plans and contractor documents required by your association, resolve questions about shared property, and obtain the relevant written approvals and permits before work starts.
Start with the current alteration package
Ask the manager for the declaration, applicable rules and current renovation application. Create a list of required submissions, decision makers and conditions for starting. Do not assume that a former owner approval or a neighboring unit project applies to yours.
A useful submission describes demolition, floor finishes, utility changes and any proposed openings. Mark the unit number and drawing revision on each document. Ask the manager to confirm receipt and identify missing items so the review does not depend on an incomplete email chain.
Identify work that touches shared property
Florida Statutes 718.113 addresses common-element maintenance and alterations. Before changing a slab, riser, exterior opening or balcony, ask the association to confirm ownership and approval responsibilities from the governing documents.
Use a responsibility table: owner work, association work, design review and access coordination. A kitchen drain relocation is not only a cabinet decision if the route crosses shared construction. Have the appropriate professional review the actual assembly before accepting a layout.
Turn approval into a workable start plan
Separate association approval from government permit issuance. Track both in writing and confirm any remaining conditions. Do not schedule demolition solely because one part of the process is complete.
Before the crew arrives, confirm access, permitted work hours, delivery reservations and required protection. These are building-specific arrangements; request the actual rules instead of relying on generic condo renovation advice. Share the approved work package with the site supervisor and keep revisions controlled.
Your planning checklist
- Obtain the current alteration rules.
- Submit a labeled scope and drawings.
- Resolve common-element responsibilities.
- Confirm approvals, permits and access conditions.
Common questions
Does a building permit replace condo board approval?
No. Government permitting and association authorization address different responsibilities. Confirm both for your project.
Can a condo owner move any interior wall?
Do not assume that interior location makes a wall owner-controlled or nonstructural. Review the documents and construction before deciding.
Official resources
- Florida Statutes 718.113: condominium maintenance and common-element alterations
- Pinellas County: permitting guide
Keep planning
New Home Construction in Tampa: Where to Start