Concrete slabs
Concrete is forever, so the work that happens before the truck arrives is the job: layout against your setbacks, the right thickness and steel for what will sit on it, and the inspections that have to pass before the pour.
Occupied or vacant homes This is exterior work, so it is fine while you live in the home.
What's included
- Layout against your survey and setbacks
- Forming, base and reinforcement for the intended use
- Termite pre-treatment arranged before the pour where required
- Pre-pour inspection where the building department requires one
- Pour, finish and cleanup
The permit, in general
Permit: Yes if structural or under a future enclosure/room; flatwork often permit-free or zoning-only (confirm locally)
- Zoning
- Setbacks / impervious surface
- Usually needed
- Survey or plot plan with setbacks · Sealed slab/footing plan if structural · Notice of Commencement (generally over $2,500; a copy is due to the building department before the first inspection over $5,000)
- Inspections
- Footing / slab pre-pour (steel, vapor barrier, termite treatment certificate) · Final
General Florida Building Code practice, not your building department's answer: the building department decides. Your city or the county may publish a different list. Check your address for its published checklist and sources.
Questions people ask
Does a patio slab need a permit?
It depends on what it is for and where you live. A slab that will carry a structure or a future room is treated differently from plain flatwork. The permit guide shows what is likely for your address.
I might screen it in later. Does that matter now?
Yes. If an enclosure or roof may go on it later, the slab and footings should be designed for that now. It is far cheaper than cutting it out later.
What about drainage?
New concrete changes where water goes. We look at the slope of your yard and where your downspouts empty before we set the grade.
What helps us price it
None of it is required to start. Anything you can send saves a round of questions.
- Photos of the area
- Rough length and width
- What will sit on it (furniture, a future enclosure, a shed, equipment)
- Your survey, if you have it