Expired or Open Permits
Can an open building permit delay, or even worse, prevent a transaction from occurring?
The short answer is, “Yes.” Traditional sales oftentimes require a municipal lien search, which will include searches for code liens, utility liens, special assessments, and open or expired building permits. The commonly used Florida FAR-BAR As-Is contract does NOT require a Buyer to proceed with the transaction in the event that an open permit is discovered, contrary to what the “As-Is” language may imply.
In order to bring the property into compliance, the property must go through the same inspection requirements that building scope of the building permit includes. This will vary depending on the type of work being performed, and also require additional steps (and potentially, additional work to be performed), especially if the permit is expired.
We have worked with numerous homeowners that have encountered this dilemma. In many cases, we will agree to purchase the property for cash and assume the permits ourselves. We have experience working with various building departments including the City of St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the City of Tampa, and remedying the situation following the sale.
If you or someone you know has a property that they would like to sell fast, but an open or expired building permit is preventing them from doing so, contact us today! We buy houses in St Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Gulfport, Largo, Tampa, Palmetto, Sarasota, Manatee, Pasco, Hudson, Port Richey, New Port Richey, and more! Sell as-is — including the permits!
