Government permit fees
Hillsborough County publishes its current permit fee schedules at hcfl.gov. Ask your contractor to list government fees separately from design and permit-handling charges.
1. Confirm the authority and describe the scope
Start with the authority responsible for your property. Describe the existing surface, proposed paving, excavation, drainage changes and any related structures rather than asking only whether pavers need a permit.
Use the county's [homeowner permit guidance](https://hcfl.gov/residents/property-owners-and-renters/homeowner-permits/permits-for-homeowners) to begin checking requirements. Ask for confirmation before assuming that replacement work or a small patio qualifies for an exemption.
2. Check the driveway connection
Hillsborough County requires a permit for construction in its public right-of-way. Its application guidance includes driveway access and driveway connections. Ask how this applies to your apron, sidewalk crossing or proposed driveway changes. See [right-of-way applications](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/permits-and-records/permits/apply-for-a-right-of-way-row-management-permit).
The county also identifies maintenance and accessibility concerns for decorative pavers in the right-of-way. Discuss the conditions with the contractor before choosing that surface. See the [county right-of-way procedures](https://hcfl.gov/assets/blt235fcdd09f42068a/Utility_Accomodation_Guide_and_ROW_Use_Procedures.pdf).
3. Raise drainage and property constraints early
Ask the permitting authority whether your layout needs review for drainage, impervious coverage, easements, floodplain conditions or protected trees. Point out any proposed change near a swale, waterway or neighboring property.
Bring your available survey or site plan to the discussion. Ask what drawings and supporting information the authority needs for your scope.
4. Include related structures and wind questions
Tell the reviewer if the paving project includes a roofed patio, screen enclosure, raised deck or other structure. Ask which Florida Building Code requirements and wind-design documents apply to those elements.
Do not use an answer about ground-level paving as approval for an attached structure. Have the contractor identify any separate design or permit responsibilities in the written scope.
5. Document responsibility and follow the application
Before signing, ask the contractor to state who submits applications, responds to review comments, requests inspections and supplies closeout records. Discuss HOA requirements separately with your association.
Hillsborough County provides online permitting and inspection resources through [HillsGovHub](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub). You choose and contract with the installer; RG Holdings provides referrals and does not act as your paving contractor.
Questions homeowners ask
Do all paver patios need the same permit?
Do not assume a universal answer. Ask the permitting authority about your location, layout and full scope, including drainage changes and related structures. Confirm the answer before work starts.
Does HOA approval settle the permit question?
Ask the HOA about its requirements and the permitting authority about public approvals. Keep both responses with your project documents, and have the contractor account for applicable requirements.
Can Lithia Paver Quotes obtain my permit?
RG Holdings runs a referral service and does not act as your paving contractor. Agree with the contractor you choose on responsibility for applications, inspections and closeout documents.
How much does permitting cost and how long does it take?
Requirements vary with the project and review. Ask the permitting authority about applicable charges and ask the contractor how approvals affect the proposed schedule. This site does not provide fee or completion estimates.
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