Single Family

Single Family Garage Fill In (Conditioned Space)

Convert an existing unconditioned garage to conditioned living space. Use Attached or Detached Garage for new garage construction.

Last updated: Sep 29, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Construction Plans
    Construction drawings showing garage fill-in layout, framing, and HVAC integration. Plans prepared by a Florida-registered architect or engineer carry that professional's seal. Plans prepared by a contractor or owner are accepted without a seal unless Florida law or the building department requires professional plans.
  • Energy Compliance Forms
    Energy compliance documentation per FBC Chapter 13 / IECC for the new conditioned space
  • Product Approvals
    Florida Product Approvals for windows, doors, insulation, and other regulated components
  • Site Plan / Survey
    Site plan or survey showing property boundaries and modified structure footprint

Courtesy screen

Courtesy screen on every plan review

Every plan FCC reviews receives a limited courtesy screen for the items below when they are reasonably visible in the submitted documents. If we see an apparent issue that could cause the plans to fail review by another agency, we will identify it as a Courtesy Comment. Courtesy Comments alone do not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope. The responsible agency makes the final determination—for example, Planning and Zoning for setbacks, lot coverage, use, and other lot-compliance matters. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  1. #01Plan and document coordination

    Obvious clerical, title-block, sheet-index, permit-description, or cross-sheet inconsistencies visible in the submitted documents. A Courtesy Comment on these items does not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope.

    FBC-B 107.2.1
  2. #02Zoning and site coordination

    Apparent setback, lot-coverage, use, or site-dimension conflicts visible in the submitted plans that could cause the plans to fail Planning and Zoning review. Planning and Zoning makes the zoning and lot-compliance determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  3. #03Floodplain coordination

    Apparent inconsistencies or missing coordination in flood-zone, design-flood-elevation, finished-floor, or flood-opening information shown on the plans that could cause the plans to fail floodplain review. The floodplain administrator makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  4. #04Fire-authority coordination

    Apparent separately reviewed fire alarm, sprinkler, hood-suppression, smoke-control, or similar coordination issues visible on the plans that could cause the plans to fail fire review. The fire marshal makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

Section 2

Approval criteria for this project type

These are the building-code criteria FCC uses to determine the plan-review result. An unresolved item may be issued as a Required Correction and cause the plan set to be returned for correction.

BuildingRequired

  1. #01Design wind speed & exposureLife Safety

    Structural drawings must declare design wind speed (Vult) and exposure category matching the jurisdiction's wind speed map.

    FBC-R R301.2.1ASCE 7-22
  2. #02Structural wall section and load pathLife Safety

    A continuous wall section from foundation through roof must show framing, sheathing, connectors, and uplift resistance.

    FBC-R R301FBC-R R602FBC-R R802
  3. #03Egress from sleeping roomsLife Safety

    Each sleeping room must have an emergency escape and rescue opening meeting R310 dimensions.

    FBC-R R310
  4. #04Smoke and CO alarm coverageLife Safety

    Smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on each story. CO alarms where fuel-fired appliances or attached garages exist.

    FBC-R R314FBC-R R315
  5. #05Change of use (garage to conditioned space)Code

    Converting a garage to conditioned space triggers dwelling-unit-level code compliance: insulation, egress, smoke alarms, CO alarms, and HVAC sizing.

    FBC-EB 1001FBC-R R302FBC-E R402

MechanicalRequired

  1. #01Manual J / S / D load calculationPerformance

    HVAC equipment sizing per Manual J; selection per Manual S; duct design per Manual D.

    FBC-R M1401.3FBC-R M1601.1
  2. #02VentilationPerformance

    Whole-house or occupancy-based ventilation per FBC-R M1507 / FBC-M 403.

    FBC-R M1507FBC-M 403

ElectricalRequired

  1. #01AFCI and GFCI protectionLife Safety

    AFCI protection for dwelling unit branch circuits per NEC 210.12; GFCI per NEC 210.8 at required locations.

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  2. #02Service size and load calculationCode

    Electrical service and feeder sizing supported by NEC Article 220 load calculation.

    NEC 220NEC 230

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your own inspection list comes from your approved plans. Inspections marked “If in scope” apply only when your plans include that work. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Building

Phase #1

Framing

If in scope
  1. Wall stud spacing and sizeCritical

    Verify stud size and spacing match approved plans

    FBC-R R602.3
  2. Headers and beamsCritical

    Verify header and beam sizes over openings per plans

    FBC-B 110.3
  3. Top and bottom plate connectionsCritical

    Verify plate configuration, laps and anchorage against the approved framing design; do not assume double top plates.

    FBC-B 110.3
  4. Corner and intersection bracingCritical

    Verify proper bracing at corners and wall intersections

    FBC-B 110.3
  5. Window and door rough openingsCritical

    Verify rough openings match approved plans for size and location

    FBC-B 110.3
  6. Hurricane straps and hold-downsCritical

    Compare roof-to-wall connectors and straps with the approved high-wind design and connector schedule.

    FBC-R R301.2.1.1
  7. Fire blockingCritical

    Verify fire blocking is installed at required locations

    FBC-R R302.11
Phase #2

Roof Dry-In

If in scope
  1. Underlayment installationCritical

    Verify roof underlayment is installed per code and manufacturer specs

    FBC-R R905.1.1

Plumbing

Phase #3

Plumbing Rough-In

If in scope
  1. Supply pipe sizing and materialCritical

    Compare supply pipe material with plans and sizing with approved water-distribution design.

    FBC-P 604.3FBC-P 605.4
  2. DWV pipe sizing and slopeCritical

    Compare DWV pipe sizes with approved plans and measure horizontal drain slope.

    FBC-P 704.1
  3. Pipe support and hangingCritical

    Verify pipes are properly supported at required intervals

    FBC-P 308.1
  4. Vent termination locationsCritical

    Verify the vent terminates outdoors through an approved roof or sidewall method shown on plans.

    FBC-P 903.1
  5. Water heater rough-inCritical

    Where a water heater is in scope, compare location and connections with approved plans and instructions; show pan where leakage could cause damage.

    FBC-P 502.1FBC-P 504.7

Electrical

Phase #4

Electrical Rough-In

If in scope
  1. Panel installationCritical

    Verify panel rating and overcurrent protection match approved design, with clear working space.

    NEC 408.36NEC 110.26
  2. Wire sizing per circuitsCritical

    Verify wire gauge matches breaker amperage for each circuit

    NEC 310.16NEC 240.4
  3. Box fill and installationCritical

    Verify electrical boxes are properly installed and not overfilled

    NEC 314.16
  4. GFCI and AFCI locationsCritical

    Verify GFCI and AFCI protection is provided where required

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  5. Alarm locations, power provisions and interconnection methodCritical

    When alarms are in the approved scope, identify planned smoke and CO alarm locations, exposed smoke-alarm power provisions and the approved wired or listed wireless smoke interconnection method. Record the permitted CO power method; installed devices are checked at final.

    FBC-R R314.3FBC-R R314.4FBC-R R314.6FBC-R R315.1FBC-R R315.1.1
  6. Grounding and bondingCritical

    Show grounding electrode system and its approved electrode types and connections.

    NEC 250.50NEC 250.52

Mechanical

Phase #5

Mechanical Rough-In

If in scope
  1. Ductwork installationCritical

    Verify duct sizes, routing, and support match approved plans

    FBC-M 603.1
  2. Duct sealingCritical

    Verify duct joints and connections are properly sealed

    FBC-M 603.9
  3. Equipment placementCritical

    Verify air handler and condenser locations per plans with required clearances

    FBC-M 304.1
  4. Refrigerant line installationCritical

    Compare refrigerant piping routing and sizing with approved plans; leave field-made joints exposed before concealment.

    FBC-M 1107.1FBC-M 1107.7
  5. Return air pathway

    Verify return air pathways are properly sized and located

    FBC-M 603.1

Building

Phase #6

Insulation

  1. Wall cavity insulation R-valueCritical

    Verify wall insulation R-value matches energy calculations

    FBC-E R402.1.2
  2. Ceiling/attic insulation R-valueCritical

    Verify ceiling or attic insulation R-value per energy calculations

    FBC-E R402.1.2
  3. Insulation coverage and gapsCritical

    Verify no gaps, voids, or compression in insulation installation

    FBC-E R402.4.1.1
  4. Air sealingCritical

    Verify air sealing at penetrations, top plates, and rim joists

    FBC-E R402.4.1.1
Phase #7

Roof In-Progress

If in scope
  1. Drip edge installationCritical

    Verify drip edge is installed at eaves and rakes

    FBC-R R905.2.8.5
  2. Valley and flashingCritical

    Verify valley flashing and wall flashing are properly installed

    FBC-R R903.2
  3. Roof penetration sealing

    Verify all roof penetrations are properly sealed and flashed

    FBC-R R903.2
  4. Covering materialCritical

    Match roof tile, shingles, or metal panels to the approved plans and product approval.

  5. Covering attachmentCritical

    Show fastener or clip pattern before it is concealed by the next course.

  6. Flashing installationCritical

    Show flashing at valleys, walls, edges, and penetrations while accessible.

Phase #8

Exterior Wall Covering (Lath / Stucco / Siding)

If in scope
  1. Wall covering material and installationCritical

    Verify exterior wall covering material matches approved plans and is properly installed

    FBC-R R703.1
  2. Weather-resistive barrierCritical

    Verify weather-resistive barrier is properly installed behind cladding

    FBC-R R703.2
  3. Flashing at penetrations and transitionsCritical

    Verify flashing is installed at windows, doors, and wall transitions

    FBC-R R703.4
  4. Fastener pattern and spacing

    Verify cladding fastener type and spacing per manufacturer and plans

    FBC-R R703.1
Phase #9

Drywall / Gypsum Board

If in scopeBD-Dependent

Most jurisdictions skip this inspection for this project type. Confirm with your building department whether they'll require it.

  1. Board product and exposureCritical

    Compare board type and thickness with the approved assembly; use an approved tub/shower backer and do not use water-resistant gypsum in direct water exposure.

    FBC-R R702.3.7.1FBC-R R702.4.2
  2. Fastener spacingCritical

    Verify screw or nail spacing meets code requirements

    FBC-R R702.3.5
  3. Fire-rated assembliesCritical

    Where the garage-to-dwelling separation is in scope, compare gypsum layers, fastening and openings to the approved assembly.

    FBC-R R302.6

Electrical

Phase #10

Electrical Final

  1. Panel complete and labeledCritical

    Verify panel cover installed, all breakers labeled, no open knockouts

    NEC 408.4
  2. GFCI and AFCI operationalCritical

    Verify all GFCI and AFCI devices test and reset properly

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  3. Receptacle and switch functionCritical

    Operate affected receptacles and switches in this permit and show completed connections.

    FBC-B 110.3
  4. Light fixtures installed

    Verify all light fixtures are installed and operational

    NEC 210.70
  5. Exterior lighting and outletsCritical

    Where this permit changes exterior lighting or outlets, show operation and required GFCI protection.

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.70
  6. Installed alarm devices and operation, if in scopeCritical

    When alarm installation is in this permit, confirm installed smoke and CO device locations and labels against the approved plan and permitted power method; demonstrate smoke-alarm interconnection and applicable device tests per manufacturer instructions.

    FBC-R R314.3FBC-R R314.4FBC-R R314.6FBC-R R315.1FBC-R R315.1.1

Plumbing

Phase #11

Plumbing Final

If in scope
  1. Fixture setting and alignmentCritical

    Verify in-scope fixtures are set level and aligned.

    FBC-P 405.3
  2. Fixture connections and operationCritical

    Show affected fixtures connected to water and drainage systems, then demonstrate operation and check for visible leaks.

    FBC-P 301.3FBC-P 301.4
  3. Water heater installationCritical

    If a storage heater is in scope, show installation, relief valve and discharge, and pan/drain where leakage could cause damage.

    FBC-P 502.1FBC-P 504.4FBC-P 504.6FBC-P 504.7
  4. No visible leaksCritical

    Run affected fixtures or equipment and show new visible supply and drain connections remain dry.

  5. Hose bibbs and exterior plumbingCritical

    Verify exterior hose bibbs have backflow prevention

    FBC-P 608.16.4.2

Mechanical

Phase #12

Mechanical Final

  1. System operational testCritical

    Demonstrate only the permitted mechanical system operating per approved design and manufacturer instructions.

  2. Air handler and condenser installationCritical

    Where air handler or condenser equipment is in scope, verify installation, access and clearances against approved plans and manufacturer instructions.

    FBC-M 304.1
  3. Condensate drainCritical

    Verify condensate drain is properly routed and terminated

    FBC-M 307.2
  4. Duct registers and grillesCritical

    Where ducts are in scope, show representative installed registers and grilles per manufacturer instructions.

    FBC-M 603.18
  5. Equipment labels and data plates

    Show equipment nameplates and compare capacity and efficiency to the approved schedule.

Building

Phase #13

Building Final

Typical Final
  1. Converted living spaceCritical

    Show completed garage conversion and its connection to the existing dwelling.

    FBC-B 110.3
  2. Thermal envelopeCritical

    Show the approved energy details and the finished conditioned enclosure, with prior insulation result.

    FBC-E R402.1.2
  3. Sleeping room escape, if applicableCritical

    If converted to a bedroom, demonstrate its emergency escape opening.

    FBC-R R310.1
  4. Affected alarmsCritical

    Show smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms where the conversion or attached garage triggers them.

    FBC-R R314.3FBC-R R315.1