Why FCE instead of a Facebook group

“I asked my question in a neighborhood Facebook group and got a hundred different opinions — I still don’t know what’s actually true for my house.”

Skip the pile of conflicting comments. Get a clear, plain-language answer pointed at the official source — your building department, the code, DBPR, FEMA — so you can confirm what actually applies to your property, not just what a stranger guessed.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Permit Requirement Identification

“Do I even need a permit or a (licensed) contractor for this project, or can I just do it myself?”

Plain-language research on what permits a project like yours typically requires in Florida, always pointing you to your local building department (the AHJ) to confirm before you start.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Owner-builder rules + Resources

“I want to act as my own contractor on my project — how do I apply to be an owner-builder, and what rules do I have to follow?”

Plain-language research on Florida’s owner-builder exemption — what it lets you do, the responsibilities it puts on you, and how the permit application works — with direct links to §489.103 and your local building department so you can read the rules and apply at the official source.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Contract Clause Review & Risk Flagging

“I’m about to sign a contractor’s contract — what should I watch out for?”

Paste the contract for an AI-assisted read that flags terms and missing protections to review with a licensed attorney. It explains concerns in plain language to review with your attorney.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Resources (DBPR) + licensing info

“Is the contractor I’m about to hire actually licensed or qualified to handle my project?”

A direct link to DBPR’s official license-verification tool, plus general information on what Florida licensing means — so you can check the license yourself at the source.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Property Setback & Zoning Research + Resources

“Can I build a shed, fence, or addition here — and how do I find the setbacks or HOA rules for my lot?”

Plain-language research on the setback, zoning, and HOA-type constraints that commonly apply, pointing you to your city, county, and HOA to confirm what controls your specific lot.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Dispute Analysis & Information

“My contractor and I are in a dispute and I need to know my options.”

General research on how Florida law generally applies to common disputes and the approaches people commonly consider — to help you prepare for a conversation with a licensed attorney.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Resources (FEMA) + Setback & Zoning

“Is my property in a flood zone, and does that change what I can build?”

A direct link to FEMA’s official Flood Map Service Center to look up your property, plus general information on why the flood zone matters — verified at the official source.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Building Code Lookup & Compliance

“What building code even applies to my renovation?”

A plain-language summary of the relevant Florida Building Code topic plus a link to the official code text, with a reminder that your local building department has the final say.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.

Permit ID + Resources (directories)

“Who do I even call — the city or the county?”

Research that routes you toward the correct Authority Having Jurisdiction and the official building-department directories, so you start in the right place.

Every answer points you to the official source to verify.