What You Need to Know Before You Buy or Build

If you’re thinking about adding a portable building, shed, or even converting one into an office or living space, one of the most important steps is understanding local permit requirements.

In Florida—especially here in Manatee and Sarasota County—rules can vary depending on size, use, and location. Let’s break it down simply.

📍 Manatee County Shed Permit Requirements

In Manatee County, most sheds require a building permit, but there are a few key exceptions.

✅ When You DON’T Need a Permit:

• Shed is 120 sq ft or less

• Used for storage only

• No electrical, plumbing, or living use

Small prefab sheds under these limits are often exempt, but zoning rules still apply.

🚨 When You DO Need a Permit:

• Shed is over 120 sq ft

• You add electric, plumbing, or HVAC

• It will be used as:

  • Office

  • Workshop with utilities

  • Living space / ADU

Manatee County requires permits for any structure involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work.

📏 Important Manatee County Considerations:

• Setbacks (distance from property lines) apply

• Flood zones may affect placement

• Permit must pass inspections and expires if inactive after 180 days

📍 Sarasota County Shed Permit Requirements

Sarasota County is generally more strict than Manatee.

✅ Possible Exemption:

You may avoid a permit ONLY if the shed:

• Is 100 sq ft or less

• Is single-story

• Has no utilities

• Is NOT used for business or living space

🚨 When You DO Need a Permit:

• Shed is over 100 sq ft

• Any electrical, plumbing, or AC

• Used for:

  • Office

  • Rental unit

  • Living space (ADU)

In many cases, Sarasota requires permits for nearly all sheds and accessory structures, especially anything permanent.

⚠️ Key Sarasota Requirements:

• Must follow Florida Building Code (2023 edition)

• May require:

  • Engineered drawings

  • Site plans

  • Contractor licensing

• Flood zone compliance is strictly enforced

🏗️ What About Turning a Shed into an ADU?

This is where most people get tripped up.

If you plan to:

• Add electric, plumbing, insulation

• Use it as a living space or rental

👉 It is NOT just a shed anymore
👉 It becomes a structure under full building code

That means:

• Full permit required

• Inspections required

• May need impact windows, tie-downs, elevation, etc.

💡 Pro Tip (From Experience)

Most customers think:

“I’ll just buy the shed first and figure permits out later.”

That’s the #1 mistake.

Instead:

1. Check zoning first

2. Confirm setbacks

3. Decide use (storage vs living)

4. Then order your building

📦 How This Affects Your Purchase

At Sheds of Sarasota, this is why we:

• Provide engineered drawings (when needed)

• Help guide customers through permitting

• Offer customizable buildings to meet code

Because doing it right the first time saves:
👉 Time
👉 Money
👉 Headaches

📞 Need Help With Permits?

If you’re in Bradenton, Sarasota, Parrish, or surrounding areas, we can help you:

✔ Choose the right size building
✔ Stay within permit limits (if desired)
✔ Prepare for ADU or office conversions

Sheds of Sarasota
6502 14th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207