Bathroom Remodel Permit in Florence, AL (2026)

Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026

The Short Answer

A full bathroom remodel in Florence requires a permit if you're relocating any plumbing fixture, adding electrical circuits, converting a tub to shower, installing a new exhaust fan duct, or moving walls. Surface-only work—tile, vanity, or faucet replacement in the same location—does not require a permit.

Florence's Building Department follows the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) and Alabama's adoptions, but the city stands out for its hands-on plan-review process: they will not approve a bathroom permit electronically; all submittals must be in-person or by mail at City Hall. This means your contractor cannot simply upload plans and wait—Florence requires a physical visit to the permitting office at 104 North Court Street, and inspectors will ask pointed questions about waterproofing details (cement board or Schluter membrane?) and exhaust-fan duct termination before issuing a permit number. Florence is in IECC Climate Zone 3A (warm-humid), which affects exhaust-fan sizing under IRC M1505 and means your shower waterproofing must be rated for high moisture—a detail that catches many first-time remodelers. The city's permit fees run $300–$700 for a mid-range bathroom (typically 1.5% of project valuation), and you'll face four or five inspections if fixtures move: rough plumbing, rough electrical, framing/waterproofing prep, and final. Because Florence is in Lauderdale County, you also inherit Alabama's lead-paint disclosure rule for any home built before 1978—a remodel job does not trigger full lead abatement, but the contractor must disclose the risk in writing before disturbing any painted surfaces.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Stop-work order issued by the city inspector: $250–$500 fine, plus you must pull a permit retroactively and pay double fees (another $600–$1,400).
Homeowner's insurance claim denied on water damage from an unpermitted shower waterproofing failure: $15,000–$50,000+ out of pocket.
Buyer's inspection during resale uncovers unpermitted work: legally required Alabama Transfer Disclosure Statement flags the defect, lender backs out, or appraisal drops $10,000–$30,000.
Permit-office discovery during future renovations or mortgage refinance: city records pull reveals unpermitted work, forces costly tear-out and re-inspection before any new permits issue.

Florence bathroom remodel permits—the key details

Florence requires a permit whenever you relocate a toilet, sink, or tub; add new electrical circuits; install a new exhaust fan duct; or convert a tub to a shower (or vice versa). The reason: moving fixtures means new drain lines, and drain lines are subject to IRC P2706 (drainage fittings, trap arms, and vent sizing), which requires inspection. A vent pipe on a relocated toilet must be sized per the drain-line diameter and cannot exceed 6 feet horizontally before rising—a violation that Florence inspectors catch routinely because it causes sewer gases to back up into the home. Exhaust fans fall under IRC M1505, which requires continuous ductwork (no flexible hose allowed in Florida or Alabama over 4 feet) that must terminate outside the building envelope, not into an attic or crawl space. If you're converting a bathtub to a shower, the waterproofing assembly (IRC R702.4.2) changes: a simple tile-over-drywall tub surround is not enough for a shower. Florence inspectors will require a waterproofing substrate—either a cement board with a liquid or sheet-membrane topcoat, or a proprietary system like Schluter—before any tile or stone is installed. The rough-in inspection (before drywall) is where this gets caught, and if you skip the permit and the waterproofing is incorrect, mold and structural damage can follow within 18-36 months in Florence's warm-humid climate.

Electrical work in a bathroom bathroom comes with specific Florence and Alabama codes. IRC E3902 requires GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection on all outlets within 6 feet of a water source, including the vanity, toilet, and any portable appliances near the tub or shower. If you're adding new circuits, you'll also need AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) protection on circuits that serve sleeping areas or bathrooms—a detail that often gets missed on contractor drawings and becomes a comment on the plan-review response. Florence's permitting office will provide a checklist of electrical requirements before approving your permit, and it typically includes a one-line diagram showing circuit amperage, breaker size, and GFCI/AFCI protection. The rough-electrical inspection happens before drywall, so the electrician must be present when the inspector arrives; Florence does not allow self-certification or photo submissions for electrical rough-in. If you're doing minor electrical work (replacing an outlet, adding a light fixture in the existing junction box), you may be able to do it under the homeowner exemption if you own and occupy the home, but the moment you add a new circuit or move a fixture, a licensed electrician must pull a subcontractor permit and sign off.

Plumbing in Florence follows the 2015 IRC and Alabama's amendments, with one local wrinkle: the city requires a separate plumbing permit if you're adding or relocating fixtures. The plumbing permit fee is typically $150–$300, and it covers the rough-plumbing inspection (before walls close), during which the inspector checks trap arms, vent pipes, and cleanout locations. A common rejection: trap arms (the horizontal run from a fixture to a vent) cannot exceed 6 feet in length per IRC P2706.1, and many DIY relocations violate this because the homeowner runs the drain line too far from the new fixture to reach the main vent stack. Florence inspectors flag this at rough-in, forcing you to install a new vent branch or revise the layout. If you're replacing the toilet flange (common when moving a toilet), ensure it's at the correct height (12.25 inches from finished floor to the top of the flange) and that the bolts are secured before the rough-in inspection. Pressure-balanced or thermostatic mixing valves are required on the shower valve per IRC P2708.4, and Florence inspectors will ask to see the specification sheet—a requirement that many product-swaps miss because homeowners assume any $40 shower valve will work. It won't; you need a valve rated for pressure-balancing (like a Moen 1255 or Kohler Rite-Temp), and the cost is typically $100–$250 for the valve body alone.

Ventilation and exhaust fans must comply with IRC M1505, which requires a minimum of 20 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of continuous exhaust or intermittent exhaust with a delay switch. Florence's warm-humid climate means mold risk is high if the exhaust duct is undersized or terminates indoors. The exhaust duct must be rigid galvanized steel or flexible aluminum (not vinyl flex hose over 4 feet per Florida/Alabama precedent), and it must terminate outside at least 3 feet from any opening (window, door, or return-air intake) and below the soffit line. Many homeowners duct the exhaust into the attic or into a soffit return, thinking they're saving energy; this is a code violation and a mold catastrophe waiting to happen in Alabama's humidity. Florence will reject any permit where the exhaust-duct termination is not shown on the plan or where the duct size does not match the fan CFM. A 100 CFM fan (standard for a 50-75 square foot bathroom) requires a minimum 4-inch duct; undersizing to 3-inch causes noise and reduces air-flow. If you're installing a humidity-sensing switch (a smart choice in Florence), the plan must specify the setpoint (typically 60-70% relative humidity) and the switch brand.

Lead-paint disclosure and tub-to-shower conversions deserve special mention in Florence. Any home built before 1978 is presumed to contain lead-based paint, and while a bathroom remodel does not trigger full lead abatement under Alabama law, the contractor must provide a written lead-paint disclosure (EPA form 8-page pamphlet) before work begins. If you or a contractor will disturb painted surfaces (and a full remodel certainly will), the EPA requires the contractor to use lead-safe work practices—containment, HEPA filtration, wet-cleaning—or you must hire a certified lead abatement contractor. The cost difference is $500–$2,000 depending on scope. Tub-to-shower conversions also change the waterproofing requirement: a standard tile-over-drywall tub surround is acceptable under IRC R702.4.2 for a tub, but a shower requires a Class A or Class B waterproofing assembly. In Florence's humid climate, failure to install a proper membrane (Kerdi, Blanke, Schulter, etc.) or cement-board-plus-liquid-membrane combo will lead to mold and water damage within 2-3 years. The roughing inspection is your chance to verify this before drywall closes the wall. Finally, if you're adding a new bathroom (not remodeling an existing one), you'll need a separate building permit that includes framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC—a more complex review with longer timelines (4-6 weeks) compared to a remodel of an existing bathroom.

Three Florence bathroom remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A

Vanity and toilet replacement in-place, new tile on existing walls (Downtown Florence historic home, 1950s)

You're replacing the vanity cabinet, faucet, and toilet with new fixtures in the same locations, and re-tiling the walls with modern subway tile. No plumbing lines are moved, no electrical circuits are added, and the exhaust fan stays in place. Under Florence code and the IRC, this is surface work—classified as non-permit cosmetic renovation. However, your home was built in 1950, so the contractor must provide an EPA lead-paint disclosure form before disturbing any painted trim or baseboards; lead-safe work practices (wet-cleaning, containment) are required if paint will be disturbed, adding $500–$1,500 to the project cost. The tile installation itself does not require a waterproofing inspection because the existing tile and substrate are not being removed down to studs; you're tiling over the old tile (or existing drywall if drywall is exposed). No permit is needed, no inspections are required, and the project can proceed immediately. Timeline: 1-2 weeks. Cost: $3,500–$7,000 materials and labor, plus $500–$1,500 for lead-safe practices. Florence City Hall does not need to be contacted.

Scenario B

Toilet and sink relocated 4-6 feet, new drain lines, existing tub stays (Ravine District, mid-range home)

You're moving the toilet to the opposite wall (6 feet away) and shifting the sink 4 feet to create a new layout. New drain lines are required for both fixtures, which means new vent branches and trap arms. This is a plumbing-permit scenario in Florence. You'll need a building permit ($300–$500 depending on project valuation) and a separate plumbing permit ($150–$300). The contractor must submit floor plans showing new drain routing, vent sizing (1.25-inch vent for the toilet, 1-inch vent for the sink), trap-arm lengths (both must be under 6 feet per IRC P2706.1), and cleanout locations. The rough-plumbing inspection happens first, before any walls are closed; the inspector will verify vent sizing, trap-arm slope (1/4 inch per foot minimum drop), and cleanout accessibility. A common issue in Florence: if the existing vent stack does not reach the new toilet location within 6 feet, you'll need a new vent branch running up the wall to the roof, adding $800–$1,500 in material and labor. No electrical work is required if you're not moving outlets, so no electrical permit is needed. No waterproofing change (tub stays in place), so no change-of-assembly inspection. Exhaust fan and HVAC unchanged. Timeline: 3-4 weeks (plan review, rough plumbing inspection, final inspection). Cost: $450–$800 permits; $4,500–$10,000 total project. Florence requires in-person plan submittal at City Hall, 104 North Court Street.

Scenario C

Tub-to-shower conversion, new exhaust fan with dedicated duct, relocated electrical outlet (West Florence, 1990s ranch)

You're removing the existing bathtub, building a shower-pan base, and installing a new shower enclosure. This triggers a waterproofing change: the new shower requires a Class A waterproofing assembly per IRC R702.4.2 (cement board or equivalent substrate plus a liquid or sheet membrane—Kerdi, Schulter, Blanke, etc.). You're also adding a new bathroom exhaust fan with dedicated 4-inch rigid ductwork terminating outside (the old exhaust vent is being capped), and relocating an outlet 2 feet to clear the new shower location—a small electrical move that requires a new circuit or extension from the existing outlet. This is a multi-trade permit scenario. You'll need a building permit ($400–$700 based on valuation), a plumbing permit for the tub-removal and shower-pan drain ($150–$300), and an electrical permit for the outlet relocation ($75–$150). The building permit will require submitted plans showing the waterproofing assembly (specify the membrane product, e.g., Schluter Kerdi or Blanke Aqua-Stopp), the exhaust-duct routing and termination, and the electrical outlet location. Rough-in inspections will include rough-plumbing (drain slope, P-trap), rough-electrical (outlet box, circuit breaker), and waterproofing (cement board and membrane installed before any tile or stone). The waterproofing inspection is critical in Florence's humid climate; improper waterproofing is the leading cause of shower mold and structural damage. The shower valve must be pressure-balanced or thermostatic per IRC P2708.4 (cost $150–$250 for the valve). Exhaust-duct rough-in must show the 4-inch rigid galvanized steel duct routed to the exterior with no flexible hose over 4 feet, terminating at least 3 feet from any opening and below the soffit line. Timeline: 4-5 weeks (plan review, three to four inspections, final). Cost: $625–$1,150 permits; $8,000–$18,000 total project depending on tile and finishes. Florence Building Department requires in-person submittal.

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Waterproofing in warm-humid Florence: why the shower-pan detail matters

Florence sits in IECC Climate Zone 3A (warm-humid), with average annual humidity around 70% and peak summer humidity often exceeding 90%. This climate accelerates mold growth and wood rot if a shower waterproofing assembly fails. The IRC R702.4.2 allows two classes of waterproofing for showers: Class A (full-enclosure membrane, like Schluter Kerdi or liquid applied over cement board) and Class B (limited water resistance, like standard drywall). In dryer climates (zone 2, low humidity), Class B is acceptable; in Florence, inspectors nearly always require Class A because the margin for error is zero. A Class B assembly that leaks will grow mold behind the tile within 6 months; Class A catches small leaks and directs water back to the shower pan via the membrane, buying you time to repair.

The standard Florence bathroom will require a waterproofing substrate (cement board, Durock, or equivalent) plus a sheet or liquid-applied membrane. Schluter Kerdi (sheet membrane, approximately $8-12 per square foot) is common; liquid membranes (Mapei Planitop, Ardex Ditra XL) run $10-15 per square foot. The substrate alone adds $300-600 to a mid-size shower (75-100 square feet). Many homeowners and even some contractors assume that large-format tile on the shower surround will shed water and act as a moisture barrier; it will not. Water wicks behind tile, and without a true waterproofing membrane, that water sits behind the tile for months, rotting the substrate and framing. Florence inspectors will ask to see the membrane specification and the installation photos at the waterproofing rough-in before tile is laid.

The shower pan (the base) is even more critical. A pre-fabricated acrylic or fiberglass pan with a sloped floor is common, but if you're building a custom tile shower, you must install a pre-slope (typically 1/4 inch per foot of slope toward the drain), a waterproof pan liner (vinyl or sheet membrane), and a drain body with a weeper hole to direct any water that penetrates the tile down and out of the shower. Failure to pre-slope or to install a proper pan liner will cause water to pool under the tile, leading to mold and structural failure. The rough-plumbing inspection covers the drain body and P-trap; the waterproofing rough-in covers the pan liner and pre-slope. Both inspections are mandatory in Florence for any shower conversion or new shower.

Florence's in-person permitting process and plan-review timeline

Unlike many municipal building departments that accept online permit applications, Florence's Building Department requires all bathroom remodel permits to be submitted in-person or by mail at City Hall, 104 North Court Street, Florence, AL. This means your contractor cannot simply upload PDF plans and wait for approval; they must visit the office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, though hours should be verified directly with the city). The advantage is that the permitting staff will flag missing information or code issues immediately, allowing your contractor to correct the plans on the spot rather than waiting days for an email response. The disadvantage is that if your contractor is out of town or the office is closed, the application sits until the next in-person visit.

Plan review in Florence typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and whether the plans require multiple rounds of revision. A simple toilet-and-sink relocation (Scenario B) usually requires one round of review; a tub-to-shower conversion with electrical work (Scenario C) may require two or three rounds as the staff coordinator flagges the waterproofing assembly, exhaust-duct termination, and GFCI requirements. The staff coordinator is your point of contact, and their direct phone number should be provided when the permit is issued. After approval, the permit is mailed or picked up in-person, and the contractor may begin work once the permit placard is posted on the property.

Inspections in Florence are typically scheduled by phone call (not online scheduling), and the inspector will arrive within 2-3 business days of the request. For a bathroom remodel, expect four to five inspections: rough plumbing (if fixtures are moved), rough electrical (if circuits are added or outlets are relocated), waterproofing (if tub-to-shower or new shower), framing (if walls are moved; often skipped for cosmetic remodels), and final. Each inspection must be passed before the next trade can proceed; a failed inspection requires the contractor to correct the deficiency and call for re-inspection (another 2-3 day wait). If you're managing the project as the homeowner (allowed under Alabama's owner-builder rules for owner-occupied 1-2 family homes), you'll be responsible for scheduling all inspections and ensuring they are completed before covering any work with drywall, tile, or flooring.

City of Florence Building Department
104 North Court Street, Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-6500 (main line; ask for Building Permits)
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (verify locally before visiting)

Common questions

Do I need a permit to replace my toilet and vanity in the same location?

No. Replacing a toilet, sink, or faucet in the same location is surface work and does not require a permit under Florence code. However, if your home was built before 1978, the contractor must provide a lead-paint disclosure form and use lead-safe work practices (wet-cleaning, containment) when disturbing painted trim or baseboards. The cost for lead-safe practices is typically $500–$1,500 depending on scope.

What happens if I hire a contractor and they pull the permit, but the work fails inspection?

The contractor is responsible for correcting any code deficiencies and calling for re-inspection. You, as the property owner, are liable for the permit fees regardless, and you're also liable if the work is not brought into compliance. It's critical to hire a contractor with local Florence experience and a track record of passing inspections on the first or second attempt. Ask for references, including recent bathroom remodels in Florence.

Do I need a separate permit for the exhaust fan if I'm already pulling a building permit?

No. The exhaust fan installation (including the duct) is covered under the main building permit and does not require a separate permit. However, the exhaust-duct routing and termination must be shown on the submitted floor plans, and the rough-in inspection will verify that the duct is properly sized (4 inches for a standard bathroom), routed outside (not into the attic), and terminated below the soffit line at least 3 feet from any opening.

Can I DIY the plumbing work if I own and occupy the home?

Alabama allows owner-builders to perform plumbing work on owner-occupied 1-2 family homes, but you must pull a plumbing permit and the work must pass inspection. The city will inspect rough plumbing before walls close, and any violations (improper trap-arm slope, undersized vents, missing cleanouts) must be corrected. Many owner-builders find it more cost-effective to hire a licensed plumber ($50-75/hour plus parts) than to risk failed inspections and rework.

What is a Class A waterproofing assembly, and do I really need it for my shower?

A Class A waterproofing assembly is a full-enclosure membrane (like Schluter Kerdi, Blanke, or liquid-applied membrane over cement board) that completely seals the shower enclosure and directs any leaks back to the shower pan or drain. In Florence's warm-humid climate (Zone 3A), a Class A assembly is required for any new shower or tub-to-shower conversion per Florence's interpretation of IRC R702.4.2. A cheaper alternative (Class B, standard drywall plus paint) will fail within 6 months to 2 years in Florence's humidity, leading to mold, wood rot, and $5,000–$20,000 in structural repair.

How much does a full bathroom remodel cost in Florence, and what is the permit fee?

A full bathroom remodel (fixtures moved, new waterproofing, electrical, exhaust) costs $8,000–$18,000 depending on finishes and tile choice. Permit fees are typically $400–$700 for the building permit, $150–$300 for plumbing, and $75–$150 for electrical, totaling $625–$1,150. These fees are based on the project valuation (typically 1.5% of the total project cost) and are required in addition to contractor labor and materials.

What is the lead-paint disclosure rule, and do I need to follow it?

Any home built before 1978 is presumed to contain lead-based paint. Before a contractor begins any work that will disturb painted surfaces (including bathroom remodels), they must provide you with an EPA lead-paint disclosure form (an 8-page pamphlet). If paint will be disturbed, the contractor must use lead-safe work practices (wet-cleaning, HEPA filtration, containment) or you must hire a certified lead abatement contractor. Failure to disclose is a federal violation and can result in fines up to $16,000 per violation.

Can I move my toilet 10 feet across the bathroom, or is there a limit?

You can move a toilet as far as needed, but the new drain line must comply with IRC P2706 (trap-arm length, vent sizing). The trap arm (horizontal run from the toilet to the vent) cannot exceed 6 feet, and a 3-inch toilet vent is required. If your new toilet location is more than 6 feet from the existing vent stack, you'll need a new vent branch running up the wall to the roof, adding $800–$1,500 to the project. The rough-plumbing inspection will verify the trap-arm length and vent sizing before drywall closes.

What is a pressure-balanced shower valve, and why is it required?

A pressure-balanced or thermostatic mixing valve maintains a constant water temperature even if another fixture (toilet, sink) is used, preventing scalding or sudden cold-water shocks. IRC P2708.4 requires these valves on all showers and tub-shower combinations in residential properties. Brands like Moen 1255, Kohler Rite-Temp, and Delta MultiChoice meet this requirement and cost $150–$250 for the valve body alone. A standard $40 single-handle faucet will not meet code and will be rejected at inspection.

How long does a full bathroom remodel take from permit to final approval in Florence?

Plan review typically takes 2-4 weeks; rough inspections are scheduled 2-3 days after a phone call; and final inspection occurs 2-3 days after the contractor requests it. A straightforward renovation (fixtures moved, no wall changes) usually takes 4-6 weeks total from permit application to final sign-off. A more complex project with waterproofing changes and electrical work may take 6-8 weeks. Always add 1-2 weeks for unexpected plan-review comments or inspection failures.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current bathroom remodel (full) permit requirements with the City of Florence Building Department before starting your project.

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