The City of Boca Raton process
The City's Single-Family Windows, Doors and Shutters affidavit describes an over-the-counter permit for windows, doors or impact shutters on single-family residences: plans examination is generally not required, but the work must pass the required field inspections. The applicant attests that the application matches the products being installed, as shown in each product's Florida Product Approval or Notice of Acceptance (NOA), and complete, legible copies of those approvals must be on site for inspection.
The form uses a 170 mph design wind speed for single-family residences and Exposure C unless Exposure D applies (as of 2026). Doors that don't meet the listed Florida Building Code exceptions must be tested for water infiltration.
- A permit application and either a contractor registration or an owner-builder disclosure statement.
- A copy of the contract if the owner did not sign Section 7 of the application.
- A recorded, certified Notice of Commencement for projects over $5,000 (per the City form, as of 2026).
- Inspections scheduled by phone, online or text; missing approvals or field deficiencies can mean a failed inspection and re-inspection fees.[1]
West Boca and other unincorporated addresses
Many homes with a Boca Raton mailing address are in unincorporated Palm Beach County, not the City. For those, building permits are handled by the Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Permit Center rather than the City Building Department, so check the parcel's jurisdiction before you apply.[2]
HOA approval is a separate step
A building permit doesn't replace your association's approval. Under section 720.3035, an HOA's architectural review authority extends only as far as its declaration or published guidelines state or reasonably imply, and it must apply its standards evenly. For hurricane protection, which the statute defines to include impact-resistant windows and doors, the board may adopt specifications such as color and style, but it may not deny an application that meets those specifications and the building code.[3]
Key takeaways
- Window, door and shutter replacement on a single-family home in Boca Raton needs a City permit.
- The City uses an over-the-counter permit: usually no plans review, but inspections are required.
- Product Approvals or NOAs for every installed product must be on site at inspection.
- Unincorporated West Boca homes apply to the Palm Beach County Permit Center.
- An HOA can set hurricane-protection specifications but can't deny a compliant application.
Sources
- [1]City of Boca Raton — Single-Family Windows, Doors, Shutters over-the-counter permit affidavit (PDF)
- [2]Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building — Permit Center
- [3]Florida Statutes § 720.3035 — Architectural control covenants; hurricane protection
Reviewed October 13, 2026. General real-estate information for Florida, not legal, tax, lending or insurance advice. Laws, rates and deadlines change — confirm property-specific facts with the agency cited, a Florida real-estate attorney, CPA or licensed insurance agent.