How to read a permit history
What permit dates and statuses mean, what they don't prove, and how to use them in reports.
The Permits tab lists every permit record returned for the address, newest first. Select a permit to see its type, dates, status, valuation, contractor and work description.
Read the dates separately
| Date | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Applied | The permit application was filed |
| Issued | The permit was granted. Work may not have started. |
| Status date | The last time the record changed. It isn't necessarily when work finished. |
| Completed or finaled | The building department closed the permit, if the source reports it |
Read the status with care
Status wording comes from the source and varies by agency. "Active" or "Issued" doesn't mean the work passed final inspection. "N/A", "Unknown" or a blank status means the source didn't report one. Never treat an old permit as closed just because of its age.
Look for useful details
Work descriptions often contain exactly what a report needs:
- Roof: reroof dates, the number of squares and Florida product approval numbers
- HVAC: change-out dates and equipment size
- Openings: impact window and door replacements, often with product approval numbers
- Pools, fences, additions and solar: work that affects scope or insurance questions
When permit status matters
If an open permit, a closeout or a product approval affects a transaction or an insurance form, confirm it on the building department's portal. Search by permit number using the links in the Jurisdictions tab. See Use jurisdiction (AHJ) links.