Demolition is defined as the destruction, wrecking, razing, or dismantling of buildings or structures or any part related to them. There are hazards associated with this process and it is considered to be in the same category risk-wise as general construction. Demolition is often necessary to remove structures that have been condemned or to build new buildings and make property improvements of various kinds. Proper disposal of the waste associated with this process is essential.

Yes, contractors and other entities that are offering demolition services in central Florida must be licensed to offer these services. A contractor or demolition service provider will need to have a specialty contract license and they must also secure a permit for each demolition project that they undertake. This is part of why it is so critical to secure the right company for your demolition job.

In Florida, all demolition jobs will require an inspection that makes certain the utility connections have been safely secured and that the proper safety steps have been taken before demolition work begins. There is a pre-demolition inspection that must be completed as well as a final inspection that needs to be done after the process has been finalized. Your demolition job cannot be considered complete or within the confines of the law without these two steps being taken.

You need to be sure that you are hiring a skilled demolition contractor with the right credentials. This is a risky process, and you do not want to be left holding the bag if something goes wrong during demolition on your property. You also will want to avoid fees and other issues related to the demolition project if it is not completed according to the letter of Florida law. Make sure you ask about comprehensive insurance and local permits that will need to be filed for the job. Inquire as well about asbestos handling processes and where the wastes will be dumped when they have been removed.

The current fee for a demolition permit in Florida is $0.20 per square foot of the gross square footage of the structure that is being demolished. There is a minimum demolition permit fee of $100.00, so even if your job is quite small, you will have to pay the $100.00 no matter what.

Soft and hard demolition are two unique processes that can be done to remove structural items from your property. Soft demolition includes the removal of flooring and floor coverings, drywall, hard ceilings or drops ceilings, interior walls, asphalt, retaining walls, curbs, and overhangs. Hard demolition is done to remove walls made of brick, block or concrete structure, steel framing, or entire buildings that are made from these substances.