What Pool Permits Should Your Contractor Pull?

The Basic Rule

In most U.S. states, a licensed pool contractor can pull a pool building permit in their name on your behalf — this is standard practice and included in their service. In a few states (most notably Florida), the contractor is legally required to pull the permit. In others, the homeowner can pull it themselves as an owner-builder.

But there are always multiple permits involved in a pool project, and different permits go to different parties:

Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Signing

• Will you pull all required permits in your name, or will you ask me to pull any permits?
• Can I see your current state contractor license and local business tax receipt?
• Who is your electrical subcontractor and what is their license number?
• Will you provide me copies of all permit applications and permit approvals?
• Does your quoted price include all permit fees, or are those billed separately?
• Who schedules and attends each inspection — you or me?
• Will you provide me the certificate of completion when the project closes?

Red Flags: When a Contractor's Permit Behavior Is a Warning Sign

Red Flag 1: Contractor asks you to pull the permit

A licensed pool contractor should pull the building permit in their own name. If your contractor asks you to pull the permit — even framed as "it's faster if you do it" or "saves money" — this is a serious red flag. Contractors who can't pull permits in their own name may not be licensed, may have license violations that prevent them from pulling permits, or may be trying to shift liability to you if something goes wrong.

Red Flag 2: Contractor says no permit is needed

Any contractor who tells you a building permit isn't needed for an inground pool — or an above-ground pool over 24 inches — in a jurisdiction where one is clearly required is either uninformed or deliberately helping you skip required oversight. Both outcomes hurt you. Unpermitted work is your liability as the property owner, not the contractor's.

Red Flag 3: Contractor begins work before permit is approved

This is a code violation in every U.S. jurisdiction. Starting excavation before permit approval creates a stop-work order risk, doubled permit fees, and potential requirements to expose completed work for inspection. A reputable contractor will not break ground until the permit placard is issued and posted on the property.

Red Flag 4: Contractor won't give you permit numbers

You are entitled to know the permit number for your project. Look up your permit status at your county's online building permit portal — it should show the permit status, approved documents, scheduled inspections, and inspection results. If you can't find your permit or your contractor is evasive about providing the number, contact your building department directly.