Deck Board Replacement repair in Orlando, FL

Verified against official sources · Updated 2026-07-06

Thinking about a deck board replacement repair in the Orlando area? Here's what actually matters — permit rules for Orange County and the City of Orlando, plus the mistakes and code requirements that trip up homeowners, sourced from manufacturer manuals and the Florida Building Code.

Do you need a permit?

It depends on the exact scope. Orange County and the City of Orlando require permits for more than most homeowners expect — and the rules change. Check the county's official "Do I Need a Permit?" page or call your local building department before starting work.

Key facts before you start

Check the end tag for AWPA Use Category before buying PT boards: UC3B = exterior above-ground uncoated (decking); anything touching soil/ground needs UC4A+ — above-ground-rated lumber fails fast in ground contact.
Modern copper-based treatments (ACQ/copper azole) are MORE corrosive to steel than old CCA: use hot-dip galvanized (ASTM A153) or stainless (304/305/316) fasteners only; electroplated/'electro-galvanized' screws do NOT qualify, and never pair galvanized fasteners with stainless connectors (galvanic corrosion).
Gapping depends on moisture state: wet-treated PT boards get butted TIGHT (they shrink to a gap as they dry); KDAT (kiln-dried-after-treatment) boards get gapped ~1/8 in. Brush preservative on every saw cut and drill hole, and install bark-side up.
With boards off, probe joist tops and the ledger for rot/termite damage before re-fastening. FBC R507 requires the ledger flashed (corrosion-resistant, per R703.4) with hot-dip galv/stainless lags or bolts — an unflashed ledger, nail-only attachment, or soft band joist = stop and call a pro; structural rebuild also triggers an Orange County Fast Track permit (like-for-like board swap does not).
FBC R507.7 decking spec: 5/4 wood boards max 16 in. o.c. joist spacing perpendicular (12 in. diagonal); fasten each board with two 8d threaded nails or two #8 screws at every joist. Composite decking must be ASTM D7032-listed and installed per manufacturer instructions — mfr specs are code-enforceable.
Trex is NOT gapped like wood: 3/16 in. width-to-width (Hideaway clips self-gap 1/4 in.), end-to-end 1/8 in. above 40°F / 3/16 in. below, 1/4 in. off walls; one hidden-fastener clip or two composite deck screws per board at EVERY joist. Wrong gap/fastener voids the Trex warranty — check the current Trex install guide, other composite brands differ.

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Sources

https://awpa.com/info/technical/homeowners
https://www.strongtie.com/products/product-use-information/corrosion-information/pressure-treated-wood-faq
https://www.yellawood.com/resources/building-with-yellawood/building-tips/
https://www.yellawood.com/resources/building-with-yellawood/kdattips/
https://www.trex.com/deck-ideas/how-to-space-deck-boards/
https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-residential-code-2023/chapter/5/floors
https://www.ocfl.net/PermitsLicenses/Permits/ResidentialAccessoryStructures.aspx

This guide is general informational content, not professional or legal advice. Codes and county rules change — confirm permit requirements with your local building department, and use a licensed professional for electrical, gas, structural, or main-line plumbing work.