House Detective — Permits, Flood Zone & Storm Risk for Florida Homes

Deep property intelligence for Florida addresses — building permit history, code violations, FEMA flood forensics, elevation, and proximity risks before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check the permit history of a house in Florida?

Run House Detective on the address. Scout pulls building permit history, open/closed status where available, and related property risk signals so you can see what work was permitted before you buy.

What else does House Detective show besides permits?

Flood and elevation context, storm and repair signals, sinkhole/karst risk, registered-offender proximity, HOA/CDD assessments, listing and sale history insights, and other proximity risks — depending on county coverage.

Is House Detective a replacement for a home inspection?

No. It is pre-offer due diligence from public and vendor data. Always get a licensed inspection and verify open permits, insurance, and HOA documents before waiving contingencies.

Do I need Scout to use House Detective?

Yes. House Detective is a Scout tool ($49 for three months of unlimited Scout searches). Guests can preview a sample report without signing in.

Which Florida counties have the best permit coverage?

Coverage expands continuously. Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and many other Florida jurisdictions are supported via self-pull and vendor sources — check the report’s permit completeness for the specific address.