---
title: "What Is Certificate of occupancy? Building Glossary"
description: "A certificate of occupancy is the document a building department issues when a finished building passes final inspection and may be lived in."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/certificate-of-occupancy
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

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# Certificate of occupancy

A certificate of occupancy is the document a building department issues when a finished building passes final inspection and may be lived in.

A certificate of occupancy, often called a CO, is the last paper in a new build. You cannot legally move in without it. It follows passing final inspections on every [building permit](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/building-permit).

The City of Tampa says a CO comes from Inspection Services at the Construction Services Center. It also lists the sign-offs needed first: building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, fire, transportation, landscaping and stormwater inspections. A [punch list](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/punch-list) is often cleared before this point. For the full sequence, see [the design-build process](https://build813.multisites.ai/design-build-process).

[Halo Homes can helpCustom home construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/custom-home-construction)

## Related terms

-   [Building permit](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/building-permit)
-   [Punch list](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/punch-list)
-   [Florida Building Code](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/florida-building-code)
-   [Private provider](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/private-provider)

## Sources

1.  [City of Tampa: Construction Services FAQ](https://www.tampa.gov/construction-services/how-do-i)
2.  [City of Tampa: Construction Services FAQ](https://www.tampa.gov/construction-services/how-do-i)

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## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)