Custom Composite Decks
Why Homeowners Choose Decked Out
- Florida‑Certified General Contractors
- Fully licensed & insured
- TimberTech / Trex / Deckorators Certified Pro‑Installers
- Code‑compliant structural construction
- Permit‑ready plans and drawings
- Professional, engineered builds — not handyman work
We build decks that meet Florida’s structural requirements, survive Florida’s climate, and add long‑term value to your home.
Custom Deck Construction in North Florida — Built to the 2026 Florida Building Code
The most important thing you can do when hiring a contractor to build a DECK in Florida is to make sure they are a State of Florida-licensed contractor.
A custom deck is a structural addition to your home — not a “handyman project.” At Decked Out, every deck is engineered and built to the 2026 Florida Building Code, using proper load calculations, footing depth, ledger attachment methods, and structural hardware. As Florida‑Certified General Contractors (Decked Out #GCG1537238) we deliver projects that meet the same standards required for residential additions and exterior structural construction. That’s why we cost more than your handyman or relative.
Further, homeowners deserve licensed contractors who actually know the products they’re installing. We’re certified by the same manufacturers whose materials we sell — TimberTech, Trex, and Deckorators — so you get verified installation methods, correct fasteners, proper framing requirements, and long‑term durability. We’re pro‑installers giving you access to manufacturer‑approved installation methods, extended warranties (25-50 years in most cases), and premium composite materials designed for Florida’s climate.
Hiring the right contractor determines whether your deck lasts 20+ years or fails in 2. We see it everyday. Here’s what matters:
Licensed & insured contractors — Florida law requires structural work to be performed by licensed contractors. Unlicensed builders cannot legally pull permits and cannot legally perform structural deck construction.
Ability to pull permits — If your contractor can’t or won’t pull a permit, that’s a major red flag. It usually means they are unlicensed, uninsured, or building outside code.
Knowledge of the 2026 Florida Building Code — Decks must meet structural load requirements, proper ledger attachment, uplift resistance, guardrail standards, and approved fasteners. We took a 16-hour test on the Florida Building Code to obtain our General Contractor’s License.
Manufacturer certifications — TimberTech, Trex, and Deckorators certifications ensure your contractor is trained in composite‑specific installation techniques.
When You Need a Permit — And When You Don’t
Florida permitting rules are straightforward:
Permit Required:
- New deck construction
- Any deck attached to the home
- Any deck over 30″ above grade
- Structural repairs, rebuilds, or expansions
- Screened‑in decks, covered decks, or roof‑supported structures
Permit Not Required:
- Ground‑level platforms under 30″
- Cosmetic repairs (replacing deck boards only)
- Non‑structural maintenance
If your contractor tells you “you don’t need a permit” for a structural deck, they’re either unlicensed or intentionally avoiding inspection. Both are deal‑breakers.
Many “Fence & Deck” companies in Florida operate under fencing specialty licenses, which do not authorize structural deck construction. Decks are classified as residential structural additions, requiring:
- General Contractor license (CGC)
- Residential Contractor license (CRC)
- Building Contractor license (CBC)
Fence companies are not trained or licensed to:
- Calculate structural loads
- Install ledger boards to code
- Engineer footings and foundations
- Build guardrails to FBC standards
- Use approved structural connectors
- Pass Florida building inspections