Commercial Remodeling in Central Florida
Office renovations, retail buildouts, tenant improvements, and ADA upgrades for businesses in Marion and Sumter counties
Call (352) 356-5036 for a free on-site estimate for your commercial remodeling project.
Florida Legacy Construction remodels commercial spaces throughout Marion County, Sumter County, and Lake County. We handle office renovations, retail buildouts, restaurant updates, medical office remodels, and tenant improvement projects. Travis Strickland, licensed building contractor CBC1268994, oversees every commercial project in person. We pull all required commercial building permits and coordinate with county inspectors as part of the project scope.
Commercial Project Types We Handle
Florida Legacy Construction works with business owners, property managers, and commercial tenants across Central Florida. Here are the main types of commercial remodeling we do.
Office Renovations
We renovate existing office spaces for businesses in Ocala, Wildwood, and the surrounding area. Work includes new floor plans, drywall, flooring, electrical upgrades, lighting, and ADA-accessible restrooms.
Typical scope: 500 to 5,000 sq ft
Retail Store Remodeling
We remodel retail spaces for new and existing tenants. Work includes interior demolition, new storefront configurations, flooring, lighting, electrical, and finish work. We coordinate with landlords on tenant improvement allowances.
Typical scope: 500 to 3,000 sq ft
Restaurant and Cafe Renovations
Restaurant remodeling includes dining room updates, kitchen area preparation, plumbing rough-in for commercial equipment, hood vent rough-in, and finish work. We do not install commercial kitchen equipment but prepare the space for your equipment installer.
Typical scope: dining room and prep areas
Medical and Dental Office Remodels
Medical office remodeling requires attention to ADA compliance, plumbing placement for exam rooms, and proper electrical for medical equipment. We have completed medical office remodels in Marion County and understand the coordination required with equipment vendors.
Typical scope: 1,000 to 4,000 sq ft
Tenant Improvement Buildouts
We build out shell commercial spaces for new tenants. Work starts from the bare concrete and framed shell. We handle all interior framing, drywall, ceiling grid, flooring, plumbing, electrical, and finish work per the tenant's plan.
Typical scope: shell to finished interior
Lobby and Common Area Upgrades
Lobbies and common areas in multi-tenant buildings get heavy traffic and show wear faster than office interiors. We update flooring, wall finishes, lighting, and restrooms in common areas for property managers and building owners.
Typical scope: entry, hallways, restrooms
ADA Compliance Upgrades
Businesses open to the public must meet ADA Title III accessibility requirements. We build accessible restrooms, widen doorways, install ramps and handrails, and reconfigure service areas to meet ADA clearance standards. See the ADA section below for specific requirements.
Scope varies by building size and use
Warehouse and Industrial Updates
We handle interior updates in warehouse and light industrial spaces. Work includes office buildouts inside warehouse structures, restroom additions, break room construction, and electrical upgrades for new equipment circuits.
Typical scope: interior office and support areas
Commercial Remodeling Cost Guide: Central Florida 2025
Commercial remodeling costs in Central Florida vary based on the type of space, existing condition, and scope of work. The following ranges reflect typical project costs in Marion and Sumter counties.
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range | Primary Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Office refresh (paint, flooring, lighting) | $15 to $50 per sq ft | Flooring material, lighting fixture grade |
| Full office renovation (new layout, all trades) | $40 to $100 per sq ft | Extent of demo, new wall configuration, electrical load |
| Retail tenant buildout (shell to finished) | $50 to $120 per sq ft | Storefront design, fixture complexity, electrical service size |
| Restaurant renovation (dining room) | $75 to $200 per sq ft | Kitchen rough-in, hood vent, grease trap, fire suppression coordination |
| Medical or dental office | $80 to $180 per sq ft | Plumbing rough-in per exam room, electrical for equipment, ADA restrooms |
| ADA accessible restroom (new or retrofit) | $8,000 to $25,000 flat | New vs retrofit, single vs multi-stall, plumbing relocation |
Costs include labor and materials. Commercial building permits in Marion County run $300 to $1,500 depending on project valuation and trade scope. Contact us for a project-specific estimate.
Commercial Permits and Code Compliance in Marion County
Commercial remodeling permits in Marion County are issued through the Marion County Building Department. Commercial projects typically require more permits than comparable residential work because multiple trades require separate permit pulls and inspections.
Typical Commercial Permit Requirements
- Building permit: Required for structural work, framing changes, drywall, and ceiling modifications.
- Electrical permit: Required for any new circuits, panel upgrades, or lighting changes beyond direct replacement.
- Plumbing permit: Required for any new drain lines, supply lines, or fixture additions.
- Mechanical permit: Required for new HVAC systems, ductwork modifications, or exhaust systems.
- Fire protection review: Required when changes affect sprinkler coverage or fire alarm systems.
Florida Legacy Construction Handles All Commercial Permits
We prepare all permit applications and submit to Marion County. We coordinate all county inspections and provide certificate of occupancy documentation at project completion. Commercial permit processing in Marion County typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. We factor this into your project schedule at the estimate stage.
Florida Building Code for Commercial Spaces
Commercial remodeling in Florida must comply with the Florida Building Code, Commercial volume. Key code requirements that affect most commercial remodels include:
- Minimum restroom counts based on occupancy type and square footage
- Exit signage and emergency lighting requirements
- Egress width minimums for hallways and doors (36 inches minimum clear width for most commercial occupancies)
- Fire separation between occupancies in multi-tenant buildings
- Energy code compliance for new lighting and HVAC installations
ADA Title III Compliance for Commercial Spaces
Businesses open to the public must comply with ADA Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This applies to restaurants, retail stores, medical offices, and most other commercial spaces. Renovations that affect a specific area trigger a requirement to bring that area into ADA compliance. Major renovations trigger a path-of-travel requirement to also bring the entrance, parking, and restrooms into compliance.
Common ADA Requirements for Commercial Remodels
| ADA Requirement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible entrance | No step or threshold over 0.5 inch | Ramp required if entrance has a step; slope max 1:12 |
| Accessible parking | 1 accessible space per 25 total spaces | Van-accessible space required; signage and aisle required |
| Door clear width | 32 inches minimum clear when open 90 degrees | 36-inch door achieves this in most frame conditions |
| Accessible restroom | 60-inch turning radius, grab bars, proper fixture heights | See 2010 ADA Standards Section 603 for full requirements |
| Service counter height | At least one section 36 inches or lower | Applies to checkout counters, reception desks, and food service |
| Accessible path of travel | 36-inch minimum clear width throughout | Aisles, hallways, and paths to accessible features must be clear |
Florida Legacy Construction builds commercial ADA upgrades throughout Marion and Sumter counties. We have completed accessible restroom builds, ramp installations, and doorway modifications for commercial clients. We also build ADA-accessible residential bathrooms using the same standards.
Our Commercial Remodeling Process
Commercial remodeling projects involve more coordination than residential work. Here is how a typical commercial project flows with Florida Legacy Construction.
On-Site Walkthrough
Travis Strickland visits the space, reviews existing conditions, and discusses your project goals. No charge for the initial walkthrough and estimate.
Written Scope and Estimate
We prepare a written scope of work and fixed-price estimate. For tenant improvements, we coordinate with your landlord's requirements and any tenant improvement allowance.
Permit Applications
We submit all required permit applications to Marion County or the applicable county. Commercial permit processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Phased Construction
For occupied spaces, we schedule work in phases to minimize disruption to your operations. We discuss phasing options during the estimate stage.
Inspections
We coordinate all required county inspections including rough electrical, rough plumbing, framing, and final inspection. You do not need to schedule any inspections yourself.
Final Walkthrough
We walk through every item on the project scope with you before we consider the project complete. We do not consider a project done until you approve every detail.
ADA Accessible Bathroom Remodeling
ADA-compliant restrooms are one of the most common commercial upgrade requirements. See the full ADA accessible bathroom guide for grab bar specs, clearance dimensions, and cost data for Central Florida projects.
ADA Accessible BathroomsNew Construction and Home Additions
Need to add square footage rather than remodel existing space? Florida Legacy Construction builds additions and new structures for both residential and commercial clients throughout Central Florida.
Home and Commercial AdditionsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Florida Legacy Construction handle commercial building permits in Marion County?
Yes. We prepare and submit all commercial permit applications, coordinate with the Marion County Building Department, and schedule all required inspections. Commercial permits typically involve multiple separate pulls including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical. We handle all of them as part of the project scope. The permit fees are stated in your written project contract before any work begins.
What is ADA Title III and does it apply to my business?
ADA Title III applies to places of public accommodation, which includes most commercial businesses open to the public. This covers retail stores, restaurants, medical offices, hotels, and similar commercial spaces. Title III requires that businesses remove accessibility barriers when doing so is readily achievable. A remodeling project triggers an ADA compliance requirement for the renovated area. The accessible path of travel to that area must also meet compliance standards.
How much does commercial remodeling cost in Central Florida?
Costs vary significantly by project type. An office refresh runs $15 to $50 per square foot. A full office renovation with new layout and all trades runs $40 to $100 per square foot. A retail tenant buildout from shell space runs $50 to $120 per square foot. A restaurant renovation runs $75 to $200 per square foot due to kitchen rough-in requirements. Florida Legacy Construction provides a fixed-price written estimate at no charge after an on-site walkthrough.
Can Florida Legacy Construction remodel a business while it stays open?
Yes, in many cases. We plan phased construction schedules that keep part of the space operational while work proceeds in another area. We discuss phasing options during the estimate walkthrough. Not all projects can be phased. Work involving HVAC, electrical panel changes, or major plumbing requires full building shutoffs and cannot run alongside operations. We identify these requirements upfront.
Does Florida Legacy Construction work with property managers and landlords?
Yes. We work with both tenants and landlords on commercial remodeling projects. For tenant improvement buildouts, we coordinate with your landlord's requirements. We review tenant improvement allowance documentation and provide what your landlord needs to release funds. We have worked with property managers in Marion and Sumter counties on multi-tenant commercial buildings.
How long does a commercial remodel take in Ocala, FL?
A basic office refresh takes 1 to 2 weeks. A full office renovation with permits runs 4 to 8 weeks including permit processing time. A full tenant buildout from shell space runs 6 to 12 weeks. Restaurant projects run 4 to 10 weeks for the dining room scope. Marion County commercial permit processing typically adds 2 to 4 weeks before physical work begins. Florida Legacy Construction provides a written project schedule at the estimate stage.