[villagetinker]

ARC approval is a BIG yes. Get a copy of you plot plan, if you are in Sumter County go to the county office in Pinellas Plaza and they can give you one. Show the exact dimensions of the proposed patio, and get your approval (no cost), then contact a contractor. A word of caution, I always tell people to get the ARC approval themselves, I was stung by a contractor that said they got the approval (they did not) I found out after the fact, fortunately I was able to get it retroactively. If it is determined you need a building permit, MAKE SURE is completed by the contractor, in this case you do NOT want to pull the permit, as doing so makes you the general contractor.
Hope this helps.