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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Port St. Joe
Any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building, or install, alter, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system must first obtain a permit. Port St. Joe adopts the Florida Building Code (FBC) statewide per Section 105.1. Minor repairs may be exempt; contact the Building Department (850-229-1093) before any clearing, excavation, or construction.
- Homeowner hold harmless agreement
- Homeowners disclosure statement
- Driveway and ditch permit application if required
- Site plan
- 2 complete sets of plans (site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, wall section from foundation through roof, all drawn to scale)
- Complete building permit application
- Energy forms
- Notice of Commencement
- Flood elevation certificate
- All applicable fees paid
- Building code
- Florida Building Code (mandatory statewide)
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor registration, proof of license and insurance, and two signed plan sets including structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical information.
Application process
Typical processing: Residential: 5 working days if approvable. Commercial: up to 30 days for normal projects.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is inside Port St. Joe city limits.
- 02 Contact the Building Department before clearing, excavation, or construction.
- 03 Complete a Development Order application first if required. Contact the city to determine if planning board approval is needed. The planning board meets on the second Tuesday of each month; complete applications must be filed 21 calendar days before the meeting.
- 04 After development-order approval, submit the building permit application and supporting documents to the Building Department.
- 05 Use the city's checklist and forms package, including disclosure statements, owner affidavit, notice of commencement, and development-fee materials where applicable.
- 06 Residential plans are reviewed within 5 working days if approvable. Commercial plans may take longer but not more than 30 days for normal projects.
- 07 Schedule required inspections and complete final closeout through the city building department.
Typical processing time: Residential: 5 working days if approvable. Commercial: up to 30 days for normal projects.
Fee schedule
Port St. Joe building permit fees
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 850-229-1093 (phone)
Typical sequence: A certified Notice of Commencement must be provided before the second or later inspection when required by Florida law.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Port St. Joe permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Port St. Joe, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Port St. Joe, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Port St. Joe, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Port St. Joe, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Port St. Joe, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Port St. Joe Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.