Town of Orchid

Any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy, or to perform regulated trade/system work, must apply to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.

Note: Applicants should confirm Florida code exemptions with the Building Department because local zoning, association, floodplain, or other requirements may still apply.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition. Town is subject to statewide mandatory code adoption.

Owner-builder

Florida owner-builder rules apply through the town building department.

Contractor requirements

State certified contractors required; Florida contractor licensing rules apply. Town requires engineer's certification regarding wind load for new construction and additions.

1. 01
   Confirm the project site is within the Town of Orchid.
2. 02
   Log into MGO and change the jurisdiction to 'Town of Orchid.'
3. 03
   Select the correct permit type and complete the online application.
4. 04
   Upload the detailed scope of work, plans/drawings, subcontractor applications where needed, and product approvals or other required supporting materials.
5. 05
   Upload project-specific supplemental documents such as planning and zoning forms, wind-load certifications, energy calculations, AHRI documents, asbestos notices, or pool forms where applicable.
6. 06
   Pay the permit invoice through the portal or at Town Hall.
7. 07
   Upload the recorded Notice of Commencement before the first inspection when the project cost meets the statutory threshold.
8. 08
   Schedule inspections and obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: Most permit applications are issued on the Tuesday or Thursday following submission, whichever is sooner. Building Official services provided twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Source: Town of Orchid Building Department ↗

State surcharge fees of 1.5 percent of permit fee with a $2 minimum and 1 percent of permit fee with a $2 minimum. Revisions are $75 plus added valuation charges. Failure to schedule inspection is $65. Special inspection is $190 in person or $95 virtual. Renewal/reissuance of expired permit is 0.4 percent of total value of work or $40 minimum, capped at $4,000.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• MGO (online)
• 772-581-2770 (phone)

Inspection hours

Building Official services provided twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays

Typical sequence: Special inspections can be requested on other days for a fee. The town publishes detailed private provider requirements under section 553.791, Florida Statutes.

Source: Town of Orchid Building Department ↗