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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Indian River County
A permit shall be obtained before doing work or construction of any character when a permit is required, including replacement items such as fences, roofs, and HVAC systems.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work
Certain small above-ground prefabricated pools
Some playground equipment
Specified minor electrical repairs
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work
- Exempt Certain small above-ground prefabricated pools
- Exempt Some playground equipment
- Exempt Specified minor electrical repairs
Note: Permit exemptions do not authorize work that violates other laws. Other state, county, or agency permits may still be required.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plans and construction documents
- Project valuation
- Contractor registration and information
- Subcontractor affidavits where applicable
- Trade-specific forms and checklists
- Building code
- 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023. Wind speed maps effective December 31, 2023.
- Owner-builder
- Florida owner-builder rules apply; homeowner exemption from contractor licensing does not eliminate the need to obtain permits and pay fees.
- Contractor requirements
- State certified contractors must exhibit their state certificate to the local Building Official; local licensing and registration materials are published by the county.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing times vary by project complexity. MGO and paper processes are accepted.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Indian River County and not inside Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores, Orchid, or Vero Beach city limits.
- 02 Review county permit forms, checklists, and wind speed map resources before filing.
- 03 File through MGO, or use the county's allowed paper or email process where applicable.
- 04 Submit plans, valuation, contractor information, and any project-specific affidavits or outside-agency approvals.
- 05 Record a Notice of Commencement when Florida law requires it.
- 06 Respond to review comments, pay fees, and obtain issuance before work starts.
- 07 Schedule inspections through MGO and obtain final approval or certificate as applicable.
Typical processing time: Processing times vary by project complexity. MGO and paper processes are accepted.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Indian River County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$200
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based per published fee schedule
03
Trade permit fee
$75 for many common scopes
04
Reinspection fee
$45
05
Penalty (no permit)
100 percent penalty; work started before permit issuance is subject to doubling the standard permit fee
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- MGO portal (online)
- 772-226-1260 (phone)
Typical sequence: MGO supports inspection scheduling, permit status review, reports, and inspector schedule access.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Indian River County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Indian River County, FL? ▸
A permit shall be obtained before doing work or construction of any character when a permit is required, including replacement items such as fences, roofs, and HVAC systems.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Indian River County, FL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Indian River County, FL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $200. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per published fee schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Indian River County, FL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Indian River County, FL, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Indian River County and not inside Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores, Orchid, or Vero Beach city limits. 2. Review county permit forms, checklists, and wind speed map resources before filing. 3. File through MGO, or use the county's allowed paper or email process where applicable. 4. Submit plans, valuation, contractor information, and any project-specific affidavits or outside-agency approvals. 5. Record a Notice of Commencement when Florida law requires it. 6. Respond to review comments, pay fees, and obtain issuance before work starts. 7. Schedule inspections through MGO and obtain final approval or certificate as applicable.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Indian River County, FL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Indian River County, FL typically run Processing times vary by project complexity. MGO and paper processes are accepted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Indian River County, FL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Indian River County, FL. The following work is generally exempt: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work; Certain small above-ground prefabricated pools; Some playground equipment; Specified minor electrical repairs. Note: Permit exemptions do not authorize work that violates other laws. Other state, county, or agency permits may still be required. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Indian River County, FL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Indian River County, FL via: MGO portal, 772-226-1260.
last verified April 2026
source Indian River County Building Division ↗
entry id permits/florida/indian-river/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Indian River County Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.