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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Stuart
Stuart's Building Division receives permit applications for structures ranging from office buildings to homes to fences and reviews plans for compliance with the Florida Building Code and city ordinances.
- Exempt Nonresidential farm buildings on farms
- Exempt Certain temporary construction sheds
- Exempt Surfacing of floors or slabs with carpet, tile, brick, wood, or other finish materials
- Exempt Residential playground equipment without electrical service
Note: These are Florida Building Code exemptions only. Other state and county departments or agencies may still require approvals or permits.
- Permit application
- Plans
- Contractor licensing and insurance documents
- Trade subcontractor information
- Building code
- 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may apply only for their own use and occupancy and may not hire unlicensed contractors.
- Contractor requirements
- Effective July 1, 2025, Stuart requires state registration or state certification where Florida law so provides. Certificates of Competency are no longer accepted.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the property is inside Stuart city limits.
- 02 Create or use an OpenGov account and select the Building and Permitting workflow.
- 03 Submit the permit application and required plans/documents through OpenGov.
- 04 If applicable, complete contractor registration and provide the required licensing and insurance documentation.
- 05 Respond to plan review comments and pay fees before permit issuance.
- 06 Obtain the permit before starting work, except in limited emergency-permit scenarios.
- 07 Schedule inspections and obtain final approval.
Fee schedule
Stuart building permit fees
Stuart separately publishes city impact fees for qualifying new development. Examples include single-family detached total city impact fees of $2,143.43 per unit and commercial total city impact fees of $2,190.81 per 1,000 square feet of floor area.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
Frequently asked
Common questions about Stuart permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Stuart, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Stuart, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Stuart, FL? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Stuart, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Stuart, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Stuart Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.