Palm Beach County, FL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Quick Start

Permit Authority

Palm Beach County handles permitting in unincorporated county areas outside municipal limits.

Department

Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building - Building Division / Permit Center

Address

2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411

Phone

561-233-5100

Website

https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/building/Pages/default.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Palm Beach County and not inside a municipality.
2. Use the county's application submittal checklist to identify the correct permit type and required supporting documents.
3. Prepare plans, forms, and any county prerequisites such as zoning, floodplain, or impact-fee materials that apply to the project.
4. Submit the permit application online through the ePZB portal.
5. Track permit and plan-review activity in ePZB and respond to county comments if revisions are requested.
6. Obtain permit issuance before starting work and use ePZB to monitor inspections and permit status.

Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and review complexity; use ePZB Permit Tracking to monitor status.

Source: Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building - Building Division / Permit Center

General Requirements

Palm Beach County permits are generally required for building construction and regulated work in unincorporated areas, including new construction, additions, alterations, reroofs, window and door replacements, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, pools, sheds, fences, screen structures, site improvements, and many commercial build-outs or signage projects.

Required Documents

• Application submittal checklist for the specific permit type
• Project plans and supporting documents required by the county for that scope of work
• Owner-builder forms or affidavits when applicable
• Any zoning, floodplain, wind-criteria, or impact-fee documentation required for the site or project

Permit validity

Palm Beach County treats work as active when the permit has an approved inspection within 6 months. If work becomes inactive, the Building Official may grant written extensions of up to 3 months each when requested before expiration; older inactive permits may need reactivation. Source: https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/building/PDF/PBC_AMENDMENTS_2020_7th_Ed_FBC_FINAL.pdf and https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/faqpages/building.aspx

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition

Owner-builder

Palm Beach County publishes owner-builder guidelines and affidavit/disclosure requirements for qualifying owner-builders.

Contractor requirements

Contractors should hold the required Florida license for the work being performed and may need to satisfy county permit-center requirements for online permit activity.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Inactive permit renewal or extension costs $75 within 180 days of inactive status; after 180 days, the fee is 30% of the original permit with a $75 minimum.

Payment note

Fees can be paid online by credit card or in person by cash or check at 2300 N. Jog Road. Palm Beach County impact-fee schedules changed on January 1, 2026 for affected new construction and additions, so applicants should confirm project-specific fees before issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current county permit fee schedule).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Replacement of an existing window A/C unit using the existing dedicated outlet
• Repair of an existing A/C or heating system, or replacement of parts that do not alter the listing or make the system unsafe
• Like-for-like replacement of an existing ceiling fan, faucet, outlet, switch, sink, toilet, or similar fixture in the same location
• Painting, minor drywall or stucco repairs under $1,000, and similar finish work
• Minor fence, roof, siding, soffit, fascia, screen-room, or window repairs under the county's stated value limits
• Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep
• Certain low-risk site improvements such as non-expanded resurfacing, some fences, small planters, and certain small accessory enclosures under the county's Site Plan Review permit rules

Important: Palm Beach County states this list is only a concise guide. Some work may still require zoning review, floodplain approval, or other county review even when a building permit is not required, and all exempt work must still comply with applicable codes.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ePZB Permit Tracking / Inspection Scheduling History (online)

Scheduling deadline

Inspectors set their schedules between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. After 8:00 a.m. on the day of the inspection, you can look up the assigned inspector and contact information online.

Inspection hours

Field inspectors typically work Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Time windows

Use the online permit-tracking tools after 8:00 a.m. on the inspection day to see assigned inspector information.

Typical inspection sequence: Use ePZB permit tracking and the county's inspection resources to monitor inspection-related activity and history.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition
• Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR License Search
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Permit Center
• Forms
• Flood Information
• Codes, Interpretations, and Policies
• Application Submittal Checklist
• Permit Fee Schedule
• Inactive Permit Information Request
• Public Records Request
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Beach County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL?

Palm Beach County permits are generally required for building construction and regulated work in unincorporated areas, including new construction, additions, alterations, reroofs, window and door replacements, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, pools, sheds, fences, screen structures, site improvements, and many commercial build-outs or signage projects.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL?

The minimum permit fee is Inactive permit renewal or extension costs $75 within 180 days of inactive status; after 180 days, the fee is 30% of the original permit with a $75 minimum..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL?

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Palm Beach County and not inside a municipality. 2. Use the county's application submittal checklist to identify the correct permit type and required supporting documents. 3. Prepare plans, forms, and any county prerequisites such as zoning, floodplain, or impact-fee materials that apply to the project. 4. Submit the permit application online through the ePZB portal. 5. Track permit and plan-review activity in ePZB and respond to county comments if revisions are requested. 6. Obtain permit issuance before starting work and use ePZB to monitor inspections and permit status.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL?

Typical processing time is Varies by permit type and review complexity; use ePZB Permit Tracking to monitor status..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL?

The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of an existing window A/C unit using the existing dedicated outlet; Repair of an existing A/C or heating system, or replacement of parts that do not alter the listing or make the system unsafe; Like-for-like replacement of an existing ceiling fan, faucet, outlet, switch, sink, toilet, or similar fixture in the same location; Painting, minor drywall or stucco repairs under $1,000, and similar finish work; Minor fence, roof, siding, soffit, fascia, screen-room, or window repairs under the county's stated value limits; Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep; Certain low-risk site improvements such as non-expanded resurfacing, some fences, small planters, and certain small accessory enclosures under the county's Site Plan Review permit rules. Note: Palm Beach County states this list is only a concise guide. Some work may still require zoning review, floodplain approval, or other county review even when a building permit is not required, and all exempt work must still comply with applicable codes.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: ePZB Permit Tracking / Inspection Scheduling History. Inspectors set their schedules between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. After 8:00 a.m. on the day of the inspection, you can look up the assigned inspector and contact information online..