On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Palm Beach County
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.
- Exempt Replacement of an existing window A/C unit using the existing dedicated outlet
- Exempt Repair of an existing A/C or heating system, or replacement of parts that do not alter the listing or make the system unsafe
- Exempt Like-for-like replacement of an existing ceiling fan, faucet, outlet, switch, sink, toilet, or similar fixture in the same location
- Exempt Painting, minor drywall or stucco repairs under $1,000, and similar finish work
- Exempt Minor fence, roof, siding, soffit, fascia, screen-room, or window repairs under the county's stated value limits
- Exempt Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt 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.
- 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
- Building code
- 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition
- 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
- 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.
Source: Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building - Building Division / Permit Center ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by permit type and review complexity; use ePZB Permit Tracking to monitor status.
- 01 Confirm the property is in unincorporated Palm Beach County and not inside a municipality.
- 02 Use the county's application submittal checklist to identify the correct permit type and required supporting documents.
- 03 Prepare plans, forms, and any county prerequisites such as zoning, floodplain, or impact-fee materials that apply to the project.
- 04 Submit the permit application online through the ePZB portal.
- 05 Track permit and plan-review activity in ePZB and respond to county comments if revisions are requested.
- 06 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 ↗
Fee schedule
Effective Current county permit fee schedule
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current county permit fee schedule) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 sequence: Use ePZB permit tracking and the county's inspection resources to monitor inspection-related activity and history.
Source: Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building - Building Division / Permit Center ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Palm Beach County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Palm Beach County, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building - Building Division / Permit Center before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.