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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Johns County
A building permit is required for most improvements before work begins; see Florida Building Code (FBC) section 105.1.
Note: Exempt work classifications follow the Florida Building Code, but applicants should verify FBC permit exemptions against county zoning, floodplain, coastal, tree, driveway, and land-development controls before treating work as exempt.
- Clearance sheet application and approval
- Building permit application
- Construction plans and drawings
- Site plan
- Product approval forms
- Owner-builder affidavit (if applicable)
- Contractor registration documentation
- Building code
- 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, and 2020 National Electrical Code
- Permit validity
- Permits are valid for 6 months from issuance and/or the last approved inspection. A 90-day extension may be available for a fee by written request, subject to the Building Official's approval.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners applying without a contractor must comply with Florida Statute 489.103 and all other applicable laws.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be licensed and registered with St. Johns County to obtain a permit or perform construction activity in the county program.
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review timeline varies by project complexity; the county maintains a plan review log and permit-status lookup for applicant reference.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated St. Johns County and not inside the City of St. Augustine or St. Augustine Beach city limits.
- 02 Determine whether a clearance sheet is required; the county typically requires a clearance sheet before accepting a building permit application.
- 03 Gather the county application form, project-specific checklist, construction plans, product approvals, contractor registration documentation, and owner-builder forms if applicable.
- 04 Submit the application and supporting documents through the county's standard permitting process.
- 05 Record a Notice of Commencement when required by Florida law (projects exceeding $2,500 or $5,000 depending on project type); confirm the current threshold with the county before scheduling inspections.
- 06 Respond to plan review comments and address any outside-agency requirements.
- 07 Pay all required fees, obtain permit issuance, post the permit card and required documents on site, and complete all required inspections.
Typical processing time: Plan review timeline varies by project complexity; the county maintains a plan review log and permit-status lookup for applicant reference.
Fee schedule
Effective September 16, 2025
Permit extension $106; second resubmission $100; third resubmission $150; transfer permit to new contractor or new site $53; residential demolition $26; commercial demolition $45; temporary certificate of occupancy residential $53, commercial $106; after-hours inspection $200 (with Building Official approval). Impact fees apply separately and are subject to periodic updates.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective September 16, 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (904) 827-6842 (phone)
- County permit-account internet tools (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspections scheduled before 7:00 a.m. will be performed the same day.
Typical sequence: The permit card, Notice of Commencement (when required), and reviewed construction documents must be on site. No work may proceed past a required inspection point without approval.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated St. Johns County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated St. Johns County, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated St. Johns County, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated St. Johns County, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated St. Johns County, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated St. Johns County, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with St. Johns County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.