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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fort Pierce
The Building Department receives building permit applications for projects ranging from office buildings to homes to fences and reviews them for compliance with the Florida Building Code, contractor licensing rules, floodplain management, and city ordinances.
Note: Fort Pierce publishes extensive permit checklists instead of a prominent exemption summary. Applicants should confirm claimed exemptions directly with the Building Department before proceeding.
- Notarized building permit application
- Notice of Commencement (when required)
- Contractor licensing and insurance materials
- Debris forms
- Homeowner affidavit (if owner-builder)
- Permit-type-specific checklist documents
- Building code
- FBC (2023) 8th Edition. City adopted local administrative amendments for Chapter 1 of the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code by Ordinance 24-001.
- Permit validity
- Applications not actively pursued may be considered abandoned. Contact the Building Department for extension requests.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner affidavits required when work is being completed by a homeowner. Owner-builder must personally appear and sign the permit application.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid licenses and meet applicable bonding and insurance requirements.
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by permit type. EPL Civic Access handles all new online submittals beginning July 15, 2024.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is inside Fort Pierce city limits.
- 02 Use the city's Building Permit Submittal Checklists page to select the right checklist and determine whether DPCR approval is required.
- 03 Submit the permit application online through EPL Civic Access for current permits.
- 04 Upload the required plans, forms, and supporting documents listed by the applicable permit checklist.
- 05 Pay DPCR routing fees and plan review fees at submittal, then pay permit issuance fees before the permit is released.
- 06 Obtain the permit before starting work.
- 07 Schedule inspections through the EPL system for new permits.
Typical processing time: Varies by permit type. EPL Civic Access handles all new online submittals beginning July 15, 2024.
Fee schedule
Effective July 8, 2025
DPCR routing fees and plan review fees due at submittal. Permit fees and other applicable charges due at permit issuance. Private provider inspection services: permit fee reduction of 10% or $25, whichever is greater. Private provider plan review services: 30% reduction of the plan review fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 8, 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- EPL Civic Access for current permits (online)
- 772-467-3718 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fort Pierce permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fort Pierce, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fort Pierce, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Pierce, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Pierce, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Pierce, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fort Pierce Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.