Port St. Joe, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Port St. Joe.

Department

City of Port St. Joe Building Department

Address

1002 10th Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456

Phone

850-229-1093

Website

https://www.cityofportstjoe.com/city-building.cfm

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Port St. Joe city limits.
2. Contact the Building Department before clearing, excavation, or construction.
3. Complete a Development Order application first if required. Contact the city to determine if planning board approval is needed. The planning board meets on the second Tuesday of each month; complete applications must be filed 21 calendar days before the meeting.
4. After development-order approval, submit the building permit application and supporting documents to the Building Department.
5. Use the city's checklist and forms package, including disclosure statements, owner affidavit, notice of commencement, and development-fee materials where applicable.
6. Residential plans are reviewed within 5 working days if approvable. Commercial plans may take longer but not more than 30 days for normal projects.
7. Schedule required inspections and complete final closeout through the city building department.

Typical processing time: Residential: 5 working days if approvable. Commercial: up to 30 days for normal projects.

Source: City of Port St. Joe Building Department

General Requirements

Contact the Building Department before any clearing, excavation, or building activity.

Required Documents

• Homeowner hold harmless agreement
• Homeowners disclosure statement
• Driveway and ditch permit application if required
• Site plan
• 2 complete sets of plans (site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, wall section from foundation through roof, all drawn to scale)
• Complete building permit application
• Energy forms
• Notice of Commencement
• Flood elevation certificate
• All applicable fees paid

Building code

Florida Building Code (mandatory statewide)

Contractor requirements

Contractor registration, proof of license and insurance, and two signed plan sets including structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical information.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$40

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based: varies by work type and project value

Trade permit fee

$0.70 per thousand valuation, $40 minimum (for plumbing, HVAC, electrical sub-permits)

Reinspection fee

$50

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Port St. Joe Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 850-229-1093 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: A certified Notice of Commencement must be provided before the second or later inspection when required by Florida law.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code (mandatory statewide)
• Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR Contractor License
• City of Port St. Joe Building Department
• Disclosure Statements PDF
• Owner Affidavit PDF
• Florida Building Code Wind Maps by County
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

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