Indian River County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

The county Building Division has jurisdiction within unincorporated Indian River County and serves the unincorporated areas. Applicants with projects inside an incorporated city or town should contact that municipality instead.

Department

Indian River County Building Division

Address

1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Phone

772-226-1260

Website

https://www.indianriver.gov/services/building_and_facilities_services/building_division/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Indian River County and not inside Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores, Orchid, or Vero Beach city limits.
2. Review county permit forms, checklists, and wind speed map resources before filing.
3. File through MGO, or use the county's allowed paper or email process where applicable.
4. Submit plans, valuation, contractor information, and any project-specific affidavits or outside-agency approvals.
5. Record a Notice of Commencement when Florida law requires it.
6. Respond to review comments, pay fees, and obtain issuance before work starts.
7. Schedule inspections through MGO and obtain final approval or certificate as applicable.

Typical processing time: Processing times vary by project complexity. MGO and paper processes are accepted.

Source: Indian River County Building Division

General Requirements

A permit shall be obtained before doing work or construction of any character when a permit is required, including replacement items such as fences, roofs, and HVAC systems.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Plans and construction documents
• Project valuation
• Contractor registration and information
• Subcontractor affidavits where applicable
• Trade-specific forms and checklists

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023. Wind speed maps effective December 31, 2023.

Owner-builder

Florida owner-builder rules apply; homeowner exemption from contractor licensing does not eliminate the need to obtain permits and pay fees.

Contractor requirements

State certified contractors must exhibit their state certificate to the local Building Official; local licensing and registration materials are published by the county.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$200

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based per published fee schedule

Trade permit fee

$75 for many common scopes

Reinspection fee

$45

Penalty (no permit)

100 percent penalty; work started before permit issuance is subject to doubling the standard permit fee

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work
• Certain small above-ground prefabricated pools
• Some playground equipment
• Specified minor electrical repairs

Important: Permit exemptions do not authorize work that violates other laws. Other state, county, or agency permits may still be required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• MGO portal (online)
• 772-226-1260 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: MGO supports inspection scheduling, permit status review, reports, and inspector schedule access.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023. Wind speed maps effective December 31, 2023.
• Verify contractor license: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• FEMA FIRM Data
• Building Division Forms and Resources
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub