Stuart, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Stuart runs its own city building division for projects inside city limits.

Department

City of Stuart Building Division

Address

121 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994

Phone

772-288-5326

Website

https://www.stuartfl.gov/263/Building-Division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is inside Stuart city limits.
2. Create or use an OpenGov account and select the Building and Permitting workflow.
3. Submit the permit application and required plans/documents through OpenGov.
4. If applicable, complete contractor registration and provide the required licensing and insurance documentation.
5. Respond to plan review comments and pay fees before permit issuance.
6. Obtain the permit before starting work, except in limited emergency-permit scenarios.
7. Schedule inspections and obtain final approval.

Source: City of Stuart Building Division

General Requirements

Stuart's Building Division receives permit applications for structures ranging from office buildings to homes to fences and reviews plans for compliance with the Florida Building Code and city ordinances.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Plans
• Contractor licensing and insurance documents
• Trade subcontractor information

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may apply only for their own use and occupancy and may not hire unlicensed contractors.

Contractor requirements

Effective July 1, 2025, Stuart requires state registration or state certification where Florida law so provides. Certificates of Competency are no longer accepted.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$106

Permit fee formula

$0-$50,000: greater of $106 or $22 for first $1,000 plus $6 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $342 plus $7 per $1,000 above $50,000; $100,001-$500,000: $585 for first $100,000 plus $6 per additional $1,000; $500,001+: $2,796 plus $3 per $1,000 above $500,000

Payment note

Stuart separately publishes city impact fees for qualifying new development. Examples include single-family detached total city impact fees of $2,143.43 per unit and commercial total city impact fees of $2,190.81 per 1,000 square feet of floor area.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Nonresidential farm buildings on farms
• Certain temporary construction sheds
• Surfacing of floors or slabs with carpet, tile, brick, wood, or other finish materials
• Residential playground equipment without electrical service

Important: These are Florida Building Code exemptions only. Other state and county departments or agencies may still require approvals or permits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 772-600-1212 (phone)

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023
• Development Fee Schedule
• Permit Exemptions
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

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