Key West, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The city runs its own building permit, inspections, floodplain-management, and milestone-inspection program inside Key West city limits.

Department

City of Key West Building Department

Address

1300 White Street, Key West, FL 33040

Phone

(305) 809-3956

Email

building@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

Website

https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/1077/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is within Key West city limits.
2. Review the city's permit-specific checklist for the project type. Incomplete building permit applications are not accepted as of January 1, 2025.
3. Submit the building permit through e-TRAKiT.
4. If the work is exterior work within the Historic District, obtain a separate Certificate of Appropriateness as part of the submittal process.
5. Upload plans and supporting files using the city's naming and PDF instructions. Permit technicians will apply the correct fees after review.
6. If updated documents are added during review, notify the city by email because the system does not automatically notify staff of new attachments.

Source: City of Key West Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required before any permanent or temporary work or construction with a value greater than $1,000 including materials and labor, at the discretion of the building official.

Building code

Florida Building Code, National Electrical Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and other referenced standards.

Owner-builder

The city cites Florida's owner-builder limitations and requires proof of ownership.

Contractor requirements

Building permits are issued in the name of the person performing the work; only licensed contractors or qualifying owner-builders may obtain them.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Permit fees are valuation-based and range from $24 to $36 per thousand for applicable permits. Some permits are charged by linear foot, such as fencing permits.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Key West Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections must be called in a specific order and must be approved to complete the building process and secure a certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code, National Electrical Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and other referenced standards.
• Key West BPAS (Building Permit Allocation System)
• Floodplain Construction Rules
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

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