City Building Permits

Clearwater, FL Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Clearwater, Florida. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Florida Pinellas County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Clearwater.

Department: Construction Services Division
Address: 2741 State Road 580, Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: 727-562-4567
Email: epermit@myclearwater.com
Website: https://www.myclearwater.com/My-Government/0-City-Departments/Planning-Development/Construction-Services

Online Permit Portal

Open Clearwater ePermitting

Platform: Accela Citizen Access • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

Register for the Clearwater ePermitting system.
Create a new permit application for your project type.
Upload construction plans, site plans, and supporting documents.
Verify contractor association if required for permit type.
Submit insurance certificate listing City of Clearwater as certificate holder.
Pay application and plan-review fees.
City reviews for code compliance and completeness.
Address correction comments and resubmit if required.
Pay remaining fees and obtain permit issuance.

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks after completeness for standard permits.

Source: Construction Services Division

General Requirements

Building permits required for all new construction, additions, remodeling, demolition, and related work in the City of Clearwater.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Construction plans and specifications
Site plan with property dimensions
Property survey
Insurance certificate naming City of Clearwater
Contractor association documentation (if required)

Permit validity: Permits expire if work not commenced within specified timeframe.
Building code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), Clearwater Housing Code, and Unsafe Code
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may apply; verify current requirements with Construction Services.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a valid Florida license; contractor association required for many permit types; insurance certificate required listing city as certificate holder.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Varies by permit type
Plan check fee: Percentage of permit fee
Permit fee formula: Based on project valuation and permit category
Trade permit fee: Per trade discipline
Reinspection fee: Assessed for failed inspections
Payment note: Payment through ePermitting system

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current as of 2026-03).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Construction Services Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

ePermitting system (online)

Scheduling deadline: Per city procedures
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday during business hours
Time windows: City inspection windows apply

Typical inspection sequence: Plan review, construction, building, MEP, and final inspections managed by Construction Services Division.

Contact city for remote inspection policies.

Additional Resources

Building code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), Clearwater Housing Code, and Unsafe Code
Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Construction Services Division before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Clearwater can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Pinellas County

Unincorporated Area belleair belleair-bluffs dunedin largo

View all Pinellas County jurisdictions →