St. Augustine Beach, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of St. Augustine Beach city limits. The city runs its own city building inspection and permit program.

Department

City of St. Augustine Beach Building and Zoning Department

Address

2200 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080

Phone

(904) 471-8758

Email

onlinepermitting@cityofsab.org

Website

https://www.staugbch.com/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is inside St. Augustine Beach city limits.
2. Gather the building permit/clearance sheet application or subtrade equivalent, construction plans, site plan, owner-builder forms (if applicable), and any supporting documents required for the project type.
3. Submit the complete building package by email to onlinepermitting@cityofsab.org. The city expressly states not to rely on portal uploads as the official submittal because staff are not alerted by those uploads.
4. If owner-builder, appear in person at city hall for notarization and processing steps the city requires.
5. Respond to review comments and pay fees; wait for permit issuance.
6. Schedule inspections through CPSS, by phone at (904) 471-8758, or by email.
7. Complete final inspection and closeout before occupancy/use.

Typical processing time: Timeline varies by project complexity and local review requirements; digital fire submittals are routed through onlinepermitting@cityofsab.org and submitted to the Fire Marshal by city staff on the applicant's behalf.

Source: City of St. Augustine Beach Building and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Most jobs require permits; see the city's locally adopted 2023 FBC Chapter 1 and contact the Building Department before starting work.

Required Documents

• Building permit/clearance sheet application
• Owner-builder form (if applicable)
• Site plan and construction plans
• Private provider documents (if applicable)
• Multiple permit forms and checklists as specified by project type

Permit validity

Permits are subject to commencement and suspension/abandonment rules; confirm specific timelines with the city.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (locally adopted Chapter 1); Florida's 2023 FBC is mandatory statewide

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must come in person to city hall for notarization. Owner-builder exception excludes condominiums, where a licensed contractor is required.

Contractor requirements

The city directs applicants to both the Florida state license portal and St. Johns County licensing resources; the city warns against unlicensed contractors.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25

Plan check fee

One-half of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Total-valuation-based building fees start at $27 for $1,000 or less; confirm specific rates on fee schedule.

Reinspection fee

$53 per inspection

Penalty (no permit)

$100 plus double permit fee for working without a permit

Payment note

Clearance sheet fee for new buildings/additions $400 (includes $50 directed to tree and landscape fund); clearance sheet for swimming pools $250; transfer permit to new contractor $100; safety inspection $53; after-hours inspection $200 (with Building Official approval). Trade permit fees, tree-removal charges, planning/zoning charges, transient lodging charges, right-of-way driveway permit fees, and milestone-inspection fees may apply.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current (see updated fee schedule PDF)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of St. Augustine Beach Building and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• CPSS Portal (online)
• (904) 471-8758 (phone)
• onlinepermitting@cityofsab.org (email)

Typical inspection sequence: Permit records issued after April 15, 2019 can be searched through guest access in the portal. The Building Department issues certificates of occupancy for new construction and inspects completed work.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (locally adopted Chapter 1); Florida's 2023 FBC is mandatory statewide
• Verify contractor license: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) License Lookup
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Jurisdictions and Municipalities
• Right-of-Way Permitting
• 2023 FBC Chapter 1
• Contact Us
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in St. Johns County