Building Frequently Asked Questions

Pinellas County requires a permit for any new building, addition, remodeling, demolition, or other work in the unincorporated county that is either in excess of $500.00 or requires an inspection. See common projects that require a permit.

Permits are needed to establish the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, public health and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

Per Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code and section 553.79 (1) of the Florida Statutes:

Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside area being used as part of the building’s designated occupancy (single or mixed) or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit for the work.

You may pull your own permit to build or improve a one-family or two-family residence or a farm outbuilding. You may also build or improve a commercial building if the costs do not exceed $75,000.00*. The building or residence must be for your own use or occupancy. It may not be built or substantially improved for sale or lease, unless you are completing the requirements of a building permit where the contractor listed on the permit substantially completed the project.

If a building or residence that you have built or substantially improved yourself is sold or leased within one year after the construction is complete, the law will presume that you built or substantially improved it for sale or lease, which violates the exemption.

You must provide full-time, direct onsite supervision of all work you perform.

Please view the Owner Contractor Affidavit for rules. Visit the Florida statute website for more details.

*Disclosure Statement 489.103(7) F.S.

A permit is valid for six months from the date it’s issued, or from the last approved inspection date. If the project is dormant for six months, then the permit expires. A permit may be extended only by the building official with a written request.

A building permit is not required, but you still must comply with any zoning regulations. You can contact a zoning representative at (727) 464-3401.

A zoning clearance, habitat/tree/environmental permit, and right-of-way permit are required for a new, replacement, or an extension of a driveway.

Brick pavers are allowed for driveways. Pavers require zoning clearance.

Solar and roof permits are required to replace your roof when you have solar panels installed.

Yes. These are required under County Ordinance 87-52. They must be over the front entrance and 3 inches minimum in height. If the business is located on U.S. 19, the numbers must be 5 inches in height.

As the owner, you may hire laborers to help you in the construction, but you will need to supervise them. At the time of permitting, you will need to turn in an Owner/Contactor Affidavit. You must also comply with Florida Statues for workers compensation and federal taxes. Licensed contractors are required for categories of work such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.

Plans are required for most construction projects. For a list of requirements, go to residential plans or commercial plans.

Plans must be signed and sealed by a Florida registered architect or engineer, or they must comply with one of the design criteria alternative provisions in the Florida Building Code Residential.

Power will not be released until the building has received all required inspections and all fees due are paid. We do issue what is known as temporary power for specific items that require testing prior to occupancy.

All of the Florida Building Codes can be obtained through Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) Marketplace or through the State. The National Electrical Code and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes can be obtained through the NFPA. You also may find them in your local library, or at some of the larger book stores.