Commercial Permits
Commercial building permits cover work on non-residential buildings and multi-family structures. These projects often involve expanded technical code reviews for safety, accessibility, fire protection and site development.
Common Commercial Permit Types
- New commercial buildings and additions.
- Interior build-outs and remodels for offices, retail, restaurants and other tenant spaces.
- Change of use or occupancy for existing spaces.
- Shell buildings and core improvements.
- Fire protection systems, including sprinklers and alarms.
- Signs, canopies and other exterior features.
- Commercial mechanical, electrical, plumbing and gas systems.
Before You Apply
Commercial projects are more complicated than residential because they are usually reviewed by several different experts.
- Determine whether a pre-application meeting or development review is needed.
- Confirm zoning, land use and site development requirements for your property.
- Prepare digital plan sets that meet submittal standards, including architectural, structural, MEP and life safety sheets as applicable.
- Many commercial projects require plans that are digitally signed and sealed by a licensed architect or engineer.
- Review applicable sections of the Florida Building Code, Fire Code and local ordinances.
Construction in a Floodplain
If your property is located in a flood zone, special building regulations and Substantial Improvement rules will apply to your project. Review the County’s floodplain construction guidelines to ensure your permit application meets all elevation and safety requirements before you build.
Review Permit Times & Activity
Want to know how long your application might take? Check our real-time dashboard to see current review times, total permit activity and inspection statistics before you apply.
How to Apply Online
Commercial permits are applied for and tracked through the Pinellas County Access Portal.
- Sign in to the Access Portal or create an account for your business.
- Select the appropriate commercial record type for your project.
- Upload complete digital plan sets and supporting documents.
- Pay required review fees online.
- Respond promptly to review comments and resubmittal requests.
- Schedule inspections through the Access Portal after permit issuance.
Below is a list of available commercial permit types and subtypes. All applications must be submitted through the Pinellas County Access Portal.
Please ensure you apply for the correct permit type. Incorrect permit selections will result in processing delays.
If you are unsure which commercial permit type to select, contact us at (727) 464-3888 (Option 2) or email buildingpermits@pinellas.gov.
For complex or phased projects, email bdrspm@pinellas.gov to schedule a meeting with our staff early in the process to confirm the best permitting path.
| Permit | Subtype |
|---|---|
| Addition | Addition to Building |
| Aluminum Structure | Canopy/Carport Screen Room/Pool Enclosure |
| Building Other | Concrete Slab/Foundation Exterior Deck/Porch Foundation Stabilization/Sinkhole Other Building Shed Prefab Tie-down Only Shed Site Built Tanks Tent Trash Enclosure |
| Construction/Sale/Office Trailer | Construction/Sale/Office Trailer |
| Demolition | Demolition |
| Electrical | Alarm System/Low Voltage Generator Other Electrical Standalone Pedestal/Power Pole/Saw Pole Service Change – Panel |
| Fences and Walls (for fences under six feet, call 727-464-3888 (Option 3) or email DRS-help@pinellas.gov) | Fence Masonry Fence/Wall Retaining Wall Seawall |
| Fire Sprinkler | Fire Sprinkler |
| Gas | Gas – New Liquified Petroleum Tank Gas Appliance Replace Gas Systems, New or Extend Other Gas Standalone |
| Mechanical | Chemical Fire Suppression Hood New A/C System Other Mechanical Standalone Refrigeration |
| Medical Gas/Vacuum | Medical Gas/Vacuum |
| New Construction | New Building |
| Pools & Spas | Pool (Above Ground) Pool/Spa (Inground) |
| Remodel/Repair/Renovation | Exterior Renovation Interior/Exterior Remodel Interior Remodel Repair |
| Signs | Billboard Change to Existing/Face Change Monument/Pylon/Pole Signs (with electrical) Monument/Pylon/Pole Signs (without electrical) Wall (with electrical) Wall (without electrical) |
| Solar | Water heater Photovoltaic Pool/Spa Heater |
| Tower-Antenna-Cell | Tower Antenna-Cell |