Permit Guidelines & General Information

Guidelines

• NOTICE: Prior to hiring someone to perform work at your home or business, please contact the St. Johns County Building Department Division at (904) 827-6820 to verify the individual performing the work is properly licensed and insured.
• Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any required impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas or plumbing system…shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. (Excerpt from FBC 105.1)
• Permits are required for most improvements before any work begins. The property owner must determine if a permit is required to avoid additional fees.
• For permitted projects exceeding $5,000 a recorded “Notice of Commencement” is required prior to the first Building Services inspection. This Notice of Commencement protects the consumer from potential liability of additional payment of labor and materials when payment has not been satisfied by the individual performing the work.
• For permitted projects under $5,000 and non-permitted projects, residents should familiarize themselves with the lien laws prior to paying for the project in full. This may include verifying with the individual that all labor and material bills have been paid. In the absence of this verification, residents may find themselves responsible for additional costs beyond the original contract.
• Standards for land development and plan submittals can be found in the Development Review Manual.
• Plan submittals will be reviewed for compliance with the Florida Building Code, Land Development Code and all other applicable laws.
• Restrictions found in the public records of this county may apply to your property, further limiting development or construction activities.
• Governmental entities such as water management districts, state agencies or federal agencies may require additional permits.
• Contractors must be licensed, and registered with St. Johns County to obtain a permit or perform any construction activity. Check a contractor’s current status at Contractor License Search.
• Online Permitting is available for mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors. A Private Account and a Depository account must be opened to access this service.