St. Johns County Building Department & Permits
St. Johns County Building Department handles building permits for St. Johns County and can be reached at (904) 827-6800. Below: what they require, how long it takes, and what it costs. Or skip the counter and have a permit pro pull it for you.
St. Augustine
Northeast Florida
Who issues this permit in St. Johns County
St. Johns County Building Department
- Phone
- (904) 827-6800
- Permit counter
- 4040 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- bldcodes@sjcfl.us
- Apply online
- Online Permitting & Status
Verified against St. Johns County's own website on . Counties change hours, offices and portals, so confirm before you drive over.
How Building Permits Work in St. Johns County
St. Johns County uses the ePermitting portal. Like most Florida counties, St. Johns County requires building permits for any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work on your property. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing plans or specifications, waiting for plan review, addressing any corrections, and then receiving your approved permit.
Timelines vary depending on the type of permit and the current workload at the building department. Simple permits (like a water heater or re-roof) might be approved in a day or two, while more complex projects (pools, room additions) can take several weeks in plan review.
Common Permit Headaches in St. Johns County
- Navigating the St. Johns County online portal for the first time
- Submitting incomplete applications that get kicked back
- Missing product approval numbers or engineering calculations
- Not knowing which inspections are required and in what order
- Getting stuck in plan review correction loops
- Forgetting to file a Notice of Commencement before starting work
Permits We Help Pull in St. Johns County
Permit Guides for St. Johns County
Yes, Florida requires a permit for almost every roof replacement. Learn the rules, costs, and how to avoid fines in Hillsborough, Pasco, and every FL county.
Florida Building Permit Costs: A Complete Breakdown by Project TypeFlorida building permit fees range from $50 for a fence to $4,000+ for an addition. See real cost ranges by project type and county to budget accurately.
Do You Need a Permit to Enclose a Patio in Florida?Yes, enclosing a patio in Florida requires a building permit in most cases. Learn the rules for screen enclosures, glass rooms, and lanai conversions statewide.
St. Johns County Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit for my project in St. Johns County?
In most cases, yes. St. Johns County requires building permits for structural work, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, pools, and most other construction projects. Even seemingly simple projects like fence installation or water heater replacement typically need a permit. When in doubt, it's better to check. Building without a required permit can result in fines and complications when you sell.
Where is the St. Johns County building department?
The St. Johns County building department is located in St. Augustine. Many applications can also be submitted online through their permitting portal. Our permit pros handle the entire process so you don't need to visit in person.
How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Johns County?
It depends on the project. Simple trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) can be approved in 1-5 business days. More complex projects like pools, room additions, and new construction typically take 2-6 weeks for plan review. Our permit pros know the typical timelines and can set realistic expectations.
How much does a building permit cost in St. Johns County?
Permit fees in St. Johns County vary by project type and value. Simple permits might cost $75-200, while major projects can be $500-2,000+. Fees are set by the county and paid at the time of application. Our pros can give you a cost estimate before you commit.
What happens if I build without a permit in St. Johns County?
Building without a required permit in St. Johns County can result in stop-work orders, fines, required demolition of unpermitted work, and problems when selling your home. Title companies and insurance companies check for open or missing permits. It's always better (and cheaper in the long run) to pull the permit first.
Can Florida Permit Help handle my St. Johns County permit from start to finish?
Yes. Our experienced permit professionals in St. Johns County handle the entire process, from preparing your application and submitting plans, to managing plan review corrections, filing the Notice of Commencement (if required), and picking up the approved permit. You focus on your project, we handle the paperwork.
Get Permit Help in St. Johns County
Tell us about your project and we'll match you with a local pro.
Done fighting the St. Johns County permit office?
Let an experienced permit pro handle it. Tell us what you're building.
Get My Permit Help — Free