Building Permits in St. Johns County
St. Johns County's building department is based in St. Augustine. Whether you need a roof permit, pool permit, or anything in between — we connect you with a licensed pro who knows the St. Johns County process cold.
St. Augustine
Northeast Florida
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
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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.
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 licensed 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.
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