Skip to main content

Owner-Builder Permit in Martin County, Florida

Need an owner-builder permit pulled in Martin County? We match you with an experienced Florida permit professional who knows the Martin County building department and handles the entire owner-builder permit process.

Exemption does not apply to this filing

Does Florida’s new $7,500 permit exemption apply to owner-builder permits in Martin County?

The $7,500 exemption does not change owner-builder rules. Owner-builder status governs who may pull a permit and act as their own contractor; HB 803 changes when a permit is required, not who may obtain one.

HB 803 (Chapter 2026-63) took effect July 1, 2026 and applies statewide, including Martin County. To qualify, all of the following must be true:

  • The property is a single-family residential property
  • The total value of the work is less than $7,500, based on a written proposal or estimate from a licensed contractor
  • The property is not in a flood hazard area
  • The work is not electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work

The exemption is not self-certifying. A homeowner or contractor submits an exemption request and the building official determines whether the work qualifies. Starting work on the assumption that it does can lead to a stop-work order and an unpermitted-work disclosure when you sell.

Not sure which side of the line your project falls on? Get a straight answer →

Getting an Owner-Builder Permit in Martin County

Martin County Building Department issues owner-builder permits for Martin County. For an owner-builder permit, you'll typically need to submit an application with project details, plans or specifications, and applicable contractor licensing. The typical timeline for this type of permit is Varies by project type.

This permit type requires a Notice of Commencement (NOC) to be filed with the MartinCounty clerk's office before work begins. Your permit pro handles this as part of the process.

Who issues this permit in Martin County

Martin County Building Department

Permit counter
900 SE Ruhnke Street, Stuart, FL 34994
Hours
Lobby 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; phones until 4:30 p.m.

Verified against Martin County's own website on . Counties change hours, offices and portals, so confirm before you drive over.

Quick Facts

Timeline

Varies by project type

NOC Required

Yes

Watch Out For These Martin County Rejections

These are the most common reasons an owner-builder permit application gets rejected. An experienced permit pro catches these before they cost you time.

  • ×Disclosure form not signed
  • ×Property not homesteaded
  • ×Scope exceeds owner-builder limits

Owner-Builder Permit questions, answered for Martin County

Does Florida's new $7,500 permit exemption mean I can skip an owner-builder permit in Martin County?

The $7,500 exemption does not change owner-builder rules. Owner-builder status governs who may pull a permit and act as their own contractor; HB 803 changes when a permit is required, not who may obtain one. HB 803 (Chapter 2026-63) took effect July 1, 2026 and applies statewide, including Martin County. Where it does apply, it is not automatic: the building official reviews an exemption request and decides.

Who issues an owner-builder permit in Martin County, Florida?

Martin County Building Department issues owner-builder permits for Martin County. You can reach the office at (772) 288-5916. The permit counter is at 900 SE Ruhnke Street, Stuart, FL 34994. Counter hours are Lobby 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; phones until 4:30 p.m..

How long does an owner-builder permit take in Martin County?

Owner-Builder Permit approval in Martin County typically takes Varies by project type. That clock starts when the application is accepted as complete, not when it is first submitted, which is why an application that comes back for corrections can add a week or more to the total.

How much does an owner-builder permit cost in Martin County?

Owner-Builder Permit fees in Martin County generally fall in the $100-500 range. Florida counties set their own fee schedules and most calculate them from the declared job valuation, so the final figure depends on the size of your project. Expect separate charges for plan review and for each inspection.

Do I need a Notice of Commencement for an owner-builder permit in Martin County?

Yes. Owner-Builder Permit work in Martin County normally requires a Notice of Commencement recorded with the Martin County Clerk of Court before work begins. Under Florida's Construction Lien Law an NOC is required once the job value passes the statutory threshold, and inspectors can refuse the first inspection until a recorded copy is posted at the job site.

Can I pull an owner-builder permit myself as the homeowner in Martin County?

Often yes. Florida's owner-builder exemption, in section 489.103(7) of the Florida Statutes, lets an owner pull a permit for work on a home they own, subject to conditions the statute attaches, including appearing in person to sign a disclosure statement acknowledging that you take on the responsibilities of a licensed contractor. Martin County can confirm what it requires at (772) 288-5916.

Get Your Owner-Builder Permit Pulled

Martin County · Experienced permit pros · No upfront cost

Loading verification...

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Florida Permit Help and our permit partner by phone, email, or text (if checked above). See our Privacy Policy.

No cost to you. Questions? Call (813) 587-1372.

Need an owner-builder permit in Martin County?

Tell us about your project. We handle the rest.

Get My Permit Help — Free
Call