Skip to main content

Water Heater Permit in Martin County, Florida

Need a water heater 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 water heater permit process.

Still requires a permit

Does Florida’s new $7,500 permit exemption apply to water heater permits in Martin County?

No. A water heater replacement is plumbing work, and usually gas or electrical work as well, all of which HB 803 excludes from the $7,500 exemption. A permit is still required.

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 a Water Heater Permit in Martin County

Martin County Building Department issues water heater permits for Martin County. For a water heater 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 1-3 business days.

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

1-3 business days

NOC Required

Typically No

Watch Out For These Martin County Rejections

These are the most common reasons a water heater permit application gets rejected. An experienced permit pro catches these before they cost you time.

  • ×Missing energy factor specs
  • ×Incorrect venting details
  • ×Location code issues

Water Heater Permit questions, answered for Martin County

Does Florida's new $7,500 permit exemption mean I can skip a water heater permit in Martin County?

No. A water heater replacement is plumbing work, and usually gas or electrical work as well, all of which HB 803 excludes from the $7,500 exemption. A permit is still required. 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 a water heater permit in Martin County, Florida?

Martin County Building Department issues water heater 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 a water heater permit take in Martin County?

Water Heater Permit approval in Martin County typically takes 1-3 business days. 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 a water heater permit cost in Martin County?

Water Heater Permit fees in Martin County generally fall in the $50-150 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 a water heater permit in Martin County?

Usually not. Water Heater Permit work in Martin County is normally below the job value that triggers Florida's Notice of Commencement requirement. If your project grows or is bundled into a larger job, the NOC requirement can still apply, so confirm the threshold before work starts.

Can I pull a water heater 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 Water Heater 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 a water heater permit in Martin County?

Tell us about your project. We handle the rest.

Get My Permit Help — Free
Call