Florida Building Permit Process — Step-by-Step Guide

The Florida building permit process typically involves the following steps: 1. **Pre-application meeting:** For complex projects, a pre-application meeting with the building department can help identify potential issues before the permit application is submitted. 2. **Permit application:** The permit application includes the permit application form, the construction documents (architectural, structural, and MEP drawings), and the permit fee. 3. **Plan review:** The building department reviews the construction documents for compliance with the Florida Building Code. Plan review times vary by jurisdiction — typically 2–6 weeks for residential projects and 4–12 weeks for commercial projects. 4. **Permit issuance:** Once the plan review is complete and any comments are addressed, the permit is issued. 5. **Construction:** Construction proceeds with required inspections at key milestones. 6. **Certificate of occupancy:** After all inspections are passed, the building department issues a certificate of occupancy (CO).