Building and Permitting

MONROE COUNTY BUILDING DEPARTMENT 

Online Permitting System

The Building Department's online permitting system, Oracle's Fusion Cloud Public Sector Community Development Permitting system, facilitates processing permit applications from submission to closure using an online web-based application replacing the prior paper-dependent process.

News

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted to eliminate the longstanding 299-square-foot limitation for enclosed storage space below elevated homes in unincorporated Monroe County, as well as the requirement for an inspection at the time of sale.

Under the changes, downstairs enclosures must still be used only for limited storage, parking, or access to the building. They cannot be converted into habitable living space under federal floodplain regulations. Property owners seeking permits to expand storage enclosures will continue to be required to sign a recorded non-conversion agreement that documents allowable uses and ensures future buyers have a clear record of permitted improvements.

Permit Applications and Review

The Building Department intakes and issues permits for all types of development, including plan reviews by planning, environmental, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electric, floodplain, and fire. 

Permit Applications

Services are provided between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at each permitting office. 

Plans examiners, inspectors, planners, and biologists are now available for meetings with customers at our offices. Please keep in mind that many personnel travel between offices, perform inspections, and have other scheduled meetings. Appointments are strongly encouraged. We will do our best to meet without an appointment; however, unscheduled meetings cannot be guaranteed.

Inspections

Please refer to the Inspections page for specific directions for scheduling inspections.

  • Inspectors will call the contact phone number associated with the permit prior to their arrival.  
  • Have plans ready and open the pertinent pages for all on-site inspections.  
  • Forms and affidavits will NOT be accepted in the field.  
  • For items such as AC change-outs, the inspector may request a photo of the panel breaker size.

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Staff will contact permit holders who are ready to receive a CO via email.

Additional Information on Permitting

Outside Agencies Approvals

Prior to commencing construction, the contractor, owner, or builder must first apply to obtain a permit. Obtaining a permit may require the interaction and approval of several agencies outside of the Building Department; with small exceptions, each of these agencies charges fees for their review procedures. The Building Department works to coordinate the involvement of other agencies in the permitting process to obtain a building permit in the most expedient manner while maintaining the county’s high level of quality. This service is not a substitute for a customer’s responsibility to interact with all participating agencies.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Building Department is to protect public health and safety, property, and the environment by providing an efficient, effective, and considerate permitting and code administration system, in accordance with the Monroe County Code and Florida statutes consistent with and furthering the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan.