How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Petersburg?
Florida law gives the city 30 business days to approve or deny a complete application for a new single-family home under 7,500 square feet, and since July 1, 2026, just 5 business days for plumbing, electrical, structural, mechanical or roofing permits under $15,000 on an existing single-family home. Corrections run on their own clock: once the city sends written reasons your plans fall short, you have 10 business days to resubmit and the city has 10 business days to approve or deny the revisions.
The Deadlines in State Law
Florida Statute 553.792 sets the review timelines for building departments when the city's own plans reviewers do the review.
Missed deadline?
If the city misses the applicable deadline, Florida law provides for a permit-fee reduction of 10% per business day, or 20% per business day after a qualifying resubmittal, subject to statutory exceptions.
What St. Pete Says About Its Own Reviews
St. Petersburg publishes additional review timelines and options for certain projects.
ADU REVIEWS
ADU REVIEWS
3–5 business days
The city says ADU plans are reviewed within 3 to 5 business days.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
10 + 5 business days
Qualifying affordable housing projects have an expedited review track with 10 days for the first review and 5 days for a resubmittal.
PRELIMINARY PLAN REVIEW
7 business days ahead
You can request an optional Preliminary Plan Review meeting before submitting your permit application. Drawings and questions should be sent to city staff at least 7 business days before the meeting, and the meeting fee is credited toward the permit fee.
A Faster Route: Private Plan Review
Florida law allows an owner, or a contractor with the owner's written authorization, to hire a private provider for plan review, inspections, or both.
Who can be a private provider?
A Florida-licensed engineer, architect or building code administrator.
Who pays?
You pay the private provider directly under your own contract.
Review Clock
The city has 10 days to flag the missing documents, or 5 business days for a single trade review on a one or two family home.
What Can Add Time, and How Long a Permit Lasts
Permit review can involve more than the building department alone.
FLOOD ZONES
St. Petersburg applies a 49% flood-zone remodeling limit, and new buildings in flood zones must be elevated. These requirements can affect the review.
ADDITIONAL REVIEWS
Depending on the project and property, Zoning, Historic Preservation and Water Resources may require their own review or sign-off.
PERMIT VALIDITY
1 YEAR
A single-family building permit is generally valid for one year after issuance, subject to the applicable Florida Building Code cycle and any extension allowed by the city.
Frequently asked questions
Clear, direct answers regarding St. Petersburg building codes and bathroom remodeling.
Under state law, the city has 30 business days to approve or deny a complete application for a home under 7,500 square feet, plus time for any corrections. A lot in a flood zone brings elevation requirements into the review.
The permit fee may be reduced by 10% for each business day late, or 20% per day on a qualifying resubmittal, subject to statutory exceptions.
Start with a complete application, since the state deadlines begin once the application is complete. St. Petersburg's optional Preliminary Plan Review meeting can help identify issues before submission, and Florida law allows private providers to handle plan review under certain conditions.
A single-family permit is generally valid for one year after issuance, or until the next edition of the Florida Building Code takes effect if that occurs later, subject to the city's ability to extend the permit.
Planning a Project in St. Pete?
Tell us what you're building, where you're building it, and what stage you're at. We'll help you understand which reviews your project may need before you set your schedule.