Permitting

Permitting

Welcome to the City of Satellite Beach Permitting page. Our Building Department helps ensure projects are designed and built safely, meet Florida Building Code and local ordinances, and are resilient to coastal hazards. You can apply, upload plans, pay fees, and schedule inspections online through our BS&A portal: Access Online Permitting – BS&A. If you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit, call us—we’re happy to help: 321-773-4409.

Do I need a permit?

Most construction, installation, or replacement work requires a permit, including (not limited to):

• Structural changes, additions, garages, sheds, screen rooms, decks, docks.

• Roofing, windows/doors/shutters, siding, stucco.

• Electrical, generators, EV chargers, service changes.

• Plumbing, water heaters, sewer connections, backflow devices.

• Mechanical/HVAC, A/C change-outs, mini-splits.

• Pools/spas, fences, driveways/pavers, seawall work.

• Solar PV/thermal, gas piping, tank sets.

Cosmetic work (paint, flooring, cabinets without moving plumbing/electrical) may not require a permit—check with us first.

What do I need to apply?

Typical submittals (your project may vary):

• Application (online) and scope of work.

• Site plan/survey showing setbacks, easements, and flood info if applicable.

• Plans (signed/sealed when required), wind design data, and details.

• Product approvals (Florida Product Approval/Miami-Dade NOA) for windows, doors, roofing, shutters, etc.

• Floodplain items (elevation data, flood vents, lowest-floor details) when in AE/VE/Coastal A zones.

• Notice of Commencement (NOC) when required by Florida law and City policy (generally for higher-value projects; HVAC change-outs have different thresholds).

• Contractor and subcontractor license/insurance information.

License requirements (contractors & businesses)

To pull permits and work in Satellite Beach, contractors must have:

• An active Florida DBPR license in the correct trade/discipline.

• Brevard County contractor competency/registration where applicable.

• Insurance (general liability and workers’ compensation or state-approved exemption).

• An active City of Satellite Beach Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for businesses operating in the City.

Verify credentials before you hire:

• Florida DBPR “Verify a License”: 

• Brevard County Licensed Contractor Search: 

Owner-Builder: Florida law allows owners to act as their own contractor on their primary residence with an Owner-Builder Disclosure—you assume full responsibility for code compliance, supervision, and hiring only licensed trades where required.

Inspections

All permitted work must be inspected. Use your BS&A account to schedule/cancel inspections, view results, and message the inspector. Post the permit card on site and ensure safe access.

If you have questions about submittal requirements, flood zone rules, or whether your project needs a permit, contact the Community Development Department at 321-773-4409. We’re here to make your project safe, compliant, and smooth from start to finish.

Owner–Builder Permits (Florida) — What You Need to Know

Florida law lets certain property owners act as their own contractor (“owner-builder”) on their own property, but there are important limits and responsibilities.

Who qualifies & where it applies

• Allowed for one- and two-family homes and farm outbuildings you own and will occupy (not for sale/lease). Limited allowance for commercial work up to $75,000 for your own use. Selling or leasing within 1 year of completion creates a legal presumption the project was done for sale/lease (not eligible for the exemption).

Your responsibilities

• You must provide direct, on-site supervision of all work not performed by licensed contractors and cannot hire an unlicensed person to act as your contractor or to supervise work. You may hire licensed trade contractors (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, etc.), but you are responsible for verifying their licensure and workers’ compensation coverage. 

• If you hire anyone directly, you may become an employer and must comply with FICA withholding and workers’ compensation laws; homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover injuries to unlicensed workers on your property. 

How to pull an Owner–Builder permit (Satellite Beach)

1. Appear in person to sign the building permit and the Owner–Builder Disclosure Statement (photo ID/notarization or other verification may be required). 

2. Submit the same plans/documents required for a contractor-pulled permit (site plan/survey, drawings, product approvals, floodplain info if applicable).

3. If using licensed trades, provide their license, insurance, and registration details for the permit.

4. Schedule and pass inspections; you’re legally and financially responsible for code compliance, zoning, and floodplain rules just like a contractor. 

Enforcement note: If owner-builder requirements aren’t followed, the City may withhold final approval or revoke the permit, and unlicensed-activity actions may be pursued. 

Have questions or want to verify whether owner-builder is right for your project? Call 321-773-4409 and we’ll walk you through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I need a building permit?
A permit is required for most construction activities, including new construction, additions, interior remodels, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, fencing, and accessory structures. Minor cosmetic work (such as painting or flooring replacement) typically does not require a permit.

2. Where can I find the application forms?
Permit applications and checklists are available on the City of Satellite Beach website and at the Building Department office.

3. How long does it take to get a permit?
Florida Statutes §553.79 requires jurisdictions to review building permits within statutory timeframes, typically 30 business days for residential permits and 45 business days for commercial permits. Typically, our permits are reviewed within 3 business days.

4. Who can apply for a permit?
A licensed contractor registered with DBPR or Brevard County may apply. Property owners may apply under the owner-builder exemption but must comply with state requirements and sign an affidavit.

5. What happens if I start work without a permit?
Unpermitted work is a violation of Florida law and the City Code. Work must stop until permits are obtained, and fines or penalties may be assessed.

6. Do zoning rules affect my permit?
Yes. All projects must comply with the City’s zoning regulations (Satellite Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 30), including setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, and landscaping.

7. How do I schedule inspections?
Required inspections are listed on your permit card. Inspections must be scheduled through the Building Department before continuing to the next phase of construction and can be schedule online with BS&A..

8. Where can I read the City Code?
The City of Satellite Beach Code of Ordinances is available online through Municode.