St. Johns County Building Department

Commercial Building Permits (Unincorporated St. Johns)

The St. Johns County Building Department issues building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits for new construction, build-outs and alterations of commercial space in unincorporated St. Johns County, under the "Building Services Fees F.S. 553-80" section of the county's FY 27 Schedule of Fees and Services (amended 09/15/2026). That section sets the building permit fee by the total valuation of the building, and adds a note that "The building permit fee includes a separately imposed inspection fee based on the actual costs incurred by the County, not the total cost of the project." Ch. 2026-63, Laws of Florida (CS/CS/HB 803), effective July 1, 2026, amended s. 553.79, F.S., to provide that inspection fees may not be based on the total cost of a project and may not exceed the actual inspection costs incurred by the local enforcement agency; this record therefore states the requirement and the flat issuance fee of $20.00, and publishes no valuation-based figure. The schedule also notes that, per HB 803, projects that elect private provider inspection services receive reduced fees. The Fire Prevention section of St. Johns County Fire Rescue takes part in the review of commercial building permits. This record covers unincorporated St. Johns County; a site inside the City of St. Augustine or the City of St. Augustine Beach should check that city's building requirements. Building Department: (904) 827-6800, bldcodes@sjcfl.us.