Do I Need a Building Permit in Martin County?

• •New building permit exemptions under Florida HB 803 will take effect on July 1, 2026.
• •Qualifying owner/builders must appear in person at 900 SE Ruhnke Street, Stuart, to sign the Building Permit Application and Owner/Builder Disclosure.
• •Permits are required for most construction, alterations, repairs, demolitions, or changes to electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
• •Emergency repairs require a permit application to be submitted by the next working business day.
• •Ordinary minor repairs (e.g., painting, flooring, cabinetry) generally do not require a permit, provided they do not affect structural integrity, egress, or public health/safety.
• •Plumbing repairs like stopping leaks or clearing stoppages do not require a permit, unless they involve replacing concealed pipes or rearranging fixtures.
• •Mechanical equipment like portable cooling units or small refrigeration systems (1 horsepower or less) are exempt from permits.
• •Permits are explicitly required for additions, electrical panels, fences, pool barriers, reroofing, solar systems, and window replacements.

Residents and property owners must obtain permits for most structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code, with new state-mandated exemptions taking effect in 2026.

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.