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Permit · Pinellas County, FL

Pinellas County Building Permits

Where to start, what to prepare, and which Pinellas County office handles building permit applications.

Direct answer

Direct answer

Pinellas County Building and Development Review Services accepts applications through the county Access Portal for unincorporated areas and the partner communities it serves. Confirm the correct building department for the property before applying.

Before you begin

Before you begin

Pinellas County BDRS is not the building department for every address in Pinellas County. It serves unincorporated Pinellas plus Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Oldsmar, and Safety Harbor.

Key information

Administered by
Building and Development Review Services
Online application
Available through the Pinellas County Access Portal
Service area
Unincorporated Pinellas and specified partner communities
Express review
Qualifying simple projects: 0–2 business daysOnline for licensed contractors; owner-builders apply in person

Fees

Permit fee
Varies by permit type and project value
Plan review / impact fees
May applyShown in the Access Portal after review
Payment timing
Follow the portal invoiceUse the current county fee schedule for estimates

Requirements

  • The property address and a project description that matches the correct permit record type.
  • Digital forms, plans, and supporting documents required for the specific project.
  • Licensed-contractor information, or state-issued identification when applying in person as an owner-builder.
  • Any municipal preapproval required for a property in a partner community.

Steps

  1. 1Confirm that Pinellas County BDRS serves the property address.
  2. 2Review the permitting guide, project forms, and checklists.
  3. 3Create or sign in to an Access Portal account.
  4. 4Choose the correct permit type and upload the required digital files.
  5. 5Monitor the portal for review comments, fees, status, and inspection information.

Important notes

  • Most applications and site plan submissions are managed through the Access Portal; owner-builders apply in person.
  • Simple qualifying projects may use the Express Permit process. Online express applications are limited to licensed contractors.
  • Document requirements and fees depend on the project type. Use the current project checklist and fee schedule rather than assuming a standard package.
  • A partner municipality may require city review or preapproval before county submission.

Relevant office

Pinellas County Building and Development Review Services

Address
440 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Hours
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone
(727) 464-3888
Visit office website ↗

Last reviewed .