How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Permit Submittals
What Every Florida Developer and Property Owner Should Know
When it comes to land development or construction in Florida, one of the most underestimated phases is the permit submittal. Whether you're submitting for a residential build, commercial site plan, or drainage approval, small mistakes can lead to major delays.
At RSP Engineers, we’ve seen it all—and we know what it takes to get your plans approved the first time. In this article, we’re sharing the most common errors that hold up permits (and how to avoid them).
Why Permit Submittals Get Rejected
Every city and county has its own checklist and standards, but some issues show up over and over again in rejected permit applications.
Here’s what to watch out for:
Mistake #1: Incomplete Plan Sets
A missing sheet can bring the whole process to a stop. Common oversights include:
No grading or drainage plan
Missing utility or erosion control layout
Plans not signed and sealed by a licensed professional
No survey or outdated boundary info
Solution: Work with a civil engineer who delivers complete, municipality-ready plans from day one.
Mistake #2: Wrong File Format or Submission Method
In today’s digital permitting systems, uploading the wrong file type or missing required naming conventions can trigger auto-rejections.
Solution: Double-check the jurisdiction’s digital submittal guidelines—or let your civil engineer handle it for you.
Mistake #3: Outdated or Incorrect Code References
Permitting offices reject plans that reference old versions of code or fail to meet updated Florida Accessibility or stormwater standards.
Solution: Ensure your plans are designed by professionals up to date with the latest state and local regulations.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Drainage and Stormwater Requirements
Especially in Florida, where water management is critical, missing or incomplete stormwater plans are a major cause of permit delays.
Solution: Include a sealed drainage report, proper grading details, and stormwater calculations based on current rainfall data and soil conditions.
Mistake #5: Inadequate Coordination Between Professionals
If your civil engineer, surveyor, and architect aren’t aligned, your site plan may conflict with structural drawings or utility layouts.
Solution: Choose a civil engineering firm that coordinates with your team from the start and catches design conflicts before submission.
What You Should Submit (The Basics)
To avoid delays, your initial permit submittal should include:
Civil site plan (grading, drainage, utilities)
Topographic survey
ADA accessibility plan
Drainage calculations (if required)
Signed and sealed documents
Application forms and fee schedules
Digital files in the correct format (PDF, CAD, etc.)
How RSP Engineers Helps You Get Approved Faster
At RSP Engineers, we don’t just create plans—we design for approval. That means:
Understanding each jurisdiction’s submittal standards
Providing complete, compliant plan sets
Handling comments and revisions professionally
Communicating clearly with your architect or contractor
Supporting you through the full permitting cycle
We help clients across Florida—from Miami-Dade to Hillsborough—get their permits moving without stress or surprises.
Let’s Get It Right the First Time
Don’t let simple submittal mistakes delay your construction timeline. With the right team and the right plans, your permit can move faster and smoother.
