Planning a construction project in Florida? Whether you're building a home, a business, or developing a lot, the site plan approval process is a critical early step—and one that can significantly impact your project timeline.
So how long does it actually take?
The short answer: 3 to 12 weeks in most cases. But the real answer depends on several factors, including location, project type, and how prepared you are.
At RSP Engineers, we help developers, property owners, and builders streamline this process. Here's what you need to know about site plan approval timelines in Florida—and how to keep your project moving forward.
What Is Site Plan Approval?
Site plan approval is the formal process your local city or county uses to review your proposed development plans. It ensures your project:
Meets zoning and code requirements
Follows stormwater and drainage rules
Provides proper grading and utility access
Aligns with local environmental and safety regulations
Without site plan approval, your building permit application won’t move forward.
Typical Timeframe for Site Plan Approval
Here’s how the process usually breaks down:
Site survey and initial review: 1 to 2 weeks
Civil site plan design: 1 to 3 weeks, depending on project size
Submittal to city or county: 1 to 2 weeks for document prep and coordination
Government review period: 2 to 6 weeks (sometimes longer in busy jurisdictions)
Revisions and resubmittals: 1 to 3 weeks, per review round
That brings the total to about 3 to 12 weeks, with larger or more complex sites falling on the higher end of the range.
What Can Slow Down the Process?
Project Complexity
Larger sites or developments that require detailed drainage, utility, or roadway design take more time to review and revise.
Jurisdiction Workload
Busy areas like Miami-Dade or Hillsborough County may take longer due to backlog or multi-department reviews.
Environmental Conditions
If your site is near wetlands, in a flood zone, or under coastal regulation, you may need approvals from additional agencies like SFWMD or DERM.
Submission Quality
Incomplete plans, missing drainage reports, or unclear utility layouts are the biggest cause of delays. A clean, thorough submission speeds everything up.
How to Speed Up Your Site Plan Approval
Want to avoid delays and get your project permitted faster? Here’s what works:
Hire a local civil engineer who understands your municipality’s process
Start early—site plan design should begin before your architectural plans are finalized
Coordinate with a licensed surveyor for accurate base data
Submit a complete, sealed plan with grading, drainage, and utility clearly shown
Respond quickly to comments or revision requests from reviewers
At RSP Engineers, we design every plan with approval in mind—so you’re not stuck in review limbo for weeks or months.
Let’s Get Your Project Approved
The sooner your site plan is approved, the sooner you can build. Whether you're working on a single-family lot or a large-scale development, we’ll help you navigate the process, avoid common pitfalls, and move efficiently from planning to construction.
