Everything You Need to Get a Florida Building Permit—From a Civil Engineer’s Perspective

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Jul 24

If you’re preparing to build in Florida, securing a building permit is one of the most important—and sometimes confusing—steps. Whether you’re developing residential, commercial, or mixed-use property, the permit process ensures your project complies with local, state, and federal regulations. But what exactly is required?

At RSP Engineers, we guide clients through this process every day. Below is a complete breakdown of what you need to submit a strong permit application—and how working with a civil engineer can make the difference between smooth approval and costly delays.

Why the Florida Building Permit Process Matters

Florida’s building code is designed to protect life, property, and the environment. Strict regulations account for the state’s:

Flood-prone terrain
Hurricane exposure
Wetland preservation laws
Complex stormwater requirements

Because of this, your building permit application must include detailed technical documents. Municipal reviewers won’t just glance at your plans—they’ll analyze grading, drainage, flood elevation, and much more.

Core Documents Required for a Florida Building Permit

Most Florida municipalities follow a similar checklist for permit applications. While exact requirements vary by county, here’s what’s typically included:

  
      Document
      Purpose
    
      Site Plan
      Shows property layout, structures, and compliance with zoning
    
      Topographic Survey
      Provides elevation data for drainage and grading design
    
      Drainage Plan
      Demonstrates how stormwater will be managed and contained onsite

      Utility Plan
      Outlines water, sewer, and electric service connections
    
      Engineer's Certification
      Verifies design meets Florida Building Code and local permitting standards

Visit the Florida Building Code for state-level guidance. Also check your local county’s building department for jurisdiction-specific requirements.

How Civil Engineers Support the Permit Process

A licensed civil engineer is not only helpful—they are often required to design and stamp key parts of your permit package. At RSP Engineers, we:

Develop your site, grading, and drainage plans to meet local code
Coordinate with surveyors and architects for consistency across plans
Calculate stormwater retention and treatment based on SFWMD or local criteria
Help you avoid common reasons for permit rejection, such as outdated surveys or noncompliant designs

For complex sites—such as those in flood zones, near wetlands, or on sloped lots—civil engineering input is critical. Learn more in our blog: Can You Build in a Flood Zone? What Engineers Say.

Permitting Agencies You May Need to Work With

Depending on your property’s location and characteristics, you may need approvals from:

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) – Permit Programs
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – For wetlands or navigable waters
Local Municipalities or Counties – Each with its own land development regulations

Working with experienced civil engineers ensures your application is complete for all applicable jurisdictions.

Tips to Avoid Permit Delays

Start with accurate, up-to-date surveys

Check flood map revisions before designing
Submit digitally if your city allows ePermitting
Verify whether you need a pre-application meeting
Avoid rushing: incomplete submittals are a top reason for rejections
→ See: Top 5 Reasons Site Plans Get Rejected by County Reviewers

Conclusion

Securing a Florida building permit means preparing a comprehensive, accurate, and compliant application. It requires coordination between engineers, surveyors, architects, and multiple agencies. With the right team—and a licensed civil engineer leading the technical side—you can avoid delays, save costs, and move your project forward confidently.

At RSP Engineers, we specialize in site planning and permitting throughout Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and beyond.

FAQs

Yes. Most municipalities require engineered plans for grading, drainage, and utility layout. A civil engineer ensures your site complies with county and Florida Building Code regulations.
No. A site plan is mandatory. It must show setbacks, structures, grading, utility connections, and drainage systems. Learn what goes into one in What’s Included in a Civil Site Plan?
You’ll need to meet FEMA and local floodplain elevation requirements. This includes submitting an elevation certificate, drainage plan, and possibly elevating your structure. Learn more here.
Typically, the local city or county building department, in coordination with environmental and water agencies like FDEP or SFWMD.
It depends. In South Florida, first-round reviews can take 3–6 weeks. Delays occur when plans are incomplete or noncompliant. Here’s our guide on how to speed up the process.

Ready to Submit for Permits? Let’s Get Your Plans Approved

If you’re developing in Florida, don’t leave your permitting to chance. RSP Engineers provides complete, code-compliant civil site plans tailored to local requirements—so your application is clear, complete, and ready for approval.

We’ve helped hundreds of projects across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and beyond. From your first topographic survey to final permit sign-off, we coordinate the full process for: