Florida Permit Desk

Palm Beach County Permits: Portal, Owner-Builder Rules, Common Jobs

Last verified against official sources: · County guide

Independent guide, not a government site. Confirm every requirement with the building office for your address before starting work. Items marked Unverified could not be confirmed on an official page.
Office (unincorporated area)Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building (PZB), Building Division
Address2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Phone561-233-5100 · PZB-Bldg@pbc.gov
HoursMonday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Online permit searchePZB permits and inspections search

Short answer: the Palm Beach County Building Division (part of Planning, Zoning & Building, or PZB) issues permits in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Each of the 39 municipalities has its own building or permitting office, though some use shared or contracted services.[1][6]

Who issues permits for your address

  1. Search your address on the Property Appraiser's site to find your PCN (Parcel Control Number).[1]
  2. Look at the first two digits. 00 means unincorporated Palm Beach County, so the County issues permits.[1]
  3. Any other code is a municipality. Find its office in the table at the bottom of this page.

Searching permits in the ePZB portal

The County's FAQ points to its ePZB online system for most permit questions:[1]

  • "Did my contractor pull a permit?" and "Do I have open or inactive permits?": search by address in ePZB permits and inspections.[1][5]
  • Permit status and inspections: check the same search. After 8:00 a.m. on inspection day, you can see who your inspector is.[1]
  • Fee estimates: the County has an online Building Fee Estimator in ePZB.[1]
  • Records Department: you can also ask for a search by calling 561-233-5160.[1]

Certified open-permit and lien searches (fee-based)

For a certified search, for example when selling a property, PZB offers paid searches for unincorporated properties:[4]

Search Fee Rush (within 3 business days)
Open building permit $63 $94
Fine/lien $63 $94
Open code violation $50 $75
  • Requests go through the ePZB Admin portal, which requires registering an account. Standard results take 7 to 10 business days after payment.[4]
  • The public can also run open-permit searches on non-confidential properties through ePZB Admin after registering.[4]
  • These searches cover unincorporated Palm Beach County only. They don't include permits or liens from municipalities, except for areas a city annexed from the County.[4]
  • Fees are nonrefundable. Questions: 561-233-5001.[4]

Owner-builder rules

State law lets you act as your own contractor, with direct on-site supervision, on a one- or two-family home for your own use, or a commercial building costing up to $75,000.[7] Palm Beach County's owner-builder guidelines add:[3]

  • You must personally appear at the Building Division to submit, sign an Owner/Builder Affidavit, and have your signature notarized by Building Division staff.
  • The home or building must be for your own use and occupancy, not for sale or lease.
  • You're responsible for making sure anyone you hire has the licenses State law and County ordinances require.
  • The County's guidelines say doing improvements without proper permits may result in paying 4 times the fee.
  • If the property uses a septic system or a drinking water well, contact the Health Department for approval (561-837-5940).

The County's FAQ confirms owner-builder permits must be submitted in person by the owner.[1]

Wording difference. The County's guidelines describe the $75,000 commercial limit as "within any 12-month period".[3] The state statute says "at a cost not to exceed $75,000" and does not mention a 12-month period.[7] Ask the County how it applies the limit.

Permit time limits

The County's owner-builder guidelines quote the Florida Building Code:[3]

  • An application is treated as abandoned 180 days after filing, unless pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued.
  • A permit becomes invalid if work doesn't start within six months of issuance, or stops for six months after it starts.

Common jobs that may not need a County permit

The County's single-family brochure lists examples that don't need a permit in unincorporated Palm Beach County, including:[2]

  • replacing a ceiling fan, light fixture, outlet or switch "like for like"
  • exact replacement of kitchen cabinets with no layout, plumbing or electrical changes
  • replacing a dishwasher (same wattage and location), faucet, sink or toilet in the same location
  • painting, minor drywall repair, and finished flooring (not subfloor)
  • replacing an exterior door (not an overhead garage door), once a year
  • minor roof repair under $1,000, and siding, fascia or soffit work under $1,000
  • minor fence repair under $1,000, excluding pool barriers
  • replacing a window A/C unit that uses an existing outlet

If you're not sure, call 561-233-5100 or email PZB-Bldg@pbc.gov.[2] An older County list (revision 4/12/13) gives more detail on some of these items.[11]

Work under $7,500 (new from 1 July 2026)

State law now requires local governments to exempt single-family owners from a building permit for work under $7,500, except electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work and except in flood hazard areas. You must request it in writing with the contract or other proof of value.[8] Ask the Building Division how it accepts these requests. Unverified (We did not find a Palm Beach County page describing its process yet.)

Jobs that do need a permit

The County's guidelines list common owner-builder permit types, including A/C change-out, reroofing, water heater change-out, window and door replacements, storm shutters, sheds, screen structures, pools and spas.[3] Find application forms on the County forms page.[10]

Notice of Commencement

Under state law, a recorded Notice of Commencement must be filed before the first inspection when the direct contract is over $5,000, except for repair or replacement of an existing heating or air-conditioning system under $15,000.[9] The County's guidelines say the permit holder must give the Building Division a certified copy of the recorded notice to get inspections.[3]

County offices

Office Address Phone Hours
Main County office 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 561-233-5100 Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.[2]
South County office 345 S. Congress Avenue, Suite 102, Delray Beach, FL 33445 561-276-1284 Tue–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.[2]

The South County office accepts certain permits, but all processing happens at the main office.[1]

Conflicting hours. The County's FAQ lists the South County office as open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and closed 12–1 p.m., the single-family brochure lists Tuesday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and the owner-builder guidelines list Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. for pick-up and drop-off only.[1][2][3] Call 561-276-1284 before you go.

Check a contractor's license on the state's DBPR license search.[12] The County also takes contractor-licensing questions at 561-233-5525.[2]

Municipal building offices (39)

These come from a directory compiled by the City of Palm Beach Gardens (7 October 2026).[6] It notes that some small municipalities use contracted or shared building services. We haven't checked each entry against each town's own website, so call before you visit.

Municipality Building / permitting office address Phone
Atlantis 260 Orange Tree Drive, Atlantis, FL 33462 561-965-1744 ext. 112
Belle Glade 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-0100 ext. 2111
Boca Raton 200 NW 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-393-7930
Boynton Beach 100 E. Ocean Avenue, City Hall, 1st Floor, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 561-742-6000
Briny Breezes 4802 N. Ocean Boulevard, Briny Breezes, FL 33435 561-272-5495
Cloud Lake 100 Lang Road, Cloud Lake / West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-686-2815
Delray Beach 100 NW 1st Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444 561-243-7200
Glen Ridge 1501 Glen Road, Glen Ridge, FL 33406 561-697-8868
Golf 21 Country Road, Village of Golf, FL 33436 847-503-9008 §
Greenacres 5800 Melaleuca Lane, Greenacres, FL 33463 561-642-2052
Gulf Stream ¶ 3616 S. Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, FL 33487 (Highland Beach) 561-278-4540
Haverhill 4585 Charlotte Street, Haverhill, FL 33417 561-689-0370 ext. 2
Highland Beach 3616 S. Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, FL 33487 561-278-4540
Hypoluxo 7580 S. Federal Highway, Hypoluxo, FL 33462 561-582-0155
Juno Beach 340 Ocean Drive, Juno Beach, FL 33408 561-626-1122
Jupiter 210 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458 561-741-2286
Jupiter Inlet Colony 50 Colony Road, Jupiter Inlet Colony, FL 33469 561-746-3787 ext. 1
Lake Clarke Shores 1701 Barbados Road, Lake Clarke Shores, FL 33406 561-964-1515 ext. 1114
Lake Park 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park, FL 33403 561-881-3318
Lake Worth Beach 1900 2nd Avenue N., Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461 561-586-1647
Lantana 504 Greynolds Circle, Lantana, FL 33462 561-540-5780
Loxahatchee Groves 155 F Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 561-807-6675
Manalapan 600 S. Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan, FL 33462 561-383-2571
Mangonia Park 1755 E. Tiffany Drive, Mangonia Park, FL 33407 561-848-1235
North Palm Beach 701 U.S. Highway 1, Suite 100, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 561-841-3365, option 1
Ocean Ridge 6450 N. Ocean Boulevard, Ocean Ridge, FL 33435 561-732-2635
Pahokee 207 Begonia Drive, Pahokee, FL 33476 561-924-5534 ext. 2003 / 2004
Palm Beach (Town) 360 S. County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480 561-838-5431
Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561-799-4210
Palm Beach Shores 247 Edwards Lane, Palm Beach Shores, FL 33404 561-844-3457
Palm Springs 226 Cypress Lane, Palm Springs, FL 33461 561-965-4016
Riviera Beach 600 W. Blue Heron Boulevard, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 561-845-4020
Royal Palm Beach 1050 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 561-790-5128
South Bay 335 SW 2nd Avenue, South Bay, FL 33493 561-996-6751
South Palm Beach 3577 S. Ocean Boulevard, South Palm Beach, FL 33480 561-588-8889, press 1
Tequesta 345 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469 561-768-0450
Wellington 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, FL 33414 561-753-2430 / 561-363-7907
Westlake 4001 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Westlake, FL 33470 561-530-5880 ext. 402
West Palm Beach 401 Clematis Street, 1st Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-805-6700

¶ Gulf Stream's building permits and inspections are handled by the Town of Highland Beach, according to the directory.[6]

§ This number has an 847 area code, which is not a Palm Beach County area code. Unverified Confirm with the Village of Golf before you rely on it.

Common questions

How do I know if my property is in unincorporated Palm Beach County?

Find your PCN (Parcel Control Number) by searching your address on the Property Appraiser's site. If the first two digits are 00, the property is in unincorporated Palm Beach County and the County Building Division issues permits.[1]

Can someone else drop off my permit application?

Yes, except owner-builder permits, which the owner must submit in person, according to the County's FAQ.[1]

Can I mail or fax a permit application?

The County says permits can't be mailed, and can be faxed only if you're on its approved fax program. Call 561-233-5114 for details.[1]

How much does it cost to reactivate an inactive permit?

The County's FAQ lists $75 within 180 days of inactive status, and after 180 days 30% of the original permit fee (minimum $75), plus any other fees that may have increased since the original application.[1]

Sources

Every fact on this page comes from the official sources below, checked on 21 October 2026.

  1. Palm Beach County PZB: Building FAQ
  2. Palm Beach County PZB: Single Family Properties, When a Permit Is Not Required (brochure, PDF)
  3. Palm Beach County PZB: Owner/Builder Building Permit Guidelines (PDF, revision November 2023)
  4. Palm Beach County PZB: Fine/Lien, Open Permit and Code Enforcement Open Violation Searches
  5. Palm Beach County: ePZB permits and inspections
  6. City of Palm Beach Gardens: Palm Beach County Municipal Building Department Directory (PDF, compiled 7 Oct 2026)
  7. Florida Statutes § 489.103 (2026), Exemptions (owner-builder)
  8. Florida Statutes § 553.79 (2026)
  9. Florida Statutes § 713.135 (2026)
  10. Palm Beach County PZB: Building forms
  11. Palm Beach County PZB: Items Not Requiring a Permit (PDF, revision 4/12/13)
  12. Florida DBPR: License search