Brevard County — Florida's Space Coast — issues building permits through its Planning and Development Department for unincorporated Brevard County. The county recently launched a new digital permitting platform, Permit Assist, while permit records and inspections run through BASS, the Brevard Advanced Service Site.
This Brevard County building permit guide covers what requires a permit, how fees work, the Permit Assist submission process, trade permits, and inspections — so your Palm Bay-, Melbourne-, or Titusville-area project starts clean.
Confirm you're in unincorporated Brevard County. Planning and Development permits only the unincorporated county. Brevard's 16 cities — including Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa, and Rockledge — run their own building departments, though the county collects certain impact fees countywide.
What requires a building permit in Brevard County?
Under the Florida Building Code (§105.1), a permit is required for new construction, alterations, additions, and changes to most structures and systems. Common triggers include:
Permit required
- New construction, additions, and tenant build-outs
- Structural / load-bearing alterations and demolition
- Roof replacements, window and door replacements, and exterior work
- Electrical service changes and most wiring alterations
- Mechanical / HVAC installations and changeouts
- Plumbing alterations, repipes, and water heaters
- Swimming pools, spas, docks, and seawalls
- Solar PV systems and screen enclosures
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, cabinetry, and cosmetic work
- Like-for-like minor repairs not altering systems
- Certain low non-structural fences (confirm limits)
- Routine maintenance not extending or rerouting systems
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Beginning without one exposes the owner to after-the-fact fees and penalties. Online permitting is limited to licensed contractors; owner-builders must apply in person.
Who handles permitting in Brevard County?
Permitting for unincorporated Brevard is administered by the Planning and Development Department, which also handles zoning, code enforcement, contractor licensing, and impact fees. As a coastal county, Brevard projects often involve flood and high-wind review.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building A, Viera, FL 32940 |
| Phone | (321) 633-2187 |
| Online platform | Permit Assist (digital permitting) |
| Permit search / inspections | BASS — Brevard Advanced Service Site (Accela) |
| Online permits | Licensed contractors only; owner-builders apply in person |
| Enforced code | Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), with coastal/high-wind provisions |
Licensed contractors apply through Permit Assist; owner-builders must apply in person. Before applying, verify your license status in the Brevard County Licensed Contractor Search to avoid intake delays. Permit records and inspection scheduling are available through BASS.
Brevard County permit types
A building permit is one record among many. Planning & Development issues work under separate record types, and filing under the wrong one is a rejection, not a correction — the application is closed and refiled, and the review clock restarts. The table below maps each scope of work to the record type Brevard actually uses in Permit Assist.
Residential permit types
| Permit type | AHJ record type | What triggers it | Review path | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | Residential New Construction | New dwellings, additions, and accessory structures over the exempt threshold | Full plan review (structural, energy, zoning) | Valuation-based |
| Renovation / alteration | Residential Renovation | Structural or load-bearing changes, layout changes, substantial repair | Plan review scaled to scope | Valuation-based |
| Reroof | Residential Reroof | Roof covering replacement and most major roof repair | Product approval review; dry-in and nail-off inspections | Valuation or squares |
| Solar photovoltaic | Residential Solar Photovoltaic | Rooftop or ground-mount PV installation or replacement | Structural plus electrical review | Flat or system-size based |
| Solar thermal | Residential Solar Thermal | Passive water heating or pool heating systems | Plumbing and structural review | Flat or per-permit minimum |
| Electrical | Residential Electrical | Service changes, panel upgrades, new circuits, most wiring alterations | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-device |
| Plumbing | Residential Plumbing | New piping, repipes, water heaters, fixtures, gas piping | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-fixture |
| Mechanical / HVAC | Residential HVAC / Mechanical | Changeouts that are not like-for-like, ductwork, refrigeration | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-unit |
| Windows and doors | — | Replacement units and opening protection | Product approval review for wind-borne debris | Valuation or per-opening |
| Pool and spa | — | In-ground and above-ground pools, spas, barrier and enclosure work | Plan review plus barrier and electrical bonding | Valuation-based |
| Fence and accessory | — | Fences, sheds, decks, and carports over the exempt threshold | Zoning plus structural where applicable | Flat or valuation-based |
| Demolition | Residential Demolition | Full or partial demolition of a structure | Utility disconnect verification required | Flat |
Commercial permit types
| Permit type | AHJ record type | What triggers it | Review path | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | Commercial New Construction | Ground-up commercial, industrial, and multifamily | Full multi-discipline plan review | Valuation-based |
| Tenant improvement | Commercial Renovation | Interior build-outs and suite fit-ups | Plan review across affected disciplines | Valuation-based |
| Renovation / alteration | Commercial Renovation | Structural, envelope, or system changes to an existing building | Plan review scaled to scope | Valuation-based |
| Change of use | — | Converting a building from one occupancy classification to another | Zoning, life-safety, and accessibility review | Valuation or flat |
| Reroof | Commercial Reroof | Commercial roof covering replacement | Product approval review plus fire review where applicable | Valuation or squares |
| Solar photovoltaic | Commercial Solar Photovoltaic | Commercial rooftop, carport, and ground-mount PV | Structural, electrical, and often fire review | Valuation or system-size based |
| Electrical | Commercial Electrical | Service, distribution, and branch circuit work | Trade review | Valuation or per-device |
| Plumbing | Commercial Plumbing | Supply, waste, vent, and gas systems | Trade review | Valuation or per-fixture |
| Mechanical / HVAC | Commercial HVAC / Mechanical | Rooftop units, ductwork, exhaust, and refrigeration | Trade review | Valuation or per-unit |
| Fire protection | Commercial Fire Permits | Sprinkler, standpipe, alarm, and suppression systems | Fire prevention plan review | Valuation or per-device |
| Sign | — | Wall, monument, and illuminated signage | Zoning plus electrical where illuminated | Flat or per-sign |
| Demolition | Commercial Miscellaneous | Full or partial commercial demolition | Utility disconnect and environmental clearance | Flat or valuation-based |
| Marine construction | Commercial Marine Construction | Docks, seawalls, and shoreline structures | Coastal and environmental review | Valuation-based |
Solar shingles are filed under the renovation record type, not the photovoltaic record type.
Residential
- Single-discipline review in most cases
- Master permit with trades filed against it
- Owner-builder route exists but carries statutory affidavits
- Product approval drives roofing and opening protection
Commercial — multi-discipline
- Concurrent review across building, fire, and zoning
- Signed and sealed plans across every affected discipline
- Accessibility and life-safety review attach to change of use
- Impact and concurrency fees can apply on top of permit fees
Solar permits in Brevard County
Solar is permitted as its own record type in most Florida jurisdictions rather than rolled into a general building permit, and residential and commercial photovoltaic are usually separate records with different document sets. Solar thermal — passive water and pool heating — is a third, distinct record.
A photovoltaic submittal is reviewed on two tracks at once: structural (roof load path, attachment spacing, uplift) and electrical (conductor sizing, rapid shutdown, point of interconnection). A single-line diagram and a signed and sealed structural attachment detail are the two attachments most often missing on a first submittal.
Under Fla. Stat. §163.04, a homeowners' association cannot prohibit a solar collector on a dwelling — HOA architectural approval is not a prerequisite to permit issuance, though it may still be a contractual matter between owner and association.
Utility interconnection runs parallel to the building permit, not inside it. Permission to Operate is issued by the utility after the final electrical inspection clears.
Roofing permits in Brevard County
A roof covering replacement requires a permit in every Florida jurisdiction. Repairs below the local threshold may not, but the threshold is scope-specific and confirming it with the building department before tear-off is cheaper than an after-the-fact permit.
Every roof product must carry a current Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance rated for the wind speed at the project address. A product approval number that has lapsed or is rated below the site wind speed is the single most common reroof rejection.
Reroof inspections are sequenced: dry-in after the underlayment, nail-off on the sheathing fastening, and final. Covering the deck before the dry-in inspection means tearing it back open.
Hurricane mitigation retrofit requirements can attach when an existing roof is replaced, including secondary water barrier and roof-to-wall connection work. These add scope and documents, and they are triggered by the replacement itself.
Under Fla. Stat. §553.7922, jurisdictions run expedited procedures for permits that need no technical review — reroofs, roof repairs, and similar — during a declared state of emergency.
Brevard County building permit cost
Brevard County building fees are based on the type and valuation of work, with separate fees for each trade, collected through the Planning and Development Department. Note that the county collects commercial impact fees for projects countywide, including within the 16 cities.
Fee schedules are adjusted periodically — for example, Fire Prevention Review fees for applicable commercial projects increased effective October 1, 2025 — so confirm current amounts before budgeting.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Building / construction fee | Based on type and valuation of work; minimum fees apply |
| Trade permits (E / P / M) | Charged separately per trade unless rolled into a master permit |
| Fire Prevention Review | Applicable commercial fee increased eff. Oct 1, 2025 |
| Impact fees | Collected for projects countywide, including within the 16 cities |
| State surcharge | DBPR surcharge added per Florida statute |
| Work-without-permit | After-the-fact fees and penalties |
Want a precise number for a specific Brevard County project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Brevard County trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work generally needs its own permit and licensed contractor, each filed against the master building permit.
Electrical permits
Required for service installations, panel upgrades, solar PV, and most wiring alterations. Filed by a licensed contractor through Permit Assist.
Plumbing permits
Required for new plumbing, repipes, water heater changeouts, fixtures, and gas piping. Fees follow the county schedule with a per-permit minimum.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC changeouts, ductwork, and refrigeration. Specialized systems are permitted and inspected separately.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Roof replacements, pools and spas, docks, and seawalls are permitted separately. Re-roof permits require dry-in and nail-off inspections, and as a coastal county Brevard requires products with current Florida Product Approval rated for the local wind speed.
Verify your contractor's license. Confirm the contractor is licensed in Florida (DBPR, (850) 487-1395) and registered with Brevard County before signing. The property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained.
How to get a building permit in Brevard County
Confirm scope & jurisdiction
Verify the work needs a permit and confirm the parcel is unincorporated Brevard — not Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, or another of the 16 cities.
Prepare your documents
Assemble the application, owner/parcel info and valuation, signed and sealed plans for structural work, energy calcs, and any flood or coastal documentation.
Apply through Permit Assist
Licensed contractors verify their license status, then apply and upload documents through Permit Assist. Owner-builders apply in person.
Plan review & corrections
Planning and Development routes the application to applicable reviews. Upload revisions promptly if comments are returned.
Pay fees & pull the permit
Pay the calculated building, trade, and impact fees, then download the permit. Record and post a Notice of Commencement where required.
Schedule inspections through close-out
Schedule on-site or virtual inspections through BASS. Clear all required inspections to obtain your Certificate of Occupancy or Completion.
Inspections in Brevard County
Schedule inspections through BASS (the Brevard Advanced Service Site); virtual building inspections are available for many inspection types. Typical checkpoints include foundation, rough-in MEP, framing, insulation, and final, with dry-in and nail-off inspections for re-roofs.
Post the permit and Notice of Commencement on site with approved documents available. A re-inspection fee applies to failed inspections and must be cleared before a final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy.
Official Brevard County permitting resources
- 🏛️ Brevard County Planning & Development
- 💻 Brevard County Building Permits
- 🔎 BASS permit search & inspections
- 📘 Florida Building Code (8th Ed.)
- 💵 Impact fees
- 🪪 DBPR license verification
Frequently asked questions
Who issues building permits in Brevard County, Florida?
The Brevard County Planning and Development Department issues permits for unincorporated Brevard County. The county's 16 cities, including Palm Bay, Melbourne, and Titusville, run their own building departments, though Brevard collects certain impact fees countywide.
How do I get a building permit in Brevard County?
Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Brevard, then — as a licensed contractor — verify your license status and apply through the Permit Assist platform. Owner-builders must apply in person. After review and fee payment, schedule inspections through BASS.
How much does a Brevard County building permit cost?
Fees are based on the type and valuation of work, with separate trade fees and impact fees. Fire Prevention Review fees for applicable commercial projects increased effective October 1, 2025. Confirm current amounts before filing.
Can owner-builders apply online in Brevard County?
No. Online permitting is limited to licensed contractors; owners acting as their own contractor (owner-builders) must appear in person to file the application.
Does Brevard County offer virtual inspections?
Yes. Virtual building inspections are available for many inspection types, scheduled through BASS (the Brevard Advanced Service Site).
Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Brevard County?
Yes. Photovoltaic installations in Brevard County are permitted under a dedicated solar record type reviewed on both a structural and an electrical track. Solar thermal — passive water and pool heating — is a separate record. Under Fla. Stat. §163.04 a homeowners' association cannot prohibit a solar collector, so HOA approval is not a prerequisite to permit issuance. Utility interconnection and Permission to Operate run in parallel with the permit, not inside it.
Does a roof replacement require a permit in Brevard County?
Yes. A roof covering replacement requires a permit in every Florida jurisdiction, including Brevard County. Products must carry a current Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance rated for the wind speed at the project address, and inspections are sequenced — dry-in, nail-off, then final. Some minor repairs fall below the permit threshold, but the threshold is scope-specific.
What is the difference between a residential and a commercial permit in Brevard County?
Residential work is generally a single-discipline review filed as a master permit with trades filed against it. Commercial work in Brevard County runs concurrent review across building, fire, and zoning, requires signed and sealed plans for every affected discipline, and can carry impact and concurrency fees on top of permit fees. Change of use adds accessibility and life-safety review.
Do trade permits need to be pulled separately in Brevard County?
Yes in most cases. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work is permitted separately by the licensed contractor for each trade and filed against the master building permit. Each trade permit carries its own fee and its own inspection sequence.
What happens if I file under the wrong permit type in Brevard County?
The application is rejected rather than corrected. Planning & Development closes the record, the filing is resubmitted under the correct record type, and the review clock restarts from zero. Confirming the record type before filing is the cheapest step in the entire process.
Can I apply for all Brevard permit types online?
Most record types are filed through Permit Assist, but availability varies by permit type and by applicant. Some records still require in-person submittal, and owner-builder filings are frequently restricted to counter submittal regardless of record type.
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More Florida permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Brevard County Planning and Development Department before filing. This is not legal advice.