Stuart, Florida Building Permit Guide

City of Stuart Building Division issues building permits inside Stuart city limits. The division reviews plans for compliance with the Florida Building Code and other city requirements, checks contractor licences and conducts field inspections.

What requires a building permit in Stuart?

Stuart's Building Division handles permits for structures ranging from homes and office buildings to fences, as well as remodeling and additions. The city also publishes a 2026 notice implementing Florida HB 803 for limited permit exemptions at qualifying single-family residences.

Under Stuart’s notice, certain non-structural residential projects with a total value under $7,500 may qualify for an exemption, but only after approval through the Building Department. The exemption does not apply to properties in a flood zone or flood hazard area, or to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas or structural work. The city lists water heaters, water softeners, A/C or HVAC work, electrical panels and rewiring, plumbing repairs, gas appliances, roofing, load-bearing walls, elevated decks, windows and doors and storage sheds as projects that still need permits. To apply, upload the Permit Exemption Request to the online portal with the work documents and a signed contract with an itemized cost breakdown.

Who handles permitting in Stuart?

Building permit applications and contractor registrations are submitted through the city’s OpenGov portal. Questions about existing permits can go to permitting@ci.stuart.fl.us.

Stuart permit types and local requirements

Stuart’s Building Division handles permits for new construction, remodeling and additions, as well as trade work and private-provider projects.

Stuart permit fees

The city says the full list of current fees is in Resolution No. 86-2025.

New development may also owe City of Stuart impact fees and, depending on location and project type, Martin County impact fees.

Stuart building and trade responsibility

Stuart’s exemption notice says the $7,500 exemption does not apply to electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas work, so those trades still need permits. Since July 1, 2025, the city no longer accepts Certificates of Competency as a contractor licence; contractors must be state registered or state certified.

In an emergency, water-heater replacements, A/C replacements and electrical repairs (weatherhead, breaker malfunctions) may go ahead without a permit. Notify the Building Official at (772) 600-1249, and submit a permit application in OpenGov on the next business day. This is not a general exemption from permitting.

Stuart also allows owners to elect a private provider under Florida law, but the city states that the Building Official must approve use of the private provider before permit submittal.

How to apply for a Stuart permit

Inspections in Stuart

The Building Division conducts field inspections to make sure buildings are built to the approved plans and applicable codes.

Work done under an approved permit exemption is not inspected by the Building Department. The owner and contractor are responsible for making sure it meets the applicable rules.

Florida building code

The Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), has applied statewide since 31 December 2023; the Florida Building Commission has proposed the 9th Edition (2026) to take effect on 31 December 2026. Florida permit rules

Stuart permit FAQ

Who issues building permits in Stuart?

The City of Stuart Building Division.

Where are permits filed?

Through the City of Stuart OpenGov portal.

Can a small residential project be exempt?

Certain non-structural single-family work under $7,500 may qualify under Stuart’s 2026 HB 803 process, but city approval is required and trade/structural/flood-zone exclusions apply.

Is exempt work inspected?

No. The city says work done under an approved permit exemption is not inspected by Building Department staff.

Does Stuart allow private providers?

Yes, but the Building Official must approve use of the private provider before permit submittal.

Official Stuart permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Florida Building Commission — 8th Edition (2023)
• 2026 Permit Exemptions
• OpenGov permit applications
• Building Division
• Building Division directory
• Building forms
• Private Provider
• Impact Fees

Simplify Stuart permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Florida. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Stuart permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.