Reference
Remodeling Permits & Rules in Martin County, FL
Plain-language reference about the law — not claims about our company. Always confirm details with your local building department.
Who issues your permit depends on where the property is
The office that issues your permit depends on where the property sits — not your mailing address. Properties inside Stuart city limits are permitted by the City of Stuart. The towns of Sewall's Point and Jupiter Island have their own building departments. Unincorporated communities, including Palm City, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno and Hobe Sound, are permitted by Martin County.
Many homes with a “Stuart” mailing address are actually in unincorporated Martin County. Confirm your jurisdiction with your local building department before you plan the work.
| Community | Permitting Office |
|---|---|
| Stuart (inside city limits) | City of Stuart |
| Sewall's Point | Town of Sewall's Point |
| Jupiter Island | Town of Jupiter Island |
| Palm City | Martin County (unincorporated) |
| Jensen Beach | Martin County (unincorporated) |
| Port Salerno | Martin County (unincorporated) |
| Hobe Sound | Martin County (unincorporated) |
Reference only. Confirm your permitting office with your local building department.
Florida's Construction Lien Law
Under Chapter 713, Florida Statutes, most permitted improvements require a Notice of Commencement to be recorded with the county Clerk of Court before the first inspection. Subcontractors and suppliers who are not paid can place a lien on the home even if the homeowner paid the contractor — which is why homeowners should ask for lien releases as work is paid for.
The FEMA “50% rule”
For homes in a Special Flood Hazard Area, if the cost of improvements reaches 50% or more of the building's market value, the local floodplain administrator treats it as a substantial improvement. The whole building may then have to be brought up to current floodplain requirements. Some communities count improvements over several years together. Homeowners on waterfront lots should check their flood zone before planning a large remodel.
Built to the Florida Building Code
Permitted work is built to the current Florida Building Code. Your local building department can confirm which edition applies and what inspections your project requires.
The owner-builder exemption
Florida allows a property owner to act as their own contractor under an owner-builder exemption. The owner takes on the legal responsibilities of the contractor — including permitting, inspections and liability for the work.
Permits & rules FAQ
My mailing address says Stuart — does the City of Stuart issue my permit?+
Not always. Many homes with a Stuart mailing address are actually in unincorporated Martin County, which is permitted by Martin County, not the City of Stuart. The permitting office depends on where the property sits, not the mailing address.
What is a Notice of Commencement?+
Under Florida's Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713, Florida Statutes), a Notice of Commencement is typically recorded with the county Clerk of Court before the first inspection on a permitted improvement. It signals that work has started and affects how liens are handled.
Can a subcontractor place a lien even if I paid the contractor?+
Yes. Under Florida's Construction Lien Law, a subcontractor or supplier who is not paid can place a lien on the home even if the homeowner paid the contractor. That is why homeowners should ask for lien releases as work is paid for.
What is the FEMA 50% rule?+
For homes in a Special Flood Hazard Area, if the cost of improvements reaches 50% or more of the building's market value, the local floodplain administrator treats it as a substantial improvement. The whole building may then have to be brought up to current floodplain requirements.
Can improvements be counted together over several years?+
Some communities add the cost of improvements over a period of years together when checking the substantial-improvement threshold. Ask your local building or floodplain department how they calculate it.
What is the owner-builder exemption?+
Florida allows a property owner to act as their own contractor under an owner-builder exemption. The owner takes on the legal responsibilities of the contractor, including permitting, inspections and liability for the work.
Which building code applies to my remodel?+
Permitted work in Florida is built to the current Florida Building Code. Your local building department can confirm which edition applies and what inspections your project requires.
Questions about your project?
We can talk through how permits fit your remodel. For official rules, confirm details with your local building department.
See all frequently asked questions