Building Department FAQ’s

You can find the Code of Ordinances here:

https://library.municode.com/fl/madeira_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances

Yes, under Helpful Resources select Search For Permits. If you need help, please use our permit search guide here.

A Building Permit Application will need to be filled out and send to the Building & Permitting Department.

Building Permit Application

The form can be submitted in the following ways:

• Email: buildingdept@madeirabeachfl.gov
• Fax: 727-399-1131
• Drop off/Mail: 
  Building & Permitting Department
  Building Permit Application
  300 Municipal Drive
  Madeira Beach, FL 33708

For further questions please call the Building & Permitting Department: 727-391-9951 ext. 284

A permit is valid for six months from the date of issuance, or from the last approved inspection date. If the project is dormant for six months, then the permit is expired. A permit may be extended only by the Building Official with a submitted written request.

All of the Florida Building Codes can be obtained through BOAF Market Place or through the State of Florida. The National electrical code and the N.F.P.A. codes can be obtained through The National Fire Protection Association. You also may find them in your local library, or at some of the larger bookstores.

Yes, these are required under City Ordinance Sec. 14-1. They must be on the front of the building or over the front entrance. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).

Notice of Commencement (N.O.C.) – Notice that improvements will be made to certain real property. When this form is required, the form needs to be recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and then submitted to Building Services before any inspections can be scheduled.

You must follow the roofing material manufacturers specification. Under most instances a second layer of roofing shingles cannot be applied over the original shingles.

A building permit is required for a new or an extension of a driveway. Also, you must comply with all zoning and environmental regulations. You can contact a zoning representative at 727-391-9951 ext. 283.

Power will not be released under most circumstances until the building has received all required inspections and all fees due are paid. We do issue what is known as temporary power for specific items that require testing prior to occupancy.

When building or improving one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease, or building or improving commercial buildings, at a cost not to exceed $500 on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease, such owners of the property may act as their own contractor and they must provide full time, direct on site supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors.

As the owner of a one or two family dwelling you my act as your own contractor and do the work yourself, provided that the home is for your own use, it is not for sale or lease. You must also be doing the work yourself or providing direct on site supervision. If you are the owner of a commercial property (Other than one- & two-family dwellings) you are required to hire a contractor for any work that requires a permit and inspection.

Per Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code and section 553.79 (1), Florida Statutes: Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside area being used as part of the building’s designated occupancy (single or mixed) or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit for the work.

You must get a permit from the City of Madeira Beach before you remove any tree, including a tree on private property. For more information, contact the City of Madeira Beach Building Department at 727-391-9951 or see below for the City Ordinance regarding tree removal.

Per our City of Madeira Beach Code of Ordinances: (see full code here)

• Sec. 106-69. – Tree removal—Permit required.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or cause to be removed any tree having a diameter at breast height of four inches or greater without first having procured a no fee permit.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or cause to be removed any mangrove, regardless of size without first having procured the required city, county and state permits.

(Code 1983, § 20-508(G)(1))

• Sec. 106-70. – Same—Application.

The following information shall be provided when applying for a permit:

(1) A site plan showing the location of all trees and mangroves, the trees proposed to be removed, existing and proposed structures, walks, driveways and parking areas and other improvements.

(2) Where mangroves exist on the tract or lot, an aerial photograph at a scale not smaller than one inch equals 50 feet may be required in lieu of the submission requirements contained above.

Permits are required for any solicitation in the City. For more information, contact the City of Madeira Beach Planning and Zoning Director at (727) 391-9951 x 255.

Before you erect, demolish, construct, repair, or structurally alter a building or change the use of a building or lot, you must apply for a Building Permit. You need to complete an application and supply a detailed statement of the specifications and plans. You can get an Application for Building Permits at the City of Madeira Beach Building Department.

If you are not sure whether your project requires a permit, contact the City of Madeira Beach Building Department – Permit Technician desk at (727) 391-9951 x 246.

All new or replacement fences require a permit from the City of Madeira Beach and a survey.

Yes, home owners or companies installing burglar alarms in residences or businesses in the City must get a permit. Contact the City of Madeira Beach Building Department at (727) 391-9951 x 246 for more information.

Building Code Regulations: Determine whether proposed remodeling complies with the Building Code Regulations. Fire Code Regulations: Determine whether you have installed a 2A-10BC Fire Extinguisher. A licensed Extinguishing Company must service and tag this extinguisher. To learn how to install this fire extinguisher properly or whether you need more extinguishers, contact the Madeira Beach Fire Department at (727) 391-3400. After you satisfy the zoning regulations and the fire and building-code requirements, you complete the application for local business tax.

The City of Madeira Beach Building Department reviews all plans, issues permits, and inspects all construction work in the City of Madeira Beach. This includes fences, driveways, pavers and concrete slabs. The purpose of the review and inspection is to ensure compliance with all codes and ordinances. Building permits are required for new construction, additions, interior alterations, in-ground and above-ground pools, roofing, fences, signs, patio covers, garages, sheds, driveways, sidewalks, and work on electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas systems.

Contact the City of Madeira Beach Community Services Department – Permit Technician Desk at (727) 391-9951 x 246 for more information.

All signs in the City, including permanent or temporary signs such as banners, balloons, pennants, etc., require a Permit before construction or display can take place. For more information, contact the City of Madeira Beach Planning and Zoning Director at (727) 391-9951 x 255.

Please see below for the lighting requirements:

• The point source of light or any reflective surface of the light fixture shall not be directly visible from the beach
• The light shall not directly or indirectly illuminate any portion of the beach or dune system seaward of the crest of the primary dune
• The light shall not cumulatively illuminate any portion of the beach or dune system seaward of the crest of the primary dune
• Light sources that do not meet the specified standards and are visible from the beach shall be turned off from sunset each night until sunrise each morning during the period from May 1st to October 31st of each year, or until all sea turtle nests are no longer present on the beach, whichever is later.

For more information click the city ordinance on Sea Turtles. If you have any questions please reach out to the Planning & Zoning Department: 727-391-9951.