Getting a building permit in Florida can sometimes feel like a long process. However, many delays can be avoided before the application is even submitted.

The key is simple: a complete, coordinated, and well-prepared application is easier to review.

Florida law establishes review timeframes for certain building permit applications once the application is considered complete and sufficient, and local governments must provide information about what is needed for an application to be properly completed.

Here are 7 strategies that can help keep your project moving.

1. Start With Complete Plans

One of the most important steps happens before you submit the permit application.

Your plans should clearly communicate the proposed project and include the drawings and documentation required for that type of permit.

Depending on the project, this may involve:

• Site plans
• Floor plans
• Structural plans
• Electrical plans
• Plumbing plans
• HVAC plans
• Roof plans
• Details and specifications

Florida law requires the applicable plans and specifications to be reviewed for compliance with the Florida Building Code before a permit can generally be issued.

The better prepared the plans are, the less likely you are to encounter avoidable corrections.

2. Know Your Local Requirements

Florida has a statewide building code, but your local building department is still an important part of the permitting process.

Before submitting your application, check the requirements published by the jurisdiction where the project is located.

Look for:

• Required application forms
• Required drawings
• Supporting documents
• Fees
• Submission requirements
• Local amendments
• Review procedures

Florida law requires local enforcement agencies to post permit application requirements and processing procedures on their websites.

Don't assume every city or county has exactly the same process.

A requirement that applies in one jurisdiction may not apply in another.

3. Coordinate the Different Plans

A common source of permit comments is inconsistency between drawings.

For example:

The architectural plan shows one wall location.

The structural plan shows another.

The plumbing layout uses a different bathroom configuration.

The electrical plan shows something different again.

These discrepancies can lead to questions and revisions.

Before submission, review the plans as one coordinated project, not as separate documents.

4. Submit a Complete Application

A permit application can only move efficiently once the building department has the information it needs.

Florida law currently requires local governments to notify applicants within 5 business days after receiving an application if information is needed to determine whether it is properly completed, subject to the statutory requirements.

This makes the initial submission extremely important.

Before clicking Submit, verify:

• Application forms
• Plans
• Required supporting documents
• Professional signatures/seals when applicable
• Property information
• Required calculations
• Fees
• Other jurisdiction-specific requirements

5. Respond to Corrections Quickly

Receiving plan review comments does not necessarily mean your project is failing.

Corrections are part of the review process.

What can create unnecessary delays is taking too long to respond or submitting incomplete revisions.

When comments are received:

Review → Correct → Coordinate → Resubmit

Florida law establishes specific procedures and timeframes for certain permit applications and revisions. For example, when an agency provides a notice identifying deficiencies, the applicant may have 10 business days under the applicable statutory process to submit corrections.

The exact requirements can vary depending on the permit and jurisdiction.

6. Use Electronic Submission When Available 

Many Florida jurisdictions allow permit applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically.

Florida law requires local enforcement agencies to allow completed applications and required documents to be submitted electronically, subject to the applicable procedures.

Electronic submission can make it easier to:

• Submit documents
• Track applications
• Receive comments
• Upload revisions
• Maintain project records

However, electronic submission doesn't automatically mean faster approval.

The quality and completeness of the application still matter.

7. Work With a Team That Understands the Process

The permitting process involves more than filling out an application.

Your plans need to communicate the project clearly and consistently.

A strong project team can help you:

• Identify required drawings
• Coordinate plans
• Review details before submission
• Reduce avoidable inconsistencies
• Respond to plan-review comments
• Keep project documentation organized

This is especially important when a project involves several disciplines.

How Long Does a Permit Take?

There isn't one universal answer for every project in Florida.

The statutory timeframe depends on factors such as the type and size of the project and whether the application is complete and sufficient.

For example, Florida's current statute provides a 30-business-day approval/denial timeframe for certain permit applications for structures under 7,500 square feet when using a local government plans reviewer, while certain larger or other project categories have longer statutory timeframes. Local ordinances can establish more stringent timeframes.