Boca Raton's Building Division is at 200 NW 2nd Avenue. Its contractor registration is unusual: it runs through the Business Tax Authority in the city's Boca eHub portal, not through the permit system. Every contractor pulling permits in the city registers this way, whether the business is located inside city limits or not. For county rules, see the Palm Beach County page.
Registering in eHub
The city's how-to guide:
- Register an eHub account.
- Log in and select Apply.
- Choose Business Tax Receipt Applications, or search "contractor."
- Read the descriptions and pick the contractor application that fits. The location page instructions are different for contractors located outside the city.
The registration application lists the documents to upload:
| Document | Requirement on the city form |
|---|---|
| License | Palm Beach County Certificate of Competency or state license, signed by the qualifier |
| State registration | County-certified contractors may also need state registration under F.S. 489.117 |
| General liability insurance | Certificate addressed to City of Boca Raton, Business Tax Authority. At least $300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage per occurrence |
| Workers' compensation | Policy or state exemption certificate |
| Local Business Tax Receipt | For the business location |
The city also publishes a Contractor Authorization to Sign Permits form for agents.
Two systems for permits
The Building Department uses two portals:
- Boca eHub. Apply for the permit, check status, pay fees, schedule inspections and search records.
- Boca ePlans (ProjectDox). Upload plans and the permit application for review, read reviewer comments, and download approved plans after issuance.
Trade checklists add Boca-specific rules. The screen enclosure checklist, for example, says all contractors must be registered and current to pull permits, subcontractor applications are due before issuance, and 1% of contract value is due up front (minimum $100 for the first $500), with the balance due at issuance.
Business tax: city first, then county
Boca Raton requires a Business Tax Receipt / Certificate of Use for each business location. The city's FAQ adds that all businesses in Boca Raton must also get a Palm Beach County BTR, and that the city must approve the application before the county one is filed. The city review checks zoning and the status of professionals' licenses at the location.
FAQ
My office is in Delray Beach. Do I still register in Boca? Yes. The city says registration is required whether your business is in the city or you are an outside contractor working there.
What liability limits does Boca require? The registration form lists at least $300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage per occurrence.
Which portal gets my plans? ProjectDox (Boca ePlans). The permit application itself starts in eHub.
Get licensed
You need a state license (or one of the few remaining county certificates) before registering. Every CILB construction license requires the state Business and Finance exam. See the general contractor and structural aluminum guides, and prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.
Sources
- City of Boca Raton: Contractor Registration
- City of Boca Raton: Contractor Registration Application (PDF)
- City of Boca Raton: How to Contractor Registration (eHub)
- City of Boca Raton: Permit Process Information
- City of Boca Raton: Screen Enclosure Permit Submittal Checklist
- City of Boca Raton: Business Tax FAQs
- Palm Beach County Tax Collector: Local Business Tax