Clearwater's Planning and Development Department issues building permits from 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756 (727-562-4567, epermit@myclearwater.com). The Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) is also in Clearwater, at 440 Court Street. That makes it easy to confuse city and county steps. This page covers the city side. For the county, see the Pinellas County page.
The 2024 insurance change
Effective June 24, 2024, PCCLB no longer monitors state-certified contractors' insurance. Clearwater now tracks it directly. The city's portal notice sets the rules:
- Certificates list City of Clearwater, Planning & Development, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756 as certificate holder.
- Contractors working on or over water must also carry United States Longshore and Harbor Workers' (USL&H) insurance.
- Workers' comp written by an out-of-state company must say "Valid in Florida" on the certificate.
- Contractors exempt from workers' comp send the exemption certificate.
- Send current certificates to epermit@myclearwater.com.
Registration documents
The city's contractor registration form asks for:
| # | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Current State of Florida license (DBPR) or current PCCLB card |
| 2 | Completed contractor affidavit. List authorized agents, or write "self only." A notary is needed only if you authorize someone other than yourself, and the notary can't be one of the agents |
| 3 | Certificate of insurance showing active general liability and workers' comp (or exemption) |
The city's requirements page adds a notarized letter of authorization listing the people allowed to pull permits under the license, and a local business tax receipt from the city or county where your office is.
When a permit is needed
Clearwater requires a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building, and to work on electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems regulated by the Florida Building Code. All fence installations and replacements need a permit too. The city notes that Chapter 489 requires licensed contractors to pull permits and do the work, with few exceptions for owner-occupied single-family homes and duplexes. Plan review can take 4 to 15 days, depending on the project.
Business tax
Clearwater's BTR program (Chapter 29 of the city code) is run by the Code Compliance Division. A BTR is required for businesses located inside city limits. The city's 2024 brochure says a business located outside the city that only operates in Clearwater does not need a Clearwater BTR. The tax year runs October 1 to September 30, and businesses opening April 1 or later pay half. There is no Pinellas County BTR. The county repealed it in 1995.
FAQ
Does PCCLB still keep my insurance on file for Clearwater permits? Not for state-certified contractors since June 24, 2024. Send certificates to the city.
Do I need USL&H coverage for a dock job? Yes. The city requires it for state-certified contractors working on or over water.
My office is in Largo. Do I need a Clearwater BTR? No, per the city's brochure. You attach your local BTR from where your office is located.
Next step
You need a state license (or a PCCLB card) to register. See marine specialty, general contractor and pool. Each CILB license requires the Business and Finance exam. Prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.
Sources
- City of Clearwater: Contractor Registration Form
- City of Clearwater: Contractor / Subcontractor Forms (licensing and permitting requirements)
- City of Clearwater: Get a Building Permit, Apply Online
- City of Clearwater: ePermit portal notice on insurance certificates
- City of Clearwater: Business Tax Receipts
- City of Clearwater: Operating a Business in Clearwater brochure (12-2024)
- Pinellas County: Occupational Licenses / Business Tax Receipts
- Pinellas County: Register a State Contractor's License