In Melbourne, the Building Section sits inside the Code Compliance Division at City Hall, 900 East Strawbridge Avenue (Building Section 321-608-7900, plan review email BLDplanreview@mlbfl.org). Permits are applied for in EnerGov. Melbourne is in Brevard County, and other Brevard cities set their own permit requirements.
License documents the city requires
The Building Section FAQ lists what each type of applicant shows before applying for permits:
| Applicant | Required |
|---|---|
| State-certified contractor | Copy of state certification; proof of workers' comp or affidavit of exemption |
| State-registered contractor | Copy of state registration; Brevard County competency card; workers' comp proof or exemption |
| Subcontractor | Copy of county occupational license; workers' comp proof or exemption |
| Specialty contractor | Licensed by the county |
Insurance certificate renewals are emailed to BLDplanReview@mlbfl.org.
What needs a permit
The city's list is broad. New construction, additions and alterations, fences, driveways, parking lots, roofing, swimming pools, solar pool heaters, structural changes, signs, commercial awnings, irrigation systems, tree removal, land disturbance, plumbing, electrical, gas and HVAC work all need permits.
HB 803 exemptions need a written request
Florida's HB 803 amended F.S. 553.79(1) to remove the permit requirement for certain qualifying work. Melbourne requires the owner or contractor to submit a written exemption request to the Building Department before starting work. The city processes it much like a permit application. Don't start an "exempt" job without that approval.
Owner-builder limits
The city's owner-builder guidance:
- The owner/builder affidavit is signed and notarized in person by the owner.
- Commercial: owner-builder permits are available only for work under $75,000, for the owner's own use, not for sale or lease.
- Residential: for the owner's own occupancy, not for sale or lease.
After a storm
After a declared emergency, Melbourne opens a post-storm permitting center at City Hall (or an announced alternate site). It keeps at least 40 hours a week of public permitting service and announces expedited review within 24 to 48 hours. Applications still go through EnerGov or the second-floor Code Compliance/Building counter.
Business tax: city and Brevard County
Melbourne requires a BTR for any business that performs services or sells goods, or advertises them, with a separate receipt for each place of business, obtained before the business opens. DBPR-licensed applicants attach a copy of the current state license. Construction businesses also complete a Construction Service Affidavit. The city adds that Brevard County requires a county BTR for any business that operates within the City of Melbourne (Brevard 321-255-4453).
FAQ
I'm state-registered, not certified. What extra do I need? A Brevard County competency card, along with your state registration and workers' comp proof.
Can I skip the permit on a small job covered by HB 803? Only after you submit the written exemption request and the Building Department approves it.
Can I act as owner-builder on my $120,000 office build-out? No. Melbourne caps commercial owner-builder permits at under $75,000.
Next step
Melbourne permits require a state license (or a county license for specialty trades). See roofing, HVAC and solar. Every CILB construction license requires the Business and Finance exam, which our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep covers.
Sources
- City of Melbourne: Building Section FAQ
- City of Melbourne: Building Section
- City of Melbourne: Owner/Builder information
- City of Melbourne: Post-Storm Permitting Guide
- City of Melbourne: Business Tax Receipts
- City of Melbourne: License Requirements for Businesses
- Brevard County Tax Collector: Business Tax Receipt information