Palm Coast's Building Services division permits work inside city limits (386-986-3780, Buildingdivision@palmcoastgov.com). City Hall is at 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32164. The city is in Flagler County.
Registration and the complete-package rule
The city's permit information package sets the basics:
- To apply for a building permit you must be a licensed contractor or the legal property owner. Owners can get commercial permits only if the job is under $75,000 and the property is in an individual's name.
- Contractors and subcontractors must be registered with the Building Department.
- The electrical, mechanical, plumbing and roofing subcontractors must be listed when you apply.
- The licensed contractor signs the permit application. Powers of attorney are not accepted for it.
The Building Services page adds that the city reviews only complete packages. A complete package includes the general contractor and the M/P/E and roofing subs where they apply. Incomplete packages are returned. You can apply for a building permit before the development order is issued, as long as the package is complete.
The city's Contractor Search shows who is registered. Check it for your own company and your subs before you file.
Plans prepared by contractors
Palm Coast publishes a matrix of documents that must be signed and sealed by a design professional, by occupancy and discipline. If a contractor prepares plans instead of an architect or engineer, the qualifying agent puts their State of Florida Certificate of Competency number and a notarized signature in the title block of the plans and other documents.
A note on Flagler County's portal
Flagler County's online submittal guide says contractors must be registered in the county's building permitting database before they create an account there. It adds that contractors who were not registered with Palm Coast on May 19, 2022 must contact Flagler County to register before linking their license. If you work in both the city and unincorporated Flagler, confirm your registration with each office.
Business tax
The city's Local Business Tax Receipt Division issues all city BTRs. Every application includes the Declaration Form. DBPR-licensed businesses upload a current copy of their license, and businesses with a fictitious name upload their Sunbiz record. If your business tax receipt was issued by a jurisdiction outside Palm Coast, the city asks for a copy of it. The Business Tax Office is at (386) 986-3766.
The Flagler County Tax Collector issues a separate county Local Business Tax Receipt. It is the owner's responsibility to get all required city and county receipts.
FAQ
Can my office manager sign the permit application with a power of attorney? No. Palm Coast doesn't accept powers of attorney on the permit application.
Can I submit before my roofer is chosen? No. The roofing sub (and the electrical, mechanical and plumbing subs, if applicable) must be listed at application.
Does Palm Coast registration cover jobs in unincorporated Flagler County? Don't assume it does. Flagler County's guide has its own registration step, so confirm with the county.
License first
Palm Coast registration starts with a state license. See residential, roofing and pool. Each CILB construction license requires the Business and Finance exam. Prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.
Sources
- City of Palm Coast: Building Services
- City of Palm Coast: Building permit checklist (information package)
- City of Palm Coast: Documents Required to be Signed and Sealed
- City of Palm Coast: Contractor Search
- Flagler County: Online submittal guide (contractor registration note)
- City of Palm Coast: Local Business Tax Receipts
- Flagler County Tax Collector: Local Business Tax Receipts