St. Petersburg's Building Department (Construction Services and Permitting) works out of the Municipal Services Center (MSC), One 4th Street North. The permit office is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., phone (727) 893-7231, permit email Permits@stpete.org. The city is in Pinellas County. The county has its own contractor licensing department, but the city keeps its own contractor records for permits.
The contractor affidavit
The city registers contractors with a Contractor Affidavit. The city uses it both to issue permits and to send you notifications. You email it to subcontractorcards@stpete.org (the preferred method) or mail it to City of St. Pete, Construction Services, P.O. Box 2842, St. Pete, FL 33731. The form collects the qualifier name, company, mailing address, phone and email. Page two lists the other registration requirements, so read both pages before you send it.
Online permits
The city's online permit FAQ says only licensed contractors currently registered with the City of St. Petersburg can obtain online permits. Homeowners use the MSC counter. The FAQ also explains how the city classifies residential work:
| Property type | Treated as |
|---|---|
| Single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes | Residential |
| Apartments and condominiums | Commercial |
The permit application asks for the property's flood zone and has check boxes for affordable housing and milestone inspection projects. Plans for electronic review go to eplanreview@stpete.org.
Flood-zone and storm work
The city's main permitting page is written around storm repair. Homeowners filing at the MSC after a storm bring a photo ID, a floor layout, a summary of the damage, and photos or video (emailed to floodplain@stpete.org). The city advises property owners to get permits before repairs begin and to hire licensed contractors. Contractors bidding repairs in flood zones should expect floodplain review as part of the permit.
Business tax
St. Petersburg City Code Chapter 17 requires all businesses, professionals, independent contractors and individuals who accept pay for goods or services to obtain a St. Petersburg Business Tax Receipt. The city's info sheet says every independent contractor needs a receipt of their own. Receipts expire September 30. The Business Tax Division is at 727-893-7241.
Pinellas County repealed its county occupational license in 1995, so there is no Pinellas County BTR. Pinellas County does require state-certified contractors to register their license and insurance with its Contractor Licensing Department (PCCLB).
FAQ
Can I pull a St. Pete permit online the day I get my state license? Only after the city has your contractor affidavit on file and you are registered.
Is a condo remodel a residential permit? No. The city treats apartments and condominiums as commercial.
Do I need a county business tax receipt? No. Pinellas County repealed its occupational license tax in 1995.
About the state exam
The state Business and Finance exam is a 120-question, open-book test. You need 70% to pass. Pearson VUE's exam performance reports show 11,266 graded attempts statewide in 2025 and a 56% pass rate for first-time takers.
Start with the license
Registration starts with a state license. See general contractor, marine specialty and roofing. Every CILB construction license requires the Business and Finance exam, which our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep covers in full.
Sources
- City of St. Petersburg: Building in St. Pete
- City of St. Petersburg: Contractor Affidavit (updated July 17, 2024)
- City of St. Petersburg: Permit Application
- City of St. Petersburg: Online permits FAQ
- City of St. Petersburg: Business Tax Receipts
- City of St. Petersburg: Business Tax application info sheet
- Pinellas County: Occupational Licenses / Business Tax Receipts (county tax repealed 1995)
- Pinellas County: Register a State Contractor's License
- DBPR Candidate Information Booklet, Construction (July 2024)
- DBPR Examinations at a Glance (June 2024)