Contractor Registration and Permits in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach handles building permits, code compliance and planning in Development Services at City Hall, 401 Clematis Street. Building and Code Compliance are on the first floor, Planning and Zoning on the second. The building main line is (561) 805-6700. For countywide context, see the Palm Beach County page.

A Civic Access account is not contractor registration

The city's Enterprise Permitting and Licensing system (EPL) runs through the Civic Access portal. It is where you apply for and manage building permits, pay invoices, schedule inspections, and file right-of-way and zoning applications. The city warns contractors that creating a Civic Access profile is not the same as registering with the Building Department to apply for permits. These are two separate steps.

• Contractor registration and updates. Email ds@wpb.org. The same address takes Notices of Commencement, plan review questions, permit status updates and sub-permit applications.
• Shared logins. If you already use Civic Access in another jurisdiction, you have a global login. You don't re-register, but you do complete a verification step before you can see West Palm Beach records.

Other useful addresses from the city's contact page:

Permit exemptions need a written request

The city's FAQ covers the state's newer permit exemptions. Even when a job qualifies, the owner or the owner's contractor must submit a written exemption request with a copy of the contract or other proof of the nature and value of the work. In Civic Access, use the Permit Exemption record type and upload the Permit Exemption Affidavit. If staff approve it, the city issues an Exemption Certificate, and work can begin without a permit. Don't treat a job as exempt until you have that certificate.

Business tax receipts

• City BTR. Required of any individual, entity, business or profession doing business in West Palm Beach (City Code Chapter 82). The tax year runs October 1 to September 30, and receipts are non-refundable. Apply on the combined Business Tax Application / Certificate of Use form. The business must be registered on Sunbiz first. Submit by email to businesstax@wpb.org, by fax, or in person, and allow 7 to 10 business days. The city says BTRs won't be integrated into Civic Access until 2027.
• County BTR. Palm Beach County requires a county receipt for anyone selling merchandise or services in the county. The city notes that once your city BTR is issued, you also get one from the county, and city staff handle the zoning sign-off for the county application.

FAQ

I made a Civic Access account. Can I pull permits now? Not yet. Register with the Building Department by emailing ds@wpb.org.

Is a small job automatically exempt from permitting? No. Submit the exemption request and wait for the city's Exemption Certificate.

Do I apply for my BTR in Civic Access? Not before 2027, according to the city. Use the BTR application form.

Next step

Registration starts with a state license, such as building contractor, roofing or pool. Each requires the state Business and Finance exam. Prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.