Where can I find the permit application?
Download the application or find the application and more under Documents to the left of this page.
How do I apply for a permit? Where do I go?
Permits are accepted in person at 201 Highland Ave, Largo, FL 33779 in the Building Division. At this time paper applications are dropped off in a permit cart in the Building Division, and will not be handled for 48 hours due to Covid 19 protocol.
Contractors may submit for all permits online through our eTrakit system. To apply for permits online, please email [email protected] to request an account.
Why do I need a permit?
A permit ensures that work is done properly and up to the Florida Building Code. It ensures that the space or structure is safe for every day use, and helps to prove as an improvement towards your property, potentially increasing home value.
What requires a permit?
With the exception of paint, and residential landscaping, most everything else requires a permit.
For questions, contact [email protected] or 727-586-7488.
I need to remove a tree, is it the same permit application?
No. There is a tree removal application. Download the application or find the application and more under Documents to the left of this page.
What are the City of Largo's permit fees?
All of our fees are based on the value of the job for the labor and materials. That value gets inserted into the following Permit Fee Schedule. For a more complete list of fees, please review the City of Largo's Fee Schedule in the Code of Ordinances.
Are fees due at time of permit drop-off?
If a permit is required to come back for review, plan review fees will be required, depending on the Divisions that need to review the permit. Those plan review fees are normally required at time of permit submittal, however, with Covid-19 protocol in place the plan review fees will not be collected in advance but will be collected at permit issuance.
Our scope of work has changed, we're including more work, or we've changed our mind on what we'd like to do. Do I need to do anything for my permit?
Yes. Any changes that are being made, even after the permit has been issued, need to be submitted to the City of Largo for review. This is considered to be a revision. Revisions are $25 per page for the first set of pages to review.
How do I know if my address is in Largo?
Verify a location by looking at the site address listed on the Property Appraiser’s website. If the mailing address says Largo that doesn’t always mean it’s in Largo’s jurisdiction, however if the site address says Largo, it is within our jurisdiction and permits need to be applied with us.
What is a Notice of Commencement and why do I need it?
A Notice of Commencement is the formal designation of the beginning of a project. This is filled out by the contractor of record for the job, or the homeowner if the owner is pulling the permit themselves. It must be filed with the Clerk of the Court prior to work commencing, and a certified copy must be presented to the Building Division prior to first inspection, as well as posted on the jobsite.
Can you schedule my inspection? How do I schedule an inspection? What are the results of my inspection?
All inspections (with the exception of Infrastructure permits) are to be called in through the automated system at 727-587-6711. Follow the prompts and it will guide you through the steps. There you can also hear the results of your inspection too! Just make sure you know your permit number and inspection codes.
What time is my inspection?
Inspection times cannot be scheduled in advance. However you can call the assigned inspector the day of the inspection to get an approximate 2 hour time frame. To find the direct number for an inspector, review the Inspector Directory.
What is a Florida Product Approval and where can I find them?
A Florida Product Approval is a product that has been evaluated and approved by the Florida Building Commission for use within the State of Florida.
Approved products can be found at www.floridabuilding.org
Note – not all products sold at local retail stores are current and approved products. Do your diligence and check prior to purchase or installing!
What is the current Building Code?
The current Building Code is the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code (Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel/Gas, Existing Building, Energy Conservation and Accessibility).
To read the Florida Building Code go to www.floridabuilding.org
How many sets of plans must I submit?
Residential = 2 sets
Commercial = 3 sets
How do I register with the City of Largo? Why do I have to register?
Contractors must be licensed to do work. Contractors must register with the City of Largo prior to submitting for a permit or being listed as a sub contractor on a permit. This ensures that all county and state licensing has been obtained and that they are in compliance.
To register with the City of Largo we need to see copies of the: Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) card, State License and local business tax receipt from the location your business is based out of. For questions, contact [email protected] or 727-586-7488.
How do I add a sub-contractor to a permit?
All sub-contractor are added on to a permit by the contractor (or authorized agent) who has originally submitted for the permit in writing. Sub-contractors do not sign on themselves. Please ensure that all sub-contractors are registered and active with us, and that all requests to add or remove sub-contractors include the business name, license number and trade.
What permits can be issued over the counter?
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing change outs like for like are typically done over the counter. As are roofing permits and window/door permits – provided there is appropriate staffing available. However, at this time, due to Covid 19 protocol, paper permits are not handled for a 48 hour time period and will be issued after that time frame.
How can I find the status of my permit?
Once a permit is submitted, depending on the type of permit, it may go back to one of five (5) Divisions for review: Building, Planning, Fire, Engineering and Landscape. As soon as your permit is ready for pick up one of the Permit Technicians will call you informing you of what is required for pick up.
Where can I find out how close I can build to my property line?
For questions about where you can build on your property please contact Planning at 727-587-6749 Ext. 7301 or at [email protected].
I received a Notice of Violation, who can I contact?
Notice of Violations are typically issued by Code Enforcement, but sometimes can be issued by the Building Division as well. For more information, contact Code Enforcement 727-587-6799.
What does a red tag inspection mean?
A red tagged inspection means that the contractor did not meet the necessary requirements for inspection and it was within the contractors responsibility to have the met those standards. A red tag can also happen when an inspection is called in and the job was not ready for inspection.
Red tag inspections require a $41 fee to be paid prior to another inspection being called in. Red tagged inspections can be paid in person at the Building Division or by completing a credit card authorization form.
Can an owner act as their own contractor?
Yes. An owner can act as their own contractor when: they own the property in their first and last name (the property can not be owned by an entity – for example a trust or LLC), if the owner is not going to rent/sell/lease for up to one year, and if the owner is doing the work themselves or supervising the work that is being done. An original signed Homeowner Builder Affidavit must accompany the permit.
For a list of more detailed requirements please see the Homeowner Builder Affidavit.
Do you accept digitally signed and sealed plans?
Yes. Currently we accept digitally signed and sealed plans and they must be submitted through the online permitting system eTrakit by a licensed contractor.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm and Wednesdays from 8am-3pm. The first Wednesday of every month we close at 12:00.
Do you have a contractor complaint?
The Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) handles contractor complaints.
