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Digital Plan Room

Instructions for applying for permits online by using the Digital Plan Room.

Building Permit and Inspection Utilization Reports

Pursuant to Florida Statutes 553.80, by December 31 of each year, the governing body of a local government that provides a schedule of fees shall create a building permit and inspection utilization report and post the report on its website. The information in the report shall be derived from relevant information available in the most recently completed financial audit. After December 31, of each year, the governing body of a local government that provides a schedule of fees shall update its building permit and inspection utilization report before making any adjustments to the fee schedule.

Martin County’s fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30.  The information below is derived between that period for each respective fiscal year. Below please find the Building Permit and Inspection Utilization Reports.

Building Permit and Inspection Utilization Report: Fiscal Year 2024
Category Total
Personnel Services Costs Including Salary $3,812,375
Operating Expenditures & Expenses $3,452,801
Investment Earnings $248,846
Operating Reserve Balance Carried Forward $7,472,814
Capital Reserve Balance Carried Forward $7,265,176
Revenue Derived from Fees/Fines $7,560,183
Refunds $76,458
Number of Building Permit Applications Submitted 17,107
Number of Building Permits Issued or Approved 16,778
Number of Building Inspections & Reinspections Requested 71,813
Number of Building Inspections & Reinspections Conducted 67,720
Number of Building Inspections Conducted by a Private Provider 12,393
Number of Audits Conducted by the Local Government of Private Provider Building Inspections 0
Number of Personnel Dedicated to Enforce the FBC, Issue Building Permits & Conduct Inspections 36.5

 

 

Building Permit and Inspection Utilization Report: Fiscal Year 2023
Category Total
Personnel Services Costs Including Salary $3,278,874
Operating Expenditures & Expenses $3,089,298
Investment Earnings $81,440
Operating Reserve Balance Carried Forward $6,267,808
Capital Reserve Balance Carried Forward $6,950,000
Revenue Derived from Fees/Fines $7,699,404
Refunds $32,143
Number of Building Permit Applications Submitted 16,235
Number of Building Permits Issued or Approved 16,197
Number of Building Inspections & Reinspections Requested 68,969
Number of Building Inspections & Reinspections Conducted 64,376
Number of Building Inspections Conducted by a Private Provider 4,398
Number of Audits Conducted by the Local Government of Private Provider Building Inspections 0
Number of Personnel Dedicated to Enforce the FBC, Issue Building Permits & Conduct Inspections 36.5

Virtual Building Inspections

The Martin County Building Department now offers VuSpex, a convenient virtual inspections tool that allows contractors and owner-builders to complete inspections remotely—using any device with a camera and internet connection. With VuSpex, our inspectors can conduct thorough virtual inspections from any location, helping you save time and reduce costs.

Eligible Permit Types

VuSpex virtual inspections are currently available for the following permits:

Vacant Property Registry

In an effort to curtail the growing problem of abandoned and neglected properties, Martin County has enacted an ordinance that requires lenders to register these properties on the County’s Defaulted Property Registry.

The intent of the ordinance is to maintain a listing of these properties for periodic inspection to ensure compliance with County’s Property Maintenance Code. Having these properties registered will give us better information on who is responsible for the property so we can get compliance in a more efficient manner. 

Code Enforcement Forms

Here you will find frequently used Code Enforcement forms. 

Pay for a Permit

Building or fire permits may be paid online via Martin County's online permit system, also known as Accela Citizen Access (ACA).

Contractor Licensing and Verification

A Contractor Surveys a Site

Overview

The Licensing Division of the Martin County Building Department enforces contractor compliance with State of Florida Statues and local county regulation. All Martin County contractors are required to be licensed and insured.

Why Hire a Licensed Contractor?

  • A licensed person has the required education, experience, insurance and qualifications to obtain a license.
  • They must pass a competency examination before practicing.
  • Licensing departments can discipline and even revoke a license if the person lacks professional standards.
  • Problems can occur after unlicensed work that may not be covered by homeowners insurance.
  • Only Homeowners and Licensed contractors can pull permits.
  • Licensed Contractors should be up to date on building codes.
  • Because it’s the law

Tips for Hiring a Licensed Contractor:

  • Get a written contract
  • Confirm license is valid. an occupational license does not qualify as a contractor license
  • Get references
  • If required, make sure permit is pulled
  • Do not pay cash or write checks to individuals
  • Do not hire someone working on the side
  • Do not make final payment until permit is closed out

License Verification

Contractors that are authorized to work in Martin County can be verified. Select the button below to access our online licensing system and verify if a contractor is licensed to do work in Martin County. 

Report Unlicensed Activity

To report local unlicensed activity, please call Contractor Licensing at (772) 288-5482.

To report state unlicensed activity, please call the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DPBR) at (866) 532-1440.

Martin County Licensing Division 
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
900 SE Ruhnke Street
Stuart, Florida 34994
(772) 288-5482 

Report a Code Violation

Martin County Code Enforcement

Process

The objective of the Martin County Code Enforcement Division is to educate and gain voluntarily compliance of all county code ordinances. Keeping Martin County compliant protects and enhances property values and makes the county a more attractive place to live.

The Code Enforcement Division receives complaints from a variety of sources including citizens, businesses, staff members, and outside agencies. Staff inspects and investigates complaints to see if violation of County Code exists then begin taking appropriate steps to achieve compliance.

These steps can be either an informal and/or formal process. Cases that are not voluntarily brought into compliance may be presented to a Special Magistrate at a formal public hearing.

Code Enforcement Hearings are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. in Commissioner Chambers at 2401 SE Monterey Road in Stuart. These hearings are also shown on MCTV for public viewing. 

Report a Code Violation

If you believe that there is a violation in your neighborhood or near your business, please select the button below to submit a complaint online to Martin County Code Enforcement.

Please be sure to include the address and/or location of the violation, a description of the violation, and attach any photos you may have of the violation. The complaint will be investigated within five (5) business days.

You may also file a compliant by phone at (772) 288-5505, or in writing to Martin County Code Enforcement.

About

The Martin County Code Enforcement Division is comprised of 6 Code Enforcement Officers, a License Investigator, a Derelict Boat Inspector, a Nuisance Abatement Coordinator, and an Administrator, covering 753 square miles. Code Enforcement is located within the Martin County Building Department. 

Martin County Code Enforcement
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
900 SE Ruhnke Street
Stuart, Florida 34994
(772) 288-5505

Do I Need a Building Permit?

A building permit is required if you plan to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish​ or change the occupancy of a building or structure.

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