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Building

Contractor Licensing and Verification

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Overview

The Licensing Division of the Martin County Building Department enforces contractor compliance in accordance with State of Florida statutes and Martin County regulations. 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

  • Obtain a written contract
  • Confirm the license is valid. An occupational license does not qualify as a contractor license.
  • Ask for references from previous customers
  • If required, make sure the 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 the permit is closed.

License Verification

Contractors authorized to work in Martin County can be verified using the county’s online Licensed Contractor Search, which allows you to confirm whether a contractor is licensed to perform work in Martin County.

Report Unlicensed Activity

To report local unlicensed activity in Martin County, contact the Licensing Division at (772) 288-5482. To report state unlicensed activity, contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DPBR) at (866) 532-1440, or file a complaint online through the DBPR website.

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 

Contact Us

Report a Code Violation

Martin County Code Enforcement

Process

The objective of the Martin County Code Enforcement Division is to educate and gain voluntary 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 a 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, you can report a code violation 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 complaint 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.

Building Permit Checklists

Here you will find Building Department checklists for specific permits.

Request Copies of Building Plans, Blueprints, Surveys, and/or Permit Records

From this page you can request copies of building records such as blueprints, site plans, surveys, building plans, permit files or other documents from the Martin County Building Department. Copies can be requested in paper format, disk, or by email. There is no charge for emailed documents and a $1 charge for a disk. Fees for paper copies are based on the amount and size of the documents.

Building Department records are maintained in accordance with the General Records Schedule GS1-SL, Rule 1B-24.003(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code.

Apply for a Building Permit

To apply for a building permit in Martin County, please access Martin County's online permit system, also known as Accela Citizen Access (ACA).

Schedule a Building Inspection

To schedule a building inspection, please access Martin County's online permit system, also known as Accela Citizen Access (ACA).

Contractor Licensing Applications

Here you will find information on contractor licensing.

Building Permit Forms and Applications

Here you will find frequently used Building Department forms such as Permit Applications, Permit Research forms, and Notice of Commencement.

Find Wind Speed

To find out the wind speed for property, please use the Property Information Lookup.

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