The Building Division is responsible for the implementation of the Florida Statewide Building Code, through building plan review, permitting and inspections. Additionally, the Division implements the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards, guaranteeing membership in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

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Florida Statewide Building Code

Effective January 1, 2024, the 8th Edition (2023) of the Florida Building Code will become effective. The revised Florida Building Code will be applicable to permit applications submitted on or after the effective date of January 1, 2024.

In preparation of the transition to the 8^th Edition 2023 Florida Building Code, effective January 1, 2024, the Longboat Key Planning, Zoning & Building Department will require the following:

• All building applications to fall under the 7^th Edition 2020 Florida Building Code will need to be submitted no later than midnight on December 31, 2023; and,
• Any record that has been submitted after midnight on December 31, 2023, will be removed from the system and will be required to be reapplied for under the new 8^th Edition 2023 Florida Building Code

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  We appreciate your patience while we transition to the new Florida Building Code Edition.

If you should have any questions, please contact the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at .941) 316-1966.

The State of Florida adopted a statewide building code, which became effective on March 1, 2002, (8th Edition will be effective January 1, 2024). Information on the statewide building code can be found at the Florida Building Commission. Additional building codes and standards information and practices can be obtained by contacting the Building Official at (941) 316-1966, Ext.2511, or at the Florida Building Code.

If you would like to view a comparison of the Florida Building Code changes between 2020 (7th Edition) and 2023 (8th Edition), please click here.

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Permitting

The Town of Longboat Key requires certain types of work to be permitted under Chapter 150, Buildings, Section 150.30, Building Permit Required.

If you have a question as to whether a permit is required for proposed work, please contact the Building Official at 941-316-1966, Ext 2511. A list of exemptions from permitting for minor work can be found in Section 150.30, Building Permit Required, Subsection (D). Please click here to view on MuniCode. 

All permit applications are required to be signed by the license qualifier and notarized. As of January 1, 2020, the Town will only accept applications for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing permits online. Please click here to apply.  (PLEASE NOTE: ONLY REGISTERED CONTRACTORS ARE ALLOWED TO APPLY FOR PERMITS ONLINE)   All other permit application types shall be delivered in person or mailed.

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Inspections

Inspection requests must be phoned in no later than 3:00 pm the afternoon prior to the inspection request day. If you phone in a request after 3:00 pm, the inspection will not be set up until the day after the next business day. You do not have a confirmed scheduled inspection until you receive a reply  noting the date your inspection has been scheduled. Inspections are logged on a first-come, first-served basis. Inspections are not performed on Saturday, Sunday, or designated Holidays.

If you wish, the Town now has the ability to schedule inspections for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing permits online. Please click here to schedule.  (PLEASE NOTE: ONLY REGISTERED CONTRACTORS ARE ALLOWED TO SCHEDULE ONLINE INSPECTIONS)

Inspections are conducted prior to the finalization of permits on residential and non-residential structures for building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and gas permits. Inspections must be scheduled at least 24-hours prior to the desired inspection date. To schedule an inspection please call (941) 316-1966 or schedule online.

When requesting an inspection, please include the following information:

1. Permit Number
2. Street Address
3. Inspection Type
4. Name of Contractor
5. Name of contact for scheduling inspection
6. Phone number of contact for this inspection
7. Date request inspection

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Plan Review

All permit applications and plans are reviewed for compliance with the Florida Statewide Building Code and/or applicable trade code (i.e., plumbing code, electrical code, etc.). No permit shall be issued until the proposed plans clearly indicate compliance with all applicable codes.

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Contractor Registration

The Town of Longboat Key requires that all contractors be registered with the Building Division and must maintain, with the Planning, Zoning and Building Department, copies of required valid state and/or local contractor’s license and proof of general liability and workman’s compensation insurance. Please contact the Building Division, at 941-316-1966, to verify the status of licensing and insurance documents on file with the Department, and for new or updating of current registrations.

Notice To Owner

Hire only licensed and insured design professionals (i.e., architects, engineers, etc.) and contractors. Check to see the status of disciplinary actions or complaints with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations.