Building Permit Cost in St. Johns County, FL (2026)

Typical residential building permits in St. Johns County run $75–$2,000, 126% above the Florida state average. Fees vary by project type, scope, and declared valuation.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified April 20, 2026 · How we research →

The short answer

Expect $75–$2,000 for most residential permits in St. Johns County. That's 126% above the Florida state average of $176–$743.

Simple swaps (water heaters, EV chargers, like-for-like HVAC) usually run under $200. Additions, pools, and kitchen remodels are the expensive end. Confirm current rates with St. Johns County Building Services at (904) 827-6800.

Permit fees by project type in St. Johns County

Each row shows the estimated fee range for that project type in St. Johns County, the typical approval timeline, and how it compares to the Florida state average.

Project	Est. fee in St. Johns County	vs state avg	Typical timeline
Deck	$100 – $350	−30%	about 2 weeks
Fence	$75 – $200	−10%	about 1 week
Shed	$125 – $600	+112%	about 2 weeks
Roof Replacement	$125 – $500	−25%	about 2 weeks
Windows and Doors	$75 – $250	−25%	about 2 weeks
Bathroom Remodel	$150 – $700	+14%	about 3 weeks
Kitchen Remodel	$200 – $900	+19%	about 3 weeks
Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, or Spa	$150 – $1,000	+20%	about 3 weeks
Electrical Work	$75 – $350	−25%	about 2 weeks
Plumbing Work	$125 – $400	+34%	about 2 weeks
HVAC	$100 – $450	+19%	about 2 weeks
Garage	$250 – $900	−19%	about 2 weeks
Room Addition	$250 – $1,500	−50%	about 4 weeks
Basement Finishing	$250 – $700	−30%	about 2 weeks
Retaining Wall	$150 – $350	−31%	about 2 weeks
Solar Panels	$250 – $600	+28%	about 2 weeks
Patio	$125 – $400	in line	about 2 weeks
ADU	$500 – $2,000	−47%	about 4 weeks
Driveway	$100 – $250	−31%	about 2 weeks
Demolition	$150 – $500	−30%	about 2 weeks
EV Charger	$75 – $175	−44%	about 1 week
Generator	$200 – $450	−35%	about 2 weeks
Gas Line	$75 – $275	−13%	about 2 weeks
Water Heater	$75 – $400	in line	about 2 weeks
Tree Removal	Varies	N/A	about 2 weeks
Siding	$125 – $300	−48%	about 1 week
Fireplace	$125 – $400	−13%	about 2 weeks
Concrete Slab	$125 – $300	−26%	about 2 weeks

Fees are estimates based on St. Johns County's rule data and may not include sub-permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) required for larger projects. The "vs state avg" column compares the midpoint of each range to the Florida statewide average for the same project type.

How St. Johns County's permit fees are structured

Most city permit fees break down into four buckets. The exact split varies, but these proportions hold across most US jurisdictions we track.

Building permit fee~55% of total

Plan review fee~30% of total

Inspection / processingremainder

Technology / records fee$5–$15 flat

View St. Johns County's official fee schedule →

St. Johns County vs state vs national averages

Midpoint of the estimated range for a typical residential permit.

St. Johns County (this city) $75–$2,000

Florida state avg $176–$743

National avg (1,500+ cities) $165–$698

How to reduce your permit cost in St. Johns County

Ask about over-the-counter permits. Many jurisdictions issue same-day permits for simple projects (water heater swap, like-for-like windows, small sheds). Saves a full plan-review cycle.
Pull the permit yourself. Owner-builder permits are usually the same fee as contractor permits, minus the contractor markup. Most cities (including St. Johns County where owner-builder is allowed) let homeowners file directly.
Submit complete plans the first time. Resubmittals often trigger a re-review fee. A clean first submittal is typically the single biggest driver of cost and timeline.
Check if your project is exempt. Small fences, low decks, minor electrical, and like-for-like appliance swaps are often permit-exempt. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific project before assuming you need one.
Bundle related work. If you're doing multiple upgrades, applying for them together is usually cheaper than separate permits, because plan review and inspection fees are often priced per-visit.

Who to call in St. Johns County

DepartmentSt. Johns County Building Services

Phone(904) 827-6800

Emailbldcodes@sjcfl.us

Address4040 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084

HoursMon-Fri 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Apply onlineSt. Johns County permit portal →

Check if your project needs a permit in St. Johns County

Free instant answer with the municipal code section cited.

Check permit requirements All St. Johns County rules

Frequently asked questions

How much does a building permit cost in St. Johns County, FL?

Most residential building permits in St. Johns County run $75–$2,000, depending on the project type and valuation. Simple permits like water heater replacements can be under $100, while additions and pool permits run into the low thousands.

Why are permit fees different in St. Johns County than other cities?

Every city sets its own fee schedule. Fees typically scale with project valuation and cover building-permit review, plan review, inspections, and a small technology or records fee. St. Johns County publishes its fees separately from surrounding jurisdictions, so the same project can cost materially more or less one town over.

Do I have to pay the permit fee even if the city denies the permit?

Most jurisdictions charge a non-refundable plan-review fee at submission, which stays with the city even if the permit is ultimately denied. The balance (permit issuance and inspection fees) is typically refunded or never collected. Confirm with St. Johns County Building Services before you file.

Can the permit fee go up after I apply?

Yes. Most cities recalculate fees once plan review is complete if the declared project valuation changes, or if additional sub-permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are required. Budget for a 10–15% buffer over the estimate.

Is there a way to lower my St. Johns County permit cost?

A few practical options: file for an over-the-counter permit if your project qualifies, submit complete plans the first time to avoid resubmittal fees, pull the permit yourself instead of paying a contractor's markup, and check whether your project is exempt (small sheds, low fences, like-for-like water heater swaps often are).

Disclaimer: Fee estimates are based on St. Johns County's published rule data as of April 20, 2026. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation, sub-permits required, and city schedule updates. Always confirm current fees with St. Johns County Building Services before budgeting.