Deck Permit Requirements in St. Johns County, FL
St. Johns County Building Services issues all residential permits (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roof, pool) for unincorporated county land outside the City of St. Augustine and City of St. Augustine Beach. Codes in force: Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) residential and building, NEC 2020, ASCE 7-22 wind design. County is in the wind-borne debris region (not HVHZ, which is only Miami-Dade and Broward). Impact-rated windows and doors or approved storm shutters required for residential openings. Septic permits handled by Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County at (904) 506-6081. Driveways on county roads go through St. Johns County Road and Bridge; driveways on US-1 or I-95 require FDOT approval. Historic district overlays may apply in some areas. Licensed FL CILB contractors required for most trades; owner-builder allowed under F.S. 489.103(7) for homesteaded primary residence with personal supervision affidavit.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified April 20, 2026 · How we research →
When you don’t need a Deck permit in St. Johns County
Freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit under Florida Building Code, Residential (FBCR) 8th Edition (2023) Section R105.2. County zoning setbacks still apply, so confirm placement with St. Johns County Building Services before building.
When you need a Deck permit in St. Johns County
Attached decks require a building permit from St. Johns County Building Services even when under 30 inches above grade. The ledger board attachment to the dwelling is a structural connection that must meet FBCR 8th Edition Section R507, and uplift resistance for the wind-borne debris region must be addressed.
Decks more than 30 inches above grade require a building permit from St. Johns County Building Services with structural plans. Guardrails at least 36 inches high are required per FBCR 8th Edition R312.1, and connectors must be rated for the wind-borne debris region.
Deck Permit Costs: St. Johns County vs. Nearby
St. Johns County comes in on the low side for Florida. You're looking at $100 – $350 here, compared to the state average of $147 – $493.
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| St. Johns County | $100 – $350 |
| Jacksonville | $112 – $400 |
| Miami | $130 – $1,040 |
| Tampa | $90 – $720 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all St. Johns County permit costs →
Zoning & HOA Considerations
Decks may be subject to zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Check with your local planning department before building near property lines.
If you live in an HOA community: many HOAs restrict deck materials, colors, size, and placement. Review your CC&Rs and submit an architectural review request before applying for a building permit. HOA approval can take 1–6 weeks.
Estimated Project Timeline in St. Johns County
Here's a typical timeline for a deck project in St. Johns County, FL:
Timeline is based on St. Johns County's typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated permit fees for Deck projects in St. Johns County, FL range from $100 – $350. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Deck projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit in St. Johns County can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for Deck permits in St. Johns County is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.
Learn More About Deck Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Deck Guide →