Demolition 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 Demolition permit in St. Johns County
Interior demolition of non-structural elements (cabinets, finishes, non-load-bearing walls under 100 sq ft) typically does not require a permit. If walls being removed may be load-bearing, a building permit is required and the building inspector should review first.
When you need a Demolition permit in St. Johns County
Removing a load-bearing wall, partial structural demolition, or large interior removal requires a building permit. Engineered plans from a Florida-registered engineer for any header replacement are required.
Demolition of an entire structure requires a demolition permit. Utility disconnects (gas, electric, water/septic) must be verified before demolition, and septic abandonment requires sign-off from the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County at (904) 506-6081.
Demolition Permit Costs: St. Johns County vs. Nearby
St. Johns County's fees are right in line with the Florida average, $150 – $500 versus $166 – $764 statewide.
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| St. Johns County | $150 – $500 |
| Jacksonville | $100 – $1,000 |
| Miami | $100 – $1,000 |
| Tampa | $100 – $1,000 |
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
Properties in historic districts may require historic review board approval before demolition. Some cities require a waiting period for demolition permits to allow for public comment.
If you live in an HOA community: demolition of visible structures (garages, sheds, accessory buildings) may require HOA notification or approval. Check your CC&Rs, some communities require maintaining certain structures or replacing them within a set timeframe.
Estimated Project Timeline in St. Johns County
Here's a typical timeline for a demolition 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 Demolition projects in St. Johns County, FL range from $150 – $500. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Demolition 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 Demolition 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 Demolition Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Demolition Guide →