Fireplace 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 Fireplace permit in St. Johns County
An electric fireplace that plugs into an existing outlet does not require a permit. A hardwired electric fireplace requires an electrical permit.
When you need a Fireplace permit in St. Johns County
Installing a gas fireplace insert requires a mechanical permit. A Florida-licensed gas or mechanical contractor is required and venting must meet FBCR 8th Edition G2427.
Installing a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace requires building and mechanical permits. Hearth pad, clearances to combustibles, and chimney requirements per FBCR 8th Edition R1001 and R1003.9 apply (chimney must extend at least 3 feet above roof penetration).
Fireplace Permit Costs: St. Johns County vs. Nearby
St. Johns County's fees are right in line with the Florida average, $125 – $400 versus $131 – $474 statewide.
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| St. Johns County | $125 – $400 |
| Jacksonville | $75 – $800 |
| Miami | $75 – $800 |
| Tampa | $75 – $800 |
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
Fireplace and wood stove installations rarely trigger zoning review. Many California air quality districts (SCAQMD, BAAQMD) prohibit NEW wood-burning fireplaces in new construction. Chimney height requirements must comply with IRC R1003.9 (3 ft above roof penetration, 2 ft above any point within 10 ft horizontally).
If you live in an HOA community: hOAs in some communities prohibit wood-burning appliances entirely due to smoke and air quality concerns. Gas fireplaces are usually permitted. Chimney caps and exterior venting may face aesthetic review.
Estimated Project Timeline in St. Johns County
Here's a typical timeline for a fireplace 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 Fireplace projects in St. Johns County, FL range from $125 – $400. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Fireplace 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 Fireplace 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 Fireplace Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Fireplace Guide →