Building & Permitting

The City of Cocoa Building Division is dedicated to providing reliable customer service for all of your permitting needs as well as ensuring safety for all of our residents through strict enforcement of the Florida Building code, State Statutes and City Ordinances.

(Click the button above to visit the Citizenserve online permitting portal.)

The City of Cocoa is now offering online permitting services. You can apply for a permit, download forms, upload all required documents, check the status of your permit, pay fees, view policies, view submittal requirements and schedule inspections through our new online portal, powered by Citizenserve.

You can now apply online for ALL permits in Citizenserve.

You can SEARCH for all permits issued after March 1, 2021 by following the instructions below.

1. Go to City of Cocoa website (cocoafl.gov).

2. Click on Permits and Inspections link near bottom of the home page.

3. Click on the “Online Permitting” button.

4. Click on the “Search” link at the top of the page.

5. Click the File Type and select “Building Permits” from the drop-down list.

6. Enter the remaining information requested, selecting the pertinent information on each drop-down list and click Submit.

7. Your permit information will appear. You can open the permit details from this point.

OWNER/BUILDER POLICY

Reference: Florida State Statute 489.103(7)

Requirements to apply as an Owner/Builder:

• The legal owner of the property is required to apply for the permit
• The owner must provide proof of ownership
• Property must be for the owner's own use or occupancy
• The owner/builder will oversee all work
• The owner/builder will be available on site for every required inspection
• The owner/builder understands all construction practices and applicable Building Codes

Restrictions:

• Property ownership by a Corporation or LLC cannot apply for an Owner/Builder permit
• Properties that are currently rented, for sale or for lease, or will be sold or leased within 1 year
• Residential property address doesn't match the address shown on the owners driver's license
• Commercial Properties that are not used for the sole purpose of the property owner
• Commercial Projects where the cost will exceed $75,000

Prior to Submitting Application for Permit:

• The owner of the property who intends on applying as an Owner/Builder must appear in person to the Building Division and sign the Owner/Builder Disclosure Affidavit.
• Proof of ownership must be presented
• Valid Driver's License required, showing the same address as the property

If approved, the Disclosure Affidavit will be notarized by staff.

The notarized copy must be submitted as part of your permit submittal documents

** Applications submitted without an approved Owner/Builder Affidavit will be automatically denied.**

Building Division staff does not instruct on how to perform work, or how to achieve code compliance. That is the responsibility of a licensed Contractor. You are assuming all responsibilities of a licensed Contractor by applying as an Owner/Builder and will be required to have thorough knowledge of applicable construction practices, City Ordinances, and the Florida Building Code currently in effect.

New permit fees go into effect on October 1, 2022 per Resolution 2022-085.

New permit fees are listed below.

Permit Application Processing Fee - $25

ALL OTHER PERMITS WILL BE CHARGED BASED ON VALUATION

Construction Valuation Fees are calculated as follows:

Residential - First $1,000 = $75 AND $1,001+ = $75 plus $4 per $1,000

Commercial - First $1,000 + $100 AND $1,001+ = $100 plus $6 per $1,000

Building Code (Residential & Non Residential) - Chapter 170

**This provision shall not apply to emergency work when delay would clearly have placed life or property in imminent danger. However, in all cases the required permit(s) must be submitted within two (2) business days and any unreasonable delay in obtaining those permit(s) shall result in a penalty of one hundred percent (100%) of the usual permit fee in addition to the required permit fees. The Building Official may grant extensions of time or waive penalty fees when justifiable cause has been demonstrated in writing.

There will be no after hours, specific time or same day inspections scheduled. AM or PM will be the only selection option and inspections are conducted between 8:00AM and 4:00PM, during the City’s operational days.

Permit fee refunds: No refund will be granted on any permit with a fee of less than the base residential fee or base commercial fee. For permits having a fee in excess of the base permit fee, up to fifty percent (50%) of the amount in excess of the base fee may be refunded, provided a written request with the original permit attached is submitted to the building official within ninety (90) days of the permit’s date of issuance. Such written request should state the reasons the refund is requested. The Building Official may, in the Building Official’s sole discretion and upon good cause, authorize a refund of any permit fee in excess of the base fee.

New Fire Permit Fees go into effect on October 1, 2022 per Resolution 2022-086

The city reserves the right to require that the applicant submit additional information to the extent the information is required to determine that the construction will be completed in accordance with all applicable law.

Telephone: 321.433.8501 or 321.433.8502

Office: 65 Stone Street, Cocoa, FL 32922

Office Hours: M-F - 8:00AM - 4:30PM (Payments accepted between 8:00AM and 4:30PM)

Responsibilities

Building construction plans review, permitting and inspection of any building or plan ensure compliance with the Florida Building and Fire Codes and local code requirements incidental to:

• Construction
• Alteration
• Repair
• Demolition
• Use and occupancy of buildings, structures, or premises

All permits applied for on or after December 31, 2023 will be required to meet the 2023 Florida Building Code and the 2020 National Electric Code.

Customer Service

Building and Permitting is committed to expediting the construction permitting and local business tax receipt licensing process. For information about permitting and licensing, please visit the Building Permits and Cocoa Business Tax Receipt pages.

Licenses

The Local Business Tax Receipt Program licenses businesses throughout the City of Cocoa.