Equipment Rental Service Areas in St. Petersburg, FL

About Construction Projects in St Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg is Florida’s fifth largest city. Nearly 260,000 locals enjoy the city’s top comforts and small-town feel. As more people discover St. Pete, your local knowledge will help you enjoy new building prospects.

Building Permits

You need a building permit before starting a building project in St. Pete.

Your application needs:

• A complete application form.
• An affidavit stating your application is accurate, and your work will meet the Florida Building Code.
• An asbestos notification statement.
• A contract disclosure statement.

Apply to the St. Pete Building Department in many ways:

• In person at the Municipal Services Center. It is open from 8 a.m. every weekday. It shuts down at 4:30 p.m. all weekdays except Wednesday when it closes at 3 p.m.
• Fax 727-892-5102.
• Email permits@stpete.org.

You cannot start building until you get your permit.

Required Building Licenses

Local builders usually hold county and state contractor licenses. Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) issues county contractor licenses. The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board issues state licenses. It is part of Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Submit the following to the PCCLB for your county license:

• Application form signed by yourself and a notary.
• A copy of state certification.
• $35 application fee.
• Self-addressed stamped envelope.
• A copy of certificates of insurance (general liability and workers’ compensation). The PCCLB should be the certificate holders.

You must renew your county license by Sept. 30 each year.

Apply for the state license via the DBPR website. You must show:

• Your Pinellas County contractor’s license.
• Proof of financial responsibility and stability.
• Proof of four years of financial experience in your license category. This should include one year of supervisory experience. Up to three years in the military or college credit hours can stand in for field experience.

Passing Florida’s contractors exam is part of the state’s license requirements. This test has three parts:

• Project management.
• Contract administration.
• Business and finance.

You must renew your state license by Aug. 31 each year. You must also complete 14 hours of approved education each year to keep this license.

Insurance Coverage

You cannot legally work as a builder in St. Pete without the right insurance. All local builders need general liability coverage. If you employ other people, you will also need workers’ compensation. You must show the city’s housing and community development department proof of your coverage if they ask for it.

You do not need builder’s risk insurance, but it delivers extra protection. You will love this coverage if storms, fires, vandalism, or theft impact your project.

Best Equipment to Use in St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Pete has fine sandy soils with poor drainage. This can be a problem when building in May to September. That is when the city gets nearly two-thirds of its rainfall. After the rain, you may need a boom lift with a raised working platform.

Forklifts, manlifts, and scissor lifts don’t like St. Pete’s soft soil. Soil compactors can make using this equipment easier, though.

You need the right license and permit for your St. Pete building project. Good insurance and hire equipment is also vital for the best local job.