Demolition permit in Melbourne, FL
Yes — you need a permit for demolition work in Melbourne.
You need a permit to demolish a structure or part of one. Melbourne's building official inspects work to demolish a building, and it is a code violation to demolish without following the code. You may also need a separate trash-hauling permit from the city manager to remove the construction and demolition debris.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | You need a permit to demolish a structure or part of one.… |
| Fee | The code lists no dollar amount for the demolition permit; fees are set by resolution (Sec. 13.45). The separate debris-removal permit fee is 10 percent of the hauler's bill plus $0.33 per cubic yard of waste (Sec. 48-5). |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | FBC 105.2; Sec. 13.52; debris permit Sec. 48-5 |
| Based on | Florida Building Code 2023, as adopted by Melbourne (Sec. 13.80) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Melbourne building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
Starting trash-hauling work that requires a permit before you get one brings a double fee, plus a fine of up to $250 on conviction (Sec. 48-5).
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | — | Yes | You need a permit to demolish a structure or part of one.… |
| Orlando | 42 mi | Yes | You need a demolition permit to tear down a structure or … |
| Kissimmee | 48 mi | Yes | You need a demolition permit to tear down a structure or … |
| Port St. Lucie | 60 mi | Yes | You need a permit to demolish a structure or part of one.… |
| Deltona | 64 mi | Yes | Demolishing a structure or part of one is not on Florida'… |
| Lakeland | 79 mi | Yes | Demolishing a structure or part of one needs a permit; if… |
Other work in Melbourne
Questions people ask
How much does a demolition permit cost in Melbourne?
The code lists no dollar amount for the demolition permit; fees are set by resolution (Sec. 13.45). The separate debris-removal permit fee is 10 percent of the hauler's bill plus $0.33 per cubic yard of waste (Sec. 48-5).. Valuation-based fees mean the number depends on what the job is worth, so the department quotes it when you apply.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Melbourne can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.