As-Built Survey Cost: What to Expect in Florida (2026)
Quick Answer
An as-built survey is quoted per project. What drives the price is the size and complexity of what was built, how much of it is buried or enclosed by the time the crew arrives, and exactly what your building department requires to be shown. As-built surveys are typically required before your local building department issues a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for new construction — which means the timing of the order matters as much as the scope.
An as-built survey documents the final location, dimensions, and elevation of completed construction. It verifies that what was built matches the approved plans and meets all setback, height, and drainage requirements. In most Florida counties, this survey is a required step before the building department issues a Certificate of Occupancy.
What Is an As-Built Survey?
An as-built survey is performed after construction is complete (or at specific milestones during construction). The surveyor measures the actual location of the new building, driveways, utilities, and other improvements relative to property boundaries, setback lines, and easements.
The building department compares the as-built survey to the approved site plan to confirm:
- The building is within all required setback distances
- The finished floor elevation meets flood zone requirements
- Impervious surface coverage does not exceed the permitted amount
- Utility connections match approved locations
- Drainage flows to the designed outlet points
What Drives the Price
Three things, in order of impact:
- How much has already been covered up. This is the one nobody plans for. Utility connections, drainage structures and slab edges are quick to locate while they are exposed, and slow or impossible to locate after backfill, sod and pavers. Ordering the as-built at the right moment is the single biggest saving available on this survey.
- What the building department requires shown. Requirements vary meaningfully between Florida jurisdictions — impervious area calculations, finished floor elevations, drainage flow arrows, utility inverts. Get the checklist from your building department before you request quotes.
- The size and complexity of the structure. More footprint, more storeys, more accessory structures, more points to locate.
| Project Type | What Adds Effort | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family home | Baseline case: one structure, driveway, utility connections, finished floor elevation | 3-5 business days |
| Duplex / townhome | Party walls and separate unit addresses; often separate utility services to locate | 3-7 business days |
| Small commercial building | Parking counts, ADA spaces, impervious area calculations, site drainage structures | 5-10 business days |
| Multi-story / complex commercial | Multiple building elevations, extensive utilities, phased construction and staged inspections | 7-14 business days |
| Pool or accessory structure | Smallest scope: setbacks, easement clearance and deck limits | 2-5 business days |
When Is It Required?
- Certificate of Occupancy: Most Florida building departments require an as-built survey before issuing a CO for new construction
- Foundation inspection: Some counties require a foundation survey (a type of as-built) before the builder can proceed past the slab stage
- Pool completion: Many counties require an as-built showing the pool's location relative to setback lines and easements
- Commercial closeout: Commercial projects typically require as-built documentation for the owner, lender, and municipality
- Renovation permits: Additions and major renovations often require as-built surveys to confirm compliance
What Is Included?
A standard as-built survey in Florida includes:
- Location of all new structures relative to property boundaries
- Setback distances to all property lines and easements
- Finished floor elevation (critical for flood zone compliance)
- Driveway, walkway, and impervious surface locations
- Utility connection points (water, sewer, drainage)
- Comparison notes between approved plans and actual construction
Need an As-Built Survey?
Apex Surveying provides fast-turnaround as-built surveys for builders, contractors, and homeowners across Florida.
Get a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How much does an as-built survey cost?
It is quoted per project. The drivers are the size and complexity of what was built, how much of the work is buried or enclosed by the time the crew arrives, and exactly what your building department requires to be shown. A pool as-built is the smallest scope; a multi-storey commercial closeout with parking counts, impervious area calculations and utility inverts is the largest. Rush service carries a premium. These are general ranges rather than quotes - parcel count, scope, access, vegetation, travel, and existing monumentation all affect the final price.
Is an as-built survey required in Florida?
Most Florida counties require an as-built survey before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy for new construction. Some counties also require foundation surveys during construction and final as-builts for pools, additions, and major renovations. Check with your local building department for specific requirements.
What is the difference between an as-built survey and a final survey?
They are typically the same thing. "As-built survey" and "final survey" both refer to a survey performed after construction to document the actual location and elevation of completed improvements. Some building departments use one term over the other, but the scope of work is identical.
Who orders the as-built survey — the builder or the homeowner?
Usually the builder or general contractor orders the as-built survey as part of the construction closeout process. The cost is typically included in the construction budget. However, if the builder does not include it, the homeowner may need to order and pay for it separately before obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy.
How long does an as-built survey take?
Most residential as-built surveys are completed in 3-5 business days. The field visit takes 1-3 hours. Office processing and drawing preparation add 2-4 business days. Complex commercial projects may take 7-14 business days. Rush service (1-2 day turnaround) is available for an additional fee.