Do You Need a Survey for a Building Permit in Florida?
Quick Answer
Most Florida counties require a survey as part of the building permit application for new construction, additions, pools, fences, and other structures. The type of survey depends on the project: boundary surveys for fences ($400-$800), topographic surveys for new construction ($800-$2,000), and as-built surveys for certificate of occupancy ($500-$1,000).
When you apply for a building permit in Florida, one of the first requirements is often a survey. Different project types require different survey types, and requirements vary by county. This guide covers what you need for common construction projects.
Which Permits Require a Survey?
| Project Type | Survey Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New home construction | Yes — boundary + topo + staking + as-built | Required at multiple stages |
| Home addition | Yes — boundary + site plan | Must show setback compliance |
| Pool installation | Yes — site survey + as-built | Shows setbacks and drainage |
| Fence | Usually — boundary survey | Most counties require; some waive for interior fences |
| Detached garage/shed | Yes — boundary survey | Must verify setback distances |
| Driveway or paving | Sometimes | Required if near property line or drainage affected |
| Commercial building | Yes — full survey package | Boundary + topo + staking + as-built |
| Interior renovation | Usually not | No survey needed if no exterior changes |
Which Survey Type Do You Need?
- Boundary survey: Shows property lines, setback distances, and existing structures. Needed for any project near a property line
- Topographic survey: Maps elevations and site features. Required for new construction, drainage design, and grading permits
- Construction staking: Marks the building location and grade on the ground. Required before foundation work begins
- As-built survey: Documents completed construction. Required for Certificate of Occupancy
Costs by Project Type
| Project | Survey Types Needed | Total Survey Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fence permit | Boundary survey | $400 - $800 |
| Pool permit | Boundary + site survey + as-built | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Addition permit | Boundary + topo | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| New home permit | Boundary + topo + staking + as-built | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Commercial permit | Full survey package | $3,000 - $10,000+ |
The Permit Survey Process
- Contact your local building department to confirm which surveys are required for your specific project. Requirements vary by county and municipality
- Hire a licensed surveyor before you begin the permit application. Many building departments will not accept your application without a current survey
- Submit the survey with your permit application package, which typically also includes site plans, construction drawings, and engineering documents
- Construction phase surveys (staking, form board) are performed after the permit is issued, before construction begins
- Final as-built survey is performed after construction to verify compliance before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued
For a detailed overview of construction survey requirements, see our new construction survey guide.
Need a Survey for Your Permit?
Apex Surveying provides permit-ready surveys for all project types across Florida. Fast turnaround so your permit application is not delayed.
Get a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a survey for a building permit in Florida?
Most Florida building permits require some type of survey. New construction needs boundary, topographic, staking, and as-built surveys at different stages. Additions, pools, and fences typically require a boundary survey showing setback compliance. Interior renovations with no exterior changes usually do not require a survey. Check with your local building department for specific requirements.
How much does a permit survey cost in Florida?
Survey costs for permits depend on the project type. A boundary survey for a fence permit costs $400 to $800. Pool permit surveys cost $1,000 to $2,000 total. New home construction surveys (boundary + topo + staking + as-built) cost $2,000 to $5,000 total. Commercial projects cost $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on complexity.
Can I use an existing survey for my building permit?
Some building departments accept surveys that are less than 1-2 years old if no changes have been made to the property. However, many require a current survey specifically prepared for the permit application. Check with your local building department before relying on an existing survey. If changes have occurred since the old survey, a new one is needed.
How long does it take to get a permit survey?
Most residential permit surveys are completed in 5-10 business days from the date you hire the surveyor. Simple boundary surveys for fence permits may be faster (3-5 days). Complex commercial surveys may take 2-4 weeks. Plan ahead — do not wait until the last minute to order your survey, as delays can push back your entire permit timeline.
What happens if my construction does not match the survey?
If the as-built survey shows that construction deviates from approved plans (wrong setbacks, incorrect elevation, structure in an easement), the building department may deny the Certificate of Occupancy. You may need to modify the construction, apply for a variance, or in serious cases, remove the non-compliant structure. This is why accurate construction staking is critical.