Authority Library
Building resources for coastal Pinellas
Permitting paths, FEMA flood elevation, freeboard, and height limits—written for owners planning custom homes and major renovations in Tampa Bay beach communities.
Start here: Look up your FEMA / Pinellas flood zone by address, then use the guides below for freeboard, permits, and design.
Find your flood zone mapFree owner checklists: Printable PDFs for design fees, solar-ready planning, dock permitting, and coastal builds.
Get free checklistsBlog: 160 articles on design, construction tech, building methods, Florida lifestyle, and real estate trends.
Read the blogStart here
Guides that prevent expensive redraws
Process, systems, waterfront, flood, and local building departments—practical guides for custom homes.
Find your flood zone
Search your address on FEMA NFHL and Pinellas flood maps—AE, VE, BFE context before you design.
Open map tool → FinancingConstruction loans explained
How construction loans work for renovations and new homes—draws, documents, appraisals, and how to prepare with your builder.
Read guide → InsuranceBuilder’s risk & general liability
What each policy covers, who can purchase builder’s risk, and why construction loans usually require the coverage even when the owner shops the policy.
Read guide → ProcessDesign fee explained
What the initial design fee covers—floor plans, elevations, ownership of plans, and what comes next.
Read guide → SystemsSolar for custom homes
Roof, structure, electrical, product approval, and coastal wind—planned during design, not after CO.
Read guide → WaterfrontDock permitting checklist
Pinellas Water & Navigation, DEP pathways, surveys, and how docks coordinate with the house.
Read guide → FEMA · CodesFEMA flood rules & ASCE 24
Maps, freeboard, the 50% rule, and what ASCE 24-24 changes mean for coastal Florida design.
Read guide → Pinellas CountyCounty building permit process
Who uses County Building Services, floodplain applications, inspections, and freeboard.
Read guide → Madeira BeachMadeira Beach building department
Elevation permits, non-conversion agreements, and post-storm substantial improvement realities.
Read guide → Belleair BeachBelleair Beach permits
City + Pinellas County workflow, BFE+1 freeboard, and ~35-ft height measurement context.
Read guide → Redington BeachRedington Beach / SAFEbuilt
Town permitting contacts, elevation certificates, and barrier-island construction notes.
Read guide → Design tipHeight limits vs. flood elevation
How zoning caps and FEMA freeboard collide—and how to design the building section first.
Read guide →Quick comparison
Who permits what?
| Jurisdiction | Building permit path | Owner notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated Pinellas | Pinellas County Building Services | County floodplain app; ≥1 ft above BFE for new/SI buildings |
| Belleair Beach | City forms + Pinellas County permits/inspections | Height often discussed as 35 ft from BFE+1; confirm adopted code |
| Madeira Beach | City Building / Development Services | Elevation-permit framework; strong post-storm SI scrutiny |
| Redington Beach | Town portal / SAFEbuilt administration | Confirm Town vs. neighboring Redington jurisdictions |
Contracts and third-party providers change. Always verify the current AHJ on the municipality website before design.