St. Johns County, FL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in St. Johns County, FL, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Permit
- Required, wind-load review
- Setback
- 3 ft if 10 ft away
- Front Yard
- Not allowed
- HOAs
- Often restrict metal carports
Summary
A carport is an accessory structure in St. Johns County and needs a building permit. It meets the accessory setbacks, 3 feet from side and rear lines when 10 feet or more from the house, and must be engineered for hurricane wind loads.
Accessory uses are required to meet the minimum structure setbacks, unless it is separated from the main structure by ten (10) feet or more, then the required setback is three (3) feet from the side and rear lot lines. It cannot be located in any required front yard.
Full Breakdown
St. Johns County treats a carport as an accessory structure, so a building permit and Florida Building Code review apply, mainly to confirm the roof and posts are anchored against hurricane wind loads on the Atlantic coast. A carport must meet the minimum structure setbacks, but once it stands 10 feet or more from the main house the required setback drops to 3 feet from the side and rear lot lines, and it may not sit in any required front yard. A metal carport kit still needs engineered anchoring to the county's design wind speed. Homeowner association rules in communities like Nocatee frequently restrict metal carports.
Violations & Fines
An unpermitted or unanchored carport, or one placed in a required front yard or too close to a lot line, draws a code enforcement correction and possible removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a carport?
How close to the property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Johns County
How St. Johns County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Johns County to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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