Palm Beach Gardens, FL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Section 101.4.1 of the Florida Building Code, adopted as a local amendment at Palm Beach Gardens Code Section 86-27, folds Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building into the city's electrical rules, covering installation, alteration, repair, replacement and appurtenances for electrical systems, equipment, appliances, fixtures and fittings. Section 105.1 then requires any contractor, owner or authorized agent who intends to install, alter, repair or replace an electrical system regulated by the code to first apply to the building official and obtain a permit before starting work.

The code carves out limited electrical exemptions: repair or replacement of common household fixtures, switches and outlets on the load side of the electrical source, minor repairs such as replacing lamps or connecting approved portable equipment to an already-approved permanently installed receptacle, radio and television transmitting equipment apart from its power supply and tower or antenna installation, and temporary systems installed solely to test or service other electrical equipment. Section 105.1.1 separately lets the building official issue an annual facility permit in place of individual permits for routine or emergency electrical service, repair or minor renovation work at a given occupancy, provided the permit holder keeps a detailed record of the work performed and the building official can inspect the site and revoke the annual permit if violations turn up.

Once a permit issues, Section 110.3(B) requires four electrical inspection stages: underground (before backfill), rough-in (after framing and before insulation or wall membranes), low-voltage for security, alarm, elevator and special systems, and a final inspection after all fixtures are in place, connected and the structure is ready for occupancy.