How long does it take to build a custom home in Florida?

Building a custom home in Florida typically takes 12 – 18 months from first design meeting to Certificate of Occupancy. In St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, that range reflects variance in permit review cycles, Florida Building Code hurricane compliance, and site-specific foundation conditions. Complex designs or flood zone lots can push beyond 18 months.

What is the longest phase of building a custom home?

Design and permitting combined are the longest part of a custom home build. Design and engineering take 8 – 16 weeks. Pinellas County permit review adds another 6 – 16 weeks. Together these phases account for 5 – 8 months of a 12 – 18 month timeline — before a single board goes up.

How long does it take to get a building permit for a custom home in St. Petersburg?

Pinellas County's published residential plan review target is 14 business days. In practice, custom home permits take 6 – 16 weeks from first submission to issuance. Multiple review disciplines and 2 – 3 correction cycles are typical. Builders with complete, code-compliant first submissions move through in 2 – 4 weeks.

Does design-build take less time than hiring an architect separately?

Yes — design-build is typically 4 – 10 weeks faster than the traditional model. It runs design and pre-construction concurrently, eliminates the handoff gap, and produces higher first-submission completeness because the same team designs and builds the home. Fewer permit correction cycles mean less time waiting before construction starts.

Uncategorized Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Central Builders Group

How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in St. Petersburg, FL?

By DAVEG2808|2026-05-20T11:34:27-04:00April 8th, 2026|Uncategorized|

Building a custom home in St. Petersburg takes 12–18 months. A phase-by-phase breakdown with real Pinellas County timelines, permit cycles, and Florida-specific factors.

Comments Off

Do You Need a Permit for a Second Story Addition in St. Petersburg, FL?

By DAVEG2808|2026-05-20T11:33:21-04:00April 7th, 2026|Uncategorized|

Yes — a building permit is required for every second story addition in St. Petersburg. Learn what the permit requires, how Pinellas County review works, and what happens if you skip it.

Comments Off

Room Addition vs. Second Story Addition: Which Makes More Sense for You

By DAVEG2808|2026-05-23T13:24:00-04:00April 4th, 2026|Uncategorized|

Deciding between a room addition and a second story addition in St. Petersburg? Compare costs, timelines, permits, and lot constraints to choose the right path.

Comments Off

How to Choose a Custom Home Builder in St. Petersburg, FL

By DAVEG2808|2026-05-20T11:29:13-04:00April 1st, 2026|Uncategorized|

Learn how to choose the right custom home builder in St. Petersburg, FL — what to ask, what to avoid, and how to protect your investment.

Comments Off

Are ADUs Allowed in St. Petersburg, Florida? What Homeowners Need to Know

By DAVEG2808|2026-05-20T11:28:22-04:00March 30th, 2026|Uncategorized|

ADUs are allowed in St. Petersburg — but not on every property. Your zoning district, lot size, and site conditions all determine whether you qualify. Eligibility must be confirmed at the property level, not assumed based on neighborhood.

Comments Off