This page helps with a Permit Search in Monroe County, Florida by explaining which official tools to use, what each system covers, and where to go when a permit record needs follow-up.

Monroe County Building and Permitting uses Community Development online permitting services for active online permits, while MCeSearch remains available for older permit records and related contractor, property, and code compliance information.

For active permits, use the Monroe County Community Development map search tool. The county identifies this tool as “EXPLORE YOUR COUNTY” for searching permits by address or Parcel ID.

  • Property address
  • Parcel ID

Use the map search when you need current permit information tied to a property.

  • Go to Explore Your County.
  • Search by address or Parcel ID.
  • Review the permit details shown for the property.

Use the correct system by date: permit applications on or after October 1, 2022 are viewed through Community Development.

MCeSearch for older permit records

MCeSearch is Monroe County’s gateway for older Building and Code Compliance records. It provides access to permit status, contractor information, property information, and code compliance cases.

Use MCeSearch for permit applications submitted before October 1, 2022. The system also covers contractor licenses and code compliance cases submitted before January 1, 2024.

Online permitting account access

Monroe County’s online permitting service processes permit applications from submission to closure. Paper applications or document submissions are not accepted for online permit applications.

Users who submit a permit application must complete registration. People affiliated with a permit, including architects, engineers, contractor staff, private providers, agents, and homeowners, should also register to use permit search and access features.

Registered users can sign in through Monroe County Online Services to apply, review permit information, estimate fees, or access the county tools available through the portal.

Permit status, inspections, and closure

For permits applied for after October 1, 2022, registered users affiliated with the permit can view permit information such as contractors, inspections, and plan reviews in Community Development. Public users can view general permit information.

For permits applied for before October 1, 2022, Monroe County directs users to MCeSearch for permit, contractor, and code compliance information.

Inspection scheduling depends on when the permit was applied for. Permits after October 1, 2022 use Community Development. Permits before October 1, 2022 use the IVR inspection system at (305) 295-5160.

A permit expires six months from issuance if no passed inspection related to the work is obtained, or 180 days from the last passed inspection related to the work.

Completed and expired permit listings

Monroe County provides separate parcel-based listings for completed and expired online permits. These are useful when an active permit search does not answer whether prior work was closed or expired.

Permit payments and browser notes

Online credit card payments may be made using Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers only. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted. American Express is not accepted.

Before starting an online payment, confirm that the browser accepts third-party cookies. Payments may also be made by cash, check, or credit card at county offices Monday through Friday, except holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Monroe County Building Department contacts

Use these Monroe County Building Department contacts for permit application, inspection, office, and records questions.

  • Permit application support
    [email protected]
  • Inspection and issued permit support
    [email protected]
  • Key Largo Office, Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
    Phone: (305) 453-8800
  • Marathon Office, Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 300, Marathon, FL 33050
    Phone: (305) 289-2501
  • Big Pine Key Office, 179 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
    Phone: (305) 289-2877
  • Ocean Reef Office, 11601 CR 905, Key Largo, FL 33037
    Phone: (305) 453-8765
  • Stock Island Office, 5503 College Road, Suite 204, Key West, FL 33040
    Phone: (305) 295-3990

Common questions

Where do I search active permits in Monroe County?

Search active permits through the Explore Your County map search using an address or Parcel ID.

Where do I search permits submitted before October 1, 2022?

Use MCeSearch for permit applications and issued permits processed before October 1, 2022.

Can I use MCeSearch for contractor or code compliance information?

Yes. MCeSearch provides access to contractor license information, property information, permit status, and code compliance cases submitted before January 1, 2024.

Do I need an account to submit a permit application?

Yes. Any person submitting a permit application must complete the user registration process for Monroe County online permitting services.

How are inspections scheduled for older permits?

Permits applied for before October 1, 2022 use the IVR system. Call (305) 295-5160 and have the permit number, contractor ID, and inspection code ready.