How Long the Permitting Process Takes

Professional Pool Company — What to Expect From the Engineering & Permitting Timeline

Before construction can begin, every pool must go through a detailed engineering and permitting process. This step ensures your pool meets all county, city, and state requirements for safety, drainage, setbacks, and structural integrity.

While some counties move faster than others, the overall timeline is predictable — and understanding it helps set proper expectations.

Here’s what determines how long the permitting process takes and what you can expect.

⭐ 1. Average Permitting Timeline in Central Florida

For most counties we serve, the full engineering + permitting process takes:

➡ 3–6 weeks on average

This includes:

1. Engineering design
2. Permit application
3. County review
4. Corrections (if requested)
5. Final approval

Some counties approve faster; others require more steps or have seasonal backlogs.

⭐ 2. County-by-County Estimates

Orange County

3–5 weeks

Large volume of permits + detailed plan review.

Seminole County

3–5 weeks

Very predictable timelines and responsive review staff.

Osceola County

3–6 weeks

Electronic review system, but occasionally slow during busy season.

Lake County

3–4 weeks

Generally efficient with outdoor construction permits.

Volusia County

4–6 weeks

Often requires extra drainage notes and engineering corrections.

Brevard County

3–5 weeks

Varies depending on municipality (Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay, etc.).

Note: City jurisdictions within each county can vary slightly.

⭐ 3. Why Permits Take Time

Pool permits involve multiple review categories:

✔ Structural Engineering

– Steel schedule

– Thickness specs

– Beam & wall strength

– Concrete requirements

✔ Zoning & Setbacks

– Distance from property lines

– Distance from structures

– Utility easements

✔ Drainage / Grading Review

– How water flows after construction

– Whether changes impact neighbors

– Soil & slope consideration

✔ Safety Compliance

– Barriers

– Alarms

– Entrances

– Screens or fences

✔ Electrical Review

– Bonding

– Conduit routes

– Equipment pad distances

Each part requires approval before the permit is issued.

⭐ 4. What We Do During the Permitting Process

While your plans are being reviewed, Professional Pool Company:

✔ Submits all engineering documentation

✔ Coordinates corrections if the county requests changes

✔ Communicates directly with the reviewers

✔ Tracks your permit daily

✔ Begins scheduling your excavation window

✔ Prepares your tile/coping selections

✔ Orders equipment based on your design

✔ Sends you updates as each stage moves forward

We keep the process moving behind the scenes so construction can begin as soon as approval is granted.

⭐ 5. What Can Slow Down Permit Approval?

Common reasons permits take longer:

• Heavy county workload (summer & end-of-year peaks)
• Additional drainage or grading reviews
• Back-and-forth corrections from reviewers
• Municipality holidays or reduced staffing
• HOA approval delays (where required)
• Missing property surveys
• Engineering revisions requested
• Florida storm season increasing construction volume

We stay proactive to avoid delays wherever possible.

⭐ 6. What You Can Do to Help Speed Things Up

Homeowners can help the process move faster by providing:

• A clean, clear property survey
• All HOA requirements early
• Any required architectural review forms
• Decisions on pool placement and features before engineering begins

Once engineering starts, changes can reset parts of the process — so it’s best to finalize design details beforehand.

⭐ 7. When Construction Can Begin

We can break ground as soon as your permit is officially approved.

You’ll receive a confirmation from us that your:

✔ Permit is approved

✔ Inspection cycle is open

✔ Excavation has been scheduled

Soon after that, we begin the construction phase.

⭐ Summary: Permitting Takes Time — But It’s Predictable

In most cases, you should expect:

• 3–6 weeks total for engineering + permitting
• Slight variations by county
• Occasional backlogs depending on season
• Ongoing communication from our team

Permitting is one of the longest steps in a pool project — but once you’re approved, construction moves quickly.

⭐ Have Questions About Permitting?

We handle the entire process for you and keep you updated every step of the way.

👉 Ask us anytime about your permit status.

Updated on: 28/11/2025