RS-RB-logosFAQs

How is the Building Department organized?

The Town of Redington Shores entered into an interlocal agreement with the Town of Redington Beach in February 2024 to provide their Building Department Services. The Town of Redington Shores is providing those services via a temporary contract with SAFEBuilt for Emergency Building Department Services after losing the Town’s Building Official in October 2024 due to an on-the-job injury. Based on the terms of the emergency contract, SAFEBuilt is paid hourly for their services. Now that the towns are emerging from the emergency situation, Redington Shores is looking at options for a permanent Building Department Services solution.

What are the permanent options?

Redington Shores Commissioners have directed staff to advertise for an in-house Building Official, and the Town also advertised a Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP is an invitation for companies who provide building department services to submit a bid for the Town to consider. So, the options are either 1.) an in-house building department, or 2.) a contracted building services company. (At this time, it is unknown if SAFEBuilt will submit a bid.) There are many factors that go into the final decision, such as… quality of candidates, a good fit for the community, cost, etc. Both towns are committed to providing continuous building department services during the transition, as well as community updates every step of the way.

When will the Town decide?

Bids are due by July 29, 2025 at 2:00pm. A discussion regarding bids received and Building Official resumes will occur at the July 30th workshop. No official vote will occur on that day. Commissioners will discuss options and next steps.

Who keeps fines that are assessed for working without a permit?

The fine is paid to the Town in compliance with the Town Ordinance. These fees help to cover the cost of Code Enforcement officers as well as legal fees. Remember, SAFEBuilt is paid hourly under their current contract and never retain fines. In addition, earlier this year, in response to resident concern, the Redington Shores Commission voted to reduce the homeowner’s fine by 50% for properties in Redington Shores.

Are permit fees ever waived?

Beginning with the next fiscal year on October 1, 2025, the Town of Redington Shores set up a new contingency fund in its budget to set aside funds that can be used to waive permit fees for future disasters.

Can the Town shut off my utilities?

No. The Town can assist you with such requests as a vacation hold on garbage pickup and water shut off for demolitions – AT THE HOMEOWNERS REQUEST. The Town cannot initiate this activity–and only the utility companies can “pull meters.”

Why is the Town sending condemnation letters?

Compliance letters were sent to owners where no permits have been requested for storm mitigation on homes where initial inspection showed the homes were damaged by the storms. The absence of a permit application indicates the home has either been 1.) restored without a permit or inspection, or 2.) the home has not been mitigated.

Restoration of the home without permit or inspection poses a risk to the Town and the public. These homes may contain fire hazard due to faulty or damaged electrical wiring or devices. They may also contain molds, mildews, or bacteria on or in the walls, creating a biohazard. Failure to mitigate framing members damaged by termites or replacing damaged members incorrectly may create future structural damage.

Failure to mitigate the storm damage is similar to doing work without a permit. Molds, mildews, and bacteria grow quickly in the warmer months. Electric wiring will corrode then arc, creating a fire hazard.

What do I do if I receive a condemnation letter?

We encourage homeowners to contact the Town to discuss how to begin the compliance process. We are here to help you – and we are all eager to restore our beautiful community. If you have a neighbor in need who requires special assistance through the permit process, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 727- 397-5538 (option 2). We have staff and community volunteers ready to help.

As always, the staff and elected officials of Redington Shores and Redington Beach are available to assist with any questions you may have.