How to demolish a house in Cocoa Beach, FL

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Central District (no delegated local program): No local asbestos program covers this county; FDEP Central District (main line 407-897-4100) receives the Notice of Renovation or Demolition (DEP Form 62-257.900(1), Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation) at least 10 working days before the project start date for projects removing asbestos above the NESHAP thresholds. FDEP lists a $200 flat fee for hard copy or Pay Later notices and a $100 fee when paid through the DEP Business Portal Pay Now feature (effective March 23, 2025). FDEP says buildings meeting the residential exemption criteria in the Asbestos NESHAP are excluded from the work practice requirements; check 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M for whether a given house qualifies. ^[4]

Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (Environmental Public Health); FDEP rules for the Indian River Lagoon: Septic permitting in Brevard is still handled by the county health department (FDEP list of counties). Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, Environmental Public Health Services, charges $70 for an abandonment. Its repair and abandonment packet asks for a complete application, a written legal description, four copies of a site plan signed and dated by the owner or authorized agent, owner authorization if the applicant is not the owner, and a copy of the warranty deed if recently purchased. Applications may be emailed as PDFs to Brevard.SepticApplication@FLHealth.gov. Office: 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Suite A116, Viera, FL 32940, phone 321-633-2100, hours Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (packet Rev 08/26). Indian River Lagoon note: Brevard is in the FDEP Indian River Lagoon Protection Program area; since January 1, 2024 new septic systems on lots of all sizes there must be nitrogen reducing (ENR-OSTDS), and by July 1, 2030 existing systems must connect to sewer if available or upgrade to at least 65 percent nitrogen reduction. Whether rebuilding after a demolition counts as a new system permit is not stated (FDEP points to DCEH 19-004). ^[9]

LDC Sec. 4-10.A.2 also requires a city permit for land clearing, dredging or filling of a site. ^[2]

• Final inspection and sign off by the Chief Building Official (LDC Sec. 4-13.B). Permits are valid six months from issuance or the latest approved inspection (LDC Sec. 4-12.A).

• Coastal: FDEP says activities seaward of the CCCL need an FDEP field or administrative permit unless exempt under Chapter 62B-33, F.A.C.; the CCCL is not a line of prohibition. FDEP CCCL program: CCCL@dep.state.fl.us, 850-245-8336.
• LDC Sec. 4-10.A.5 separately requires a city permit for seawalls, docks and dune walkovers.