Clearwater, FL · Pinellas County
Building Permit Application with Owner/Builder Affidavit & Disclosure (FS 489.103) and Notice of Commencement
Statutory owner-builder disclosure (Florida Statute 489.103) signed when a Clearwater property owner pulls a permit as their own contractor — must be notarized.
- Florida-licensed notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Florida law lets a property owner build or improve their own one- or two-family residence without a licensed contractor, but only after personally signing this disclosure under Florida Statute 489.103(7). The City of Clearwater requires the owner to personally appear, acknowledge the legal responsibilities of acting as their own contractor, and have the affidavit notarized before the permit is issued.
Who needs it
Clearwater homeowners pulling a building permit as their own contractor (owner-builder) instead of hiring a licensed general contractor.
Why it needs a notary
Florida Statute 489.103 and the City of Clearwater require the owner to personally appear and have the owner-builder disclosure notarized before the permit is issued.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Get the form
Download the Building Permit Application with Owner/Builder Affidavit & Disclosure (FS 489.103) and Notice of Commencement from the City of Clearwater building department.
- 2
Fill it out
Complete every required field — but do not sign yet. The notary must witness your signature.
- 3
Have your ID ready
Have a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) on hand.
- 4
Meet the online notary
Connect with a Rush Notary Florida-commissioned online notary over secure video — no appointment or travel needed.
- 5
Sign and get notarized
Sign while the notary watches; they verify your identity and apply the notarial seal.
- 6
Submit to the city
Download your notarized Building Permit Application with Owner/Builder Affidavit & Disclosure (FS 489.103) and Notice of Commencement and submit it to the City of Clearwater.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Clearwater. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed Florida online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Clearwater Owner-Builder affidavit?
- It is the disclosure a Clearwater property owner signs under Florida Statute 489.103(7) to pull a building permit as their own contractor instead of hiring a licensed general contractor. It confirms you understand the legal responsibilities of acting as your own contractor.
- Does the Clearwater owner-builder affidavit have to be notarized?
- Yes. Florida law and the City of Clearwater require the owner to personally appear and have the owner-builder affidavit notarized before the permit is issued. Rush Notary handles this online by video.
- Can I act as my own contractor in Clearwater?
- If you own and occupy a one- or two-family home and the work is for your own use (not for sale or lease), Florida's owner-builder exemption lets you act as your own contractor. You must supervise the work and hire only licensed subcontractors.
- What do I need to notarize it online?
- A valid government-issued photo ID, the completed (unsigned) form, and a device with a camera. The whole session takes a few minutes.