Stationary sources of air pollution within Palm Beach County are required to obtain permits and licenses from both the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm Beach), respectively. Since 1994, DOH-Palm Beach Air Pollution Control Section has been delegated authority to review, process, and take appropriate action (exempt, issue, or deny) on most FDEP District-Level permits in Palm Beach County. In addition to the FDEP permits, non-Title V sources are required to possess a DOH-Palm Beach Operating License.

DOH-Palm Beach License Requirements

DOH-Palm Beach’s licensing requirements address operation of air pollution sources. A DOH-Palm Beach Operating License is required for all non-Title V sources following completion of construction. This license must be renewed annually with payment of an associated fee that varies depending on source type. Operating Licenses may be issued to non-Title V sources regardless of FDEP permit requirements. Sources required to obtain an Operating License are inspected on an annual basis.


FDEP District Level Permits

DOH-Palm Beach has been delegated authority for FDEP District-Level Permits through the Air Specific Operating Agreement (SOA) for most air pollution sources within Palm Beach County.

Under the SOA, Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits, Non-Attainment Area New Source Review (NAA-NSR) permits, Title V General permits, Title V Permits for Paper and Allied Products sources, Chemicals and Allied Products sources and Cane Sugar sources are issued by the FDEP. In addition, permits for Electrical Power Plants, Waste-to-Energy Facilities, Palm Beach County Facilities, Florida Department of Health Facilities, and Agricultural Sources are issued by FDEP.

For non-delegated permits, DOH-Palm Beach is required to provide FDEP with assistance in review and processing of the applications. The DOH-Palm Beach’s assistance is in the form of site inspections, site evaluations, and review comments on the completeness of applications.

Air Permit Regulations

The requirements to obtain construction and operating permits are contained in the various FDEP regulations. These regulations include 62-4, 62-210, 62-212, and 62-213 of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

Air Permit Application Forms

DOH-Palm Beach uses the FDEP application forms for all air permit applications.

Air Permit Activities

DOH-Palm Beach is required to track and log all permitting activities by use of the FDEP Air Resource Management System. Information on active permitting projects within Palm Beach County is also available from the FDEP website.