County permits across the island
The state lists Merritt Island as a census-designated place, not a city (Florida Department of State). Building permits come from Brevard County, the same office that handles Viera and Suntree. Contractors can apply online, and owner-builders have to file in person (Brevard County).
Flood zones and slab height
For a new house or an addition, the height of the slab isn't a number to guess. In a flood zone it comes from the plans, the survey and the floodplain rules, and the building department checks it during permitting. Look the address up on FEMA's flood map before anything else (FEMA Flood Map Service Center). It won't give you a slab height. It will tell you whether flood rules are part of the job.
A patio, a walkway or an equipment pad is a different question. There it's mostly drainage. Pitch the new concrete so water runs away from the house, not toward it. Slabs, footers and foundations has more on building pours.
Small pours on island lots
Plenty of island jobs are small: a pad for an AC unit or a generator, a walkway, a driveway extension. Those are short loads, mixed at the forms so you get what the job takes.
On a waterfront lot, keep the truck's weight well back from the seawall and plan the route in from the street. Our summer pour guide has a prep list for the rest.
Good to know locally
Merritt Island is a census-designated place, not an incorporated city.
Brevard County issues building permits for unincorporated areas. Owner-builders must file their permit applications in person.
Source: Brevard County Planning and Development, Types of Permits
FEMA's Flood Map Service Center is the official public source for flood hazard information, and it can be searched by address.
Source: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Questions people ask
Is Merritt Island part of Cocoa?
No. Merritt Island is an unincorporated community, so Brevard County handles permits there, not the City of Cocoa.
How do I know if my lot is in a flood zone?
Search the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. If it shows a flood zone, the floor elevation on your plans is the number that matters, and your builder or surveyor can walk you through it.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. General information, not legal or professional advice. Check the linked sources for the current rules.