Fort Pierce owner told how to cancel contractor's permit and avoid enforcement

Ernest Gray told the special magistrate he never received the paver driveway work and planned to cancel the contractor's permit after the contractor asked for an additional $1,300. City investigator Frank Remling had recommended a 60‑day compliance window, but staff later explained owners can cancel contractor-held permits by sending the contractor a notarized termination letter sent via certified mail and delivering the return receipt and a copy of the letter to the building department.

"They wanted $1,300 more than what they quoted me," Gray said when explaining why the job was not completed. Building staff advised Gray that if he completes the certified-mail cancellation and provides the proof to the building department before Oct. 8, the city will dismiss enforcement and the magistrate continued the case to that date to allow the process to play out.