An STFBC coding apparatus for a transmitter with four Tx antennas is provided. In the transmitter, an encoder generates a code symbol vector by encoding an input symbol sequence in a predetermined coding method. A grouping block permutes the elements of the code symbol vector by multiplying the code symbol vector by a permutation antenna grouping pattern selected among predetermined permutation antenna grouping patterns according to a predetermined order and outputs the permuted code symbol vector as a grouping symbol vector. An Alamouti encoder encodes the grouping symbol vector in an Alamouti scheme and transmits Alamouti-coded symbols through the four transmit antennas.