Building Division

Building Division Goals & Responsibilities

The mission of the Building Division is to provide the highest level of customer service for the citizens of the City of Green Cove Springs, while administering and enforcing all building and related codes, in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The Building Division processes permit applications, reviews building plans, issues building permits, and inspects new construction and remodel projects for compliance with the Florida Building code. This Division does have an on-site Building Official / Inspector. All City permit applications and inspection requests should come through this Division.

Application Portal

Ready to apply? Visit our Public Application Portal.

An account is required to apply. If you are an existing contractor registered with the City of Green Cove Springs, please email the Building Division to request your Portal Access Code if you have not already created an account. If you are not yet registered with the City, please send your license, general liability, and worker's compensation insurance/exemption to the above email to register.

Want some Portal Training? Check out the Portal Information page.

Permitting FAQs

When is a permit required?

Per Florida Building Code (102.2), a permit shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every public and private building, structure or facility or floating residential structure, or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings, structures, or facilities. For slightly more specific project types, please review our When do I need a Building Permit? (PDF) document. If you are unsure whether you need a permit, you can contact us at 904-297-7050 or email the Building Division.

Note: Green Cove Springs does require fence permits.

Why do I need a permit?

The Florida Building Code (101.3) states that the "code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength... and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations".
If you do not obtain a building permit, building and/or Code Enforcement will issue a stop work order. An 'after the fact' permit will be charged double. If no action is taken, a Notice of Violation will be issued and could result in further fees.

Who can pull a permit?

A permit can be pulled by a licensed contractor or a homeowner that resides at the property.
A landlord/owner, who does not reside at the home, is not authorized to pull a permit. In order to receive an exemption to Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes, which requires the use of a licensed contractor to do the work, the residence must be for the use and occupancy of the homeowner only. It may not be built for sale or lease.
Any applicant that is within a Homeowner's Association (HOA) must obtain the HOA approval before applying for a permit.

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County or City FAQs

Do I need to pull a permit with the County or the City?

You can search an address on the Clay County Property Appraiser's website. When the results come up, look at the tax jurisdiction. If it says "002," you are within the city limits and should pull a building permit with us. If it says "001," you are in Clay County's jurisdiction and should pull a permit with them.

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Contractor FAQs

How do I choose a contractor?

Always select a licensed contractor. Ask for and check references. You can "Verify a License" by license holder name or by license number on the state website. This website will also give you the option of checking for state complaints.

How do I register as a licensed contractor in the City of Green Cove Springs?

To register as a contractor with the City of Green Cove Springs, please email the following items to the Building Division:

Clear copy of your state license
General Liability
Workers' Compensation Insurance or Exemption
Contact information for the contractor and/or the company

The General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurances should list the City of Green Cove Springs as a certificate holder with the following address:
City of Green Cove Springs
Building Division
321 Walnut Street
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

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Building Division