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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. What paperwork do I need to pull a building permit?

Application requirements vary by permit, but in general you will need the Building Permit Application, Land Development Regulations (LDR) Compliance Application, and construction plans and/or product specifications for what you are doing. You may also need a survey of your property, Notice of Commencement, or the Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement. All of the necessary applications are on our Building Applications page.

5. What happens after a permit is issued?

When a permit is issued, it is considered in full force and effect until such time as the work covered thereby is complete. However, if work covered by such permit has not been completed within 180 calendar days (6 months) from the date of issuance of such permit, or has been commenced and then suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 calendar days from the date of the most recent inspection, such permit shall terminate/expire and become null and void. In order to prevent a permit from expiring, work should be completed in a timely manner and inspections scheduled as required.