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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Alachua County
A building permit must be obtained for construction work regulated by the Florida Building Code; accessory structures generally require permits.
- Exempt One-time exemption for a single residential storage shed of 150 square feet or less (using county exemption request form)
- Exempt Agricultural structures with agricultural classification assigned by the Property Appraiser
Note: Florida code exemptions do not waive zoning, floodplain, septic, driveway, tree, or other county approvals that may still apply.
- Permit application
- Plans
- Contractor registration/licensure documentation
- Notice of Commencement if required
- Project-specific checklists or affidavits (generators, roofs, pools, flood hazard work, gas, mobile homes, setbacks)
- Building code
- 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023.
- Permit validity
- Failure to receive a final inspection within 180 days results in an expired permit and additional renewal fees.
- Owner-builder
- Florida owner-builder rules apply. The county provides owner-oriented warnings about confirming the contractor is properly licensed and insured.
- Contractor requirements
- Verify state licensure through DBPR; the county links directly to state contractor verification and unlicensed-activity reporting.
Source: Alachua County Growth Management, Building Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Timelines per Florida Statute 553.792 apply to local permit review.
- 01 Confirm the project site is in unincorporated Alachua County rather than inside a municipal permit jurisdiction.
- 02 Review county forms, checklists, and trade-specific requirements before submittal.
- 03 Submit the permit application through the Citizenserve portal with plans, contractor information, and supporting documents.
- 04 Record a Notice of Commencement when Florida law requires it.
- 05 Respond to plan review comments and obtain outside-agency approvals if applicable.
- 06 Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance before starting work.
- 07 Schedule required inspections through the active permit record and obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: Timelines per Florida Statute 553.792 apply to local permit review.
Source: Alachua County Growth Management, Building Division ↗
Fee schedule
Alachua County building permit fees
The county publishes a Building Division Fees link on its building pages. Applicants should use the linked fee schedule or portal for current valuation-based and trade permit charges.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Citizenserve permit record (online)
- 352-374-5243 (phone)
- building@alachuacounty.us (email)
Typical sequence: Trade/project checklists published for HVAC change-out, reroof, pool, mobile home, generator, and other project-specific inspection types.
Source: Alachua County Growth Management, Building Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Alachua County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Alachua County, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Alachua County, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Alachua County, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Alachua County, FL? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Alachua County, FL? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Alachua County, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Alachua County Growth Management, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.