On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bradford County
Building permits are required for work covered by the Florida Building Code, including roofs, windows, doors, additions, renovations, and similar improvements.
Fences below 8 feet in height (although zoning rules may still apply; fences 8 feet tall or more require a permit)
- Exempt Fences below 8 feet in height (although zoning rules may still apply; fences 8 feet tall or more require a permit)
Note: The county does not publish a complete exemption list. Permit need should be confirmed with the Building Department for any work that may fall near Florida Building Code thresholds.
Required documents
- Building permit application
- Two complete plan sets for plan review
- Notice of Commencement (if applicable)
- Reviewed site-copy plans for inspections
- Septic number (required before submitting plans for new home or mobile home using septic)
- Building code
- Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), effective December 31, 2023. Bradford County is not in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.
- Permit validity
- A county permit is deemed abandoned 180 days after purchase unless an approved inspection is obtained within that 180-day period. Each approved inspection extends validity another 180 days. Written extensions of up to 90 days each may be requested and approved by the Building Official.
- Owner-builder
- An owner may build their own home and may build or remodel their own commercial structure if total construction value is $75,000 or less, subject to section 489.103(7)(a), Florida Statutes.
- Contractor requirements
- State-certified and state-registered contractors must provide license copy, driver license, workers' compensation or exemption, and general liability insurance naming Bradford County.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 24 hours if no review needed; 7-10 business days for typical plan review; 30 days maximum by law for new-home plan review.
- 01 Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated county jurisdiction. If it is inside Starke city limits or has City of Starke utilities, contact the City of Starke instead.
- 02 For zoning questions in unincorporated areas, use Bradford County Zoning, which is responsible for all areas except local zoning in Lawtey, Brooker, Hampton, and Starke.
- 03 Submit the building permit application by email to buildingdept@bradfordcountyfl.gov, by mail, or in person. Applications should be sent in PDF format.
- 04 If no Building Official review is needed, the county may issue emailed applications in about 24 hours. If reviews are needed, typical plan review is 7 to 10 business days; the Building Official has 30 days by law for a new-home plan review.
- 05 Post the permit and Notice of Commencement when required, and keep the reviewed site-copy plans on the job site in a weatherproof container before inspections.
- 06 Schedule inspections by phone or online at least 1 business day before the inspection and before 4:30 PM.
Typical processing time: 24 hours if no review needed; 7-10 business days for typical plan review; 30 days maximum by law for new-home plan review.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Bradford County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$54.00 (consisting of $50 permit fee plus $4 state surcharge)
02
Permit fee formula
Permit cost depends on work type and is calculated using square footage, contract price, or both.
The county offers an online payment link for building, zoning, and fire protection charges.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (904) 966-6223 ext. 1 (phone)
- iWorQ online scheduler (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 1 business day before needed and before 4:30 PM. Calls after 4:30 PM are scheduled 2 days out.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Bradford County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bradford County, FL? ▸
Building permits are required for work covered by the Florida Building Code, including roofs, windows, doors, additions, renovations, and similar improvements.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Bradford County, FL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Bradford County, FL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $54.00 (consisting of $50 permit fee plus $4 state surcharge). Fees are calculated as: Permit cost depends on work type and is calculated using square footage, contract price, or both..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bradford County, FL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bradford County, FL, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated county jurisdiction. If it is inside Starke city limits or has City of Starke utilities, contact the City of Starke instead. 2. For zoning questions in unincorporated areas, use Bradford County Zoning, which is responsible for all areas except local zoning in Lawtey, Brooker, Hampton, and Starke. 3. Submit the building permit application by email to buildingdept@bradfordcountyfl.gov, by mail, or in person. Applications should be sent in PDF format. 4. If no Building Official review is needed, the county may issue emailed applications in about 24 hours. If reviews are needed, typical plan review is 7 to 10 business days; the Building Official has 30 days by law for a new-home plan review. 5. Post the permit and Notice of Commencement when required, and keep the reviewed site-copy plans on the job site in a weatherproof container before inspections. 6. Schedule inspections by phone or online at least 1 business day before the inspection and before 4:30 PM.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bradford County, FL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Bradford County, FL typically run 24 hours if no review needed; 7-10 business days for typical plan review; 30 days maximum by law for new-home plan review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bradford County, FL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Bradford County, FL. The following work is generally exempt: Fences below 8 feet in height (although zoning rules may still apply; fences 8 feet tall or more require a permit). Note: The county does not publish a complete exemption list. Permit need should be confirmed with the Building Department for any work that may fall near Florida Building Code thresholds. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bradford County, FL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bradford County, FL via: (904) 966-6223 ext. 1, iWorQ online scheduler. At least 1 business day before needed and before 4:30 PM. Calls after 4:30 PM are scheduled 2 days out..
last verified April 2026
source Bradford County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/florida/bradford/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Bradford County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.