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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clay County
The county requires permits for work regulated by the Florida Building Code and routes all permit applications through its Tyler CAP system.
Note: Even if a project is exempt from a building permit under Florida code, zoning, floodplain, septic, driveway, utility, and other county approvals may still apply. The county FAQ confirms an owner may design their own accessory structure.
- Proof of ownership
- Plans
- Flood permit if applicable
- Septic letter if applicable
- Site plan
- Contractor/owner information
- Energy calculations when required
- Truss details if applicable
- Building code
- 8th Edition Florida Building Code and 2020 National Electrical Code
- Permit validity
- Not specified in public materials; contact county for permit validity period.
- Owner-builder
- County FAQ states a mobile home cannot be set by the owner and requires a licensed contractor. Florida owner-builder rules otherwise apply, using the county homeowner-builder affidavit/disclosure.
- Contractor requirements
- State licensure applies. Contractor licensing and county registration resources are published through the Building Division.
Source: Clay County Building Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by permit type and complexity. Refer to county FAQs for specific project types.
- 01 Confirm the property is in unincorporated Clay County and not inside Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Keystone Heights, or Penney Farms.
- 02 Prepare permit-specific documents. County FAQs indicate submittals may need proof of ownership, plans, flood permit, septic letter, site plan, and project contacts.
- 03 Complete any required pre-review with Planning and Zoning where applicable. For example, a residential addition or shed requires Planning and Zoning site review first.
- 04 Submit the application through the CAP portal and upload plans and supporting documents.
- 05 Record a Notice of Commencement when required by Florida law and county rules.
- 06 Respond to review comments, pay permit fees, and obtain issuance before starting work.
- 07 Schedule inspections through the portal and obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by permit type and complexity. Refer to county FAQs for specific project types.
Source: Clay County Building Division ↗
Fee schedule
Effective October 1, 2024
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 1, 2024) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- CAP/CSS portal (online)
- 904-269-6307 (7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., day of inspection) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- On the day of inspection, applicants can call 904-269-6307 between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to be connected with their inspector.
Source: Clay County Building Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clay County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clay County, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clay County, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clay County, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Clay County, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clay County, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clay County Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.