Gilchrist County, FL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Gilchrist County, excluding properties within Bell, Trenton, or Fanning Springs city limits.

Department

Gilchrist County Community Development, Building and Zoning/Planning

Address

209 SE 1st Street, Trenton, FL 32693

Phone

352-463-3173

Email

permitting@gilchrist.fl.us

Website

https://gilchrist.fl.us/onlinepermitting/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Gilchrist County rather than inside Bell, Trenton, or Fanning Springs.
2. Complete land use and driveway review first when required by the county's new-home and checklist materials.
3. Assemble the county application packet for the project type using the posted county forms.
4. Submit through the CPSS portal, by email to permitting@gilchrist.fl.us, or in person at the county office.
5. Record a Notice of Commencement when Florida law requires it, and post it before the first inspection.
6. Wait for county plan review and permit issuance before starting work.
7. Request inspections through the online portal or by the inspection line and obtain final approval or certificate before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project type and completeness; contact county staff for estimates.

Source: Gilchrist County Community Development, Building and Zoning/Planning

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction within unincorporated Gilchrist County as required by the Florida Building Code.

Required Documents

• Recorded deed
• Survey or certified survey
• Zoning / land use approval
• Driveway approval
• Septic or health department approval when applicable
• Construction plans
• Energy calculations and Manual J
• Floor and roof truss drawings
• Manufacturer installation specifications
• Wind load engineering
• Product approval form
• Subcontractor list
• Elevation certificate if in flood zone
• SRWMD approval when applicable

Building code

Florida Building Code (statewide)

Owner-builder

Owner-builder applications must be submitted in person by the owner. All owner-builders must appear in person.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must comply with Florida Building Code requirements and maintain valid licenses.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$150

Plan check fee

Residential plan review: $150 per review; Commercial plan review: $200 per review; Minor structure plan review: $50 per review

Permit fee formula

New construction: $0.15 per square foot plus review and subcontractor fees ($150 minimum); Remodeling: $0.10 per square foot plus subcontractor and review fees ($100 minimum)

Trade permit fee

HVAC: $95 per system; Plumbing: $95 per bath group; Electric: $95 per 200 amps; Pool: $200; Reroof residential: $125; Demolition: $100; 911 sign: $10

Reinspection fee

$65 per reinspection

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Gilchrist County Community Development, Building and Zoning/Planning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 352-463-4171 (phone)
• CPSS Permit Portal (online)

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed for lunch 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.); Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit card and Notice of Commencement must be posted on site. Final inspection is required before occupancy and before a certificate of occupancy or completion is issued.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code (statewide)
• New Home Building Permit Packet
• Fee Schedule
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilchrist County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Gilchrist County, FL?

A building permit is required for construction within unincorporated Gilchrist County as required by the Florida Building Code.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Gilchrist County, FL?

The minimum permit fee is $150. Fees are calculated as: New construction: $0.15 per square foot plus review and subcontractor fees ($150 minimum); Remodeling: $0.10 per square foot plus subcontractor and review fees ($100 minimum). Plan check fee: Residential plan review: $150 per review; Commercial plan review: $200 per review; Minor structure plan review: $50 per review.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gilchrist County, FL?

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Gilchrist County rather than inside Bell, Trenton, or Fanning Springs. 2. Complete land use and driveway review first when required by the county's new-home and checklist materials. 3. Assemble the county application packet for the project type using the posted county forms. 4. Submit through the CPSS portal, by email to permitting@gilchrist.fl.us, or in person at the county office. 5. Record a Notice of Commencement when Florida law requires it, and post it before the first inspection. 6. Wait for county plan review and permit issuance before starting work. 7. Request inspections through the online portal or by the inspection line and obtain final approval or certificate before occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Gilchrist County, FL?

Typical processing time is Processing time varies by project type and completeness; contact county staff for estimates..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Gilchrist County, FL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 352-463-4171, CPSS Permit Portal.