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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Holmes County
A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, modify, change occupancy, alter, repair, move, remove, or demolish buildings and structures under the Florida Building Code.
Replacement of an existing plumbing fixture with a similar or like fixture without altering water or drain systems (plumbing only)
- Exempt Replacement of an existing plumbing fixture with a similar or like fixture without altering water or drain systems (plumbing only)
Note: For other work, applicants should confirm Florida Building Code exemptions with the county before relying on them, especially where floodplain, zoning, septic, driveway, or other regulatory issues may still apply.
Required documents
- Two sets of scaled plans
- Flood-zone elevation certificate when applicable
- Notarized landowner authorization when building on another person's property
- Notice of Commencement for construction valued over $2,500
- Building code
- Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if 180 days pass without an approved inspection. One-time extension available for up to 90 additional days.
- Owner-builder
- The county packet includes an owner-builder affidavit under Florida Statutes 489.103 with standard Florida limits for owner-builders.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be licensed and registered as required by Florida law. Work started before permit issuance is subject to double fees.
Source: Holmes County Building Department / Building, Planning, and Zoning ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Time varies based on project complexity and completeness. Inspections must be scheduled before 2:00 PM for next business day availability.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Holmes County and not inside an incorporated municipality.
- 02 Use the correct county packet or trade form for the work type: residential, mobile home, electrical, roofing, mechanical, plumbing, or gas.
- 03 Assemble the required package. The residential packet calls for plans, flood documents where applicable, a landowner authorization if needed, and a Notice of Commencement for work valued over $2,500.
- 04 Submit the application and supporting materials to the Holmes County Building Department in person or by phone.
- 05 If the site is in a flood zone, provide the required elevation certificate(s). Holmes County floodplain ordinance requires final elevation two feet above base elevation, with elevation certificates before the structure goes vertical and again at final.
- 06 Respond to plan review comments, pay fees and surcharges, and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
- 07 Request inspections before 2:00 PM for the next business day and obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: Time varies based on project complexity and completeness. Inspections must be scheduled before 2:00 PM for next business day availability.
Source: Holmes County Building Department / Building, Planning, and Zoning ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Holmes County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Building permit cost is based on total project cost, including labor and materials, and may include planning and zoning fees plus a state surcharge.
02
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fees for building without a permit or starting work before permit issuance.
Sub-permits are sold separately. Contact Holmes County Building Department for current fee schedule.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 850-547-1119 (phone)
- hcbd@holmescountyfl.org (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests must be received before 2:00 PM to be scheduled for the next business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST
Source: Holmes County Building Department / Building, Planning, and Zoning ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Holmes County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Holmes County, FL? ▸
A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, modify, change occupancy, alter, repair, move, remove, or demolish buildings and structures under the Florida Building Code.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Holmes County, FL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Holmes County, FL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Building permit cost is based on total project cost, including labor and materials, and may include planning and zoning fees plus a state surcharge..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Holmes County, FL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Holmes County, FL, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Holmes County and not inside an incorporated municipality. 2. Use the correct county packet or trade form for the work type: residential, mobile home, electrical, roofing, mechanical, plumbing, or gas. 3. Assemble the required package. The residential packet calls for plans, flood documents where applicable, a landowner authorization if needed, and a Notice of Commencement for work valued over $2,500. 4. Submit the application and supporting materials to the Holmes County Building Department in person or by phone. 5. If the site is in a flood zone, provide the required elevation certificate(s). Holmes County floodplain ordinance requires final elevation two feet above base elevation, with elevation certificates before the structure goes vertical and again at final. 6. Respond to plan review comments, pay fees and surcharges, and obtain permit issuance before starting work. 7. Request inspections before 2:00 PM for the next business day and obtain final approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Holmes County, FL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Holmes County, FL typically run Time varies based on project complexity and completeness. Inspections must be scheduled before 2:00 PM for next business day availability.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Holmes County, FL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Holmes County, FL. The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of an existing plumbing fixture with a similar or like fixture without altering water or drain systems (plumbing only). Note: For other work, applicants should confirm Florida Building Code exemptions with the county before relying on them, especially where floodplain, zoning, septic, driveway, or other regulatory issues may still apply. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Holmes County, FL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Holmes County, FL via: 850-547-1119, hcbd@holmescountyfl.org. Inspection requests must be received before 2:00 PM to be scheduled for the next business day..
last verified April 2026
source Holmes County Building Department / Building, Planning, and Zoning ↗
entry id permits/florida/holmes/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Holmes County Building Department / Building, Planning, and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.