Unincorporated Jackson County

County Building Services inspects new structures and major improvements of existing structures and posts permit applications for all trades, roofing, pools, mobile homes, and commercial count sheets.

Note: A specific online exemption handout was not verified on the county Building Services pages. Applicants should confirm any claimed exemption with Building Services before work starts, because county planning, floodplain, septic, driveway, or utility approvals may still apply even when a building permit is not required.

Building code

Florida's statewide code controls. The current governing code is the 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023.

Permit validity

Permit holders should obtain an inspection at least every 6 months to keep a permit active.

Owner-builder

The county permit application reproduces the Florida Statute 489.103(7) owner-builder exemption language, including the direct onsite supervision requirement and the $75,000 cap for certain owner-occupied commercial work.

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractors or qualifying owner-builders under Florida Statute 489.103(7).

1. 01
   Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Jackson County rather than inside one of the county's incorporated municipalities.
2. 02
   If the project requires a Residential Development Order, start with county planning; the permit process begins with a Residential Development Order application, and once approved it is forwarded to Building Services and other county reviewers.
3. 03
   Submit the county Building Permit Application and all required support documents through the county process, either through the iWorQ portal or in person.
4. 04
   For new single-family dwellings, additions, and duplexes, follow the county checklist package: approved development order, septic permit or sewer tap receipt, plans, truss details, energy form, Florida product approval form, Notice of Commencement if applicable, and other project-specific materials.
5. 05
   Pay the required permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
6. 06
   Schedule inspections through Building Services. Inspection requests must be called in by 2:30 PM for following-day inspections.

Source: Jackson County Building Services, within Community Development ↗

2.5% surcharge or $4.00, whichever is greater, applies to all permits issued. Municipalities and County contracted work requiring inspections will require full permit.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2023-01) before budgeting.

• 850-482-9805 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be called in by 2:30 PM for following-day inspections.

Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence: temporary service, footing, under slab, floor slab, block, roof and siding nail-off, framing, strapping, rough-in, insulation, permanent power, and final / certificate of occupancy.

Source: Jackson County Building Services, within Community Development ↗