On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Jefferson County
Building permits are required for all new construction and substantial improvements in unincorporated Jefferson County. Development Permit approval from Planning is required before building permits can be issued.
Required documents
- Development Application (Planning approval)
- Recorded deed or proof of ownership
- 911 address form
- Site plan drawn to scale
- Construction plans (2 copies)
- Truss package (2 copies)
- Florida energy forms
- Wind load documents and calculations
- Notice of commencement
- Driveway permit if connecting to county-maintained road
- Septic approval letter (if applicable)
- Proof of city utilities if using Monticello services
- Building code
- Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023)
- Permit validity
- Issued permit is valid for six months. If work does not begin within six months or is suspended/abandoned for six months, the permit expires. Extensions of up to 90 days may be granted in writing.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must submit Florida state certified license, general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance or exemption, all phone numbers, and license-holder email. If someone other than the license holder will pick up permits, a signed notarized authorization letter on letterhead must be hand delivered or mailed. Contact: kphillips@jeffersoncountyfl.gov or mcoen@jeffersoncountyfl.gov
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies; two-step process typically requires 2-4 weeks after all supporting documents are submitted to both departments.
- 01 Start with Jefferson County Planning Department for the initial two-step process; planning approval must come before building permits are issued.
- 02 Submit Development Application and site plan to Planning with proof of ownership (recorded deed), 911 address form, and any applicable driveway permit application.
- 03 Planning reviews setback, zoning, floodplain, wetland, land use, addressing, and driveway compliance; no building permits will be issued without Development Permit approval.
- 04 Once Development Permit is issued and planning fees are paid, proceed to the Building Department with the construction permit package.
- 05 For new residential construction, obtain septic approval from the Department of Health (unless using approved city utilities) before final building permit issuance.
- 06 Submit two copies of all required building plans, site plans, truss package, Florida energy forms, wind load documents, notice of commencement, and driveway permit if applicable.
- 07 Building Department reviews plans for compliance with Florida Building Code and fees are assessed after code review completion.
- 08 Pay permit fees by check or cash (credit/debit cards not accepted); permit is issued upon fee payment.
Typical processing time: Varies; two-step process typically requires 2-4 weeks after all supporting documents are submitted to both departments.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Jefferson County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$80.00
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based scale: $80.00 for $501-$6,000; $110.00 for $6,001-$10,000; $180.00 for $10,001-$18,000; $265.00 for $18,001-$28,000; $370.00 for $28,001-$38,000; $455.00 for $38,001-$60,000; over $60,000 add $2.00 per $1,000
03
Reinspection fee
$45.00 first re-inspection, $55.00 second re-inspection
Payment by check or cash only; credit and debit cards not currently accepted. Payable to Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 850-342-0223 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Same-day inspections will not be scheduled; requests must be made at least one business day in advance.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Jefferson County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL? ▸
Building permits are required for all new construction and substantial improvements in unincorporated Jefferson County. Development Permit approval from Planning is required before building permits can be issued.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $80.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based scale: $80.00 for $501-$6,000; $110.00 for $6,001-$10,000; $180.00 for $10,001-$18,000; $265.00 for $18,001-$28,000; $370.00 for $28,001-$38,000; $455.00 for $38,001-$60,000; over $60,000 add $2.00 per $1,000.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL, follow these steps: 1. Start with Jefferson County Planning Department for the initial two-step process; planning approval must come before building permits are issued. 2. Submit Development Application and site plan to Planning with proof of ownership (recorded deed), 911 address form, and any applicable driveway permit application. 3. Planning reviews setback, zoning, floodplain, wetland, land use, addressing, and driveway compliance; no building permits will be issued without Development Permit approval. 4. Once Development Permit is issued and planning fees are paid, proceed to the Building Department with the construction permit package. 5. For new residential construction, obtain septic approval from the Department of Health (unless using approved city utilities) before final building permit issuance. 6. Submit two copies of all required building plans, site plans, truss package, Florida energy forms, wind load documents, notice of commencement, and driveway permit if applicable. 7. Building Department reviews plans for compliance with Florida Building Code and fees are assessed after code review completion. 8. Pay permit fees by check or cash (credit/debit cards not accepted); permit is issued upon fee payment.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL typically run Varies; two-step process typically requires 2-4 weeks after all supporting documents are submitted to both departments.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson County, FL via: 850-342-0223. Same-day inspections will not be scheduled; requests must be made at least one business day in advance..
last verified April 2026
source Jefferson County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/florida/jefferson/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Jefferson County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.