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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lafayette County
A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated Lafayette County, including new construction, additions, remodels, repairs, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, mobile homes, pools, driveways, and accessory structures.
Note: Lafayette County publishes owner-builder and owner-electrical exemption disclosure forms describing limited Florida statutory exemptions for qualifying owners. Applicants should confirm any claimed exemption with the Building Department before starting work.
- Completed permit application
- Workers' compensation certificate or exemption
- Copy of state contractor license
- Copy of business tax receipt
- Subcontractor list with trades if applicable
- Health Department permit for septic if applicable
- Site plan or current survey showing new building
- Two sets of sealed drawings
- One set of sealed truss drawings
- Energy calculations
- Manual J HVAC load calculations
- Copy of recorded Notice of Commencement
- Product approval sheet
- Building code
- 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition
- Permit validity
- Contact the Building Department for current permit validity periods.
- Owner-builder
- Owners must personally appear to sign if pulling the permit under an exemption and must directly supervise the work within Florida owner-builder limits.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid state licenses, workers' compensation insurance, and current business tax receipt.
Application process
Typical processing: Processing times vary by project type and completeness; contact the Building Department for estimate.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Lafayette County and not inside the Town of Mayo.
- 02 Pull the correct county application form from the Forms & Guidelines page.
- 03 Submit the permit package through the county's online submission page or email to buildingdept@lafayettecountyfl.org.
- 04 Include all required supporting documents specific to the permit type, including septic documentation, site plan, plans, truss package, energy documents, and Notice of Commencement when required.
- 05 Pay permit fees through the county online payment system or with the Building Department.
- 06 Complete county inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy, power release, or project closeout.
Typical processing time: Processing times vary by project type and completeness; contact the Building Department for estimate.
Fee schedule
Effective October 1, 2025
DocuSign fee: $20. Impact fee: $412.50 effective October 1, 2025 for all new dwelling units including RVs.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 1, 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 386-294-3611 (phone)
- buildingdept@lafayettecountyfl.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Final-inspection prerequisites vary by permit type and must be confirmed with the Building Department.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Lafayette County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lafayette County, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lafayette County, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lafayette County, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Lafayette County, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lafayette County, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Lafayette County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.