City of Tallahassee

A permit is required for any new construction, addition, alteration, or repair with an estimated labor-and-material cost greater than $2,500, or for structural work. Replacement of windows or doors is considered structural and requires a permit. Roofing permits are required for work over 100 square feet. Electrical permits are required when new circuits are added, extended, or service is changed. Plumbing permits are required for new piping, repiping, or added fixtures. Mechanical permits are required when HVAC equipment is extended, relocated, or changed out.

• Exempt Residential window A/C unit installation

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from LUCC, environmental review, floodplain review, sign approval, or other city approval requirements. A masonry fence with footer taller than 2 feet or any other fence taller than 10 feet requires a permit. Verify all applicable approvals before proceeding.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (effective January 1, 2024); Florida Fire Prevention Code, 8th Edition; National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition

Permit validity

Confirm the current expiration language shown on the issued permit and in the live permit portal, as permit-expiration rules follow the statewide Florida Building Code framework. Permit extensions and reactivation workflows are available.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must submit an Owner Builder Disclosure Affidavit and are the responsible party of record on the permit.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a State of Florida contractor license, current liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage or exemption, and must set up a portal account before permit issuance. A designated agent is allowed if supported by a notarized contractor authorization.

Source: Growth Management Department, Building Inspection Division ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the parcel is located inside Tallahassee city limits rather than unincorporated Leon County.
2. 02
   Determine whether the project requires a Land Use Compliance Certificate (LUCC), which is the first official step in the development process in Tallahassee.
3. 03
   Create an account in the City's permit portal and submit the appropriate building or trade permit application.
4. 04
   Upload required affidavits, plans, and supporting documents including Notice of Commencement, owner-builder disclosure, ownership affidavit, and project-specific checklists.
5. 05
   Respond to plan-review comments in ePlan Review if corrections are required. Upload revised documents until all comments are resolved.
6. 06
   Pay the invoice for remaining permit fees after approval. Approved plans and permit placard are provided after fees are paid in full.
7. 07
   Schedule inspections through the permit portal or IVR as applicable and obtain final approval, certificate of occupancy, or certificate of completion before use.

Typical processing time: Commercial building permits: 7 workdays (expedited) to 21 workdays (standard). Residential permits: 7 workdays (Residential Guarantee Program), 5 workdays (minor projects under $25,000), 14 workdays (major projects over $25,000).

Source: Growth Management Department, Building Inspection Division ↗

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 1, 2025) before budgeting.

• IVR system (850) 891-1800 (phone)
• Customer Permit Portal (online)

Time windows

Morning, afternoon, or all-day windows

Typical sequence: Mechanical, gas, and fire permit inspections are scheduled using the Customer Permit Portal. Fire, commercial mechanical, commercial gas, residential mechanical change-out, and gas meter set inspections must use the portal.

Source: Growth Management Department, Building Inspection Division ↗