Unincorporated Leon County

Building permits are required for sheds over 100 square feet, decks greater than 100 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade, backup generators, demolitions, exterior alterations and repairs, grinder pumps, retaining walls, and solar installations. Building construction and alteration in unincorporated Leon County generally requires permit review.

• Exempt Residential fences (per Florida Building Code; no building permit required but zoning and setback requirements still apply)

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, environmental, floodplain, driveway, septic, or addressing approvals. Confirm project requirements with DSEM before proceeding.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (effective statewide December 31, 2023)

Permit validity

Permits automatically expire and become null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days following issuance, or if work is suspended or an inspection is not approved within 180 days from issuance. Approved permit extensions add 180 days and carry a $90 fee.

Owner-builder

Homeowners who live in the subject property may obtain permits for projects on their own home. Owner-builders must submit the Owner/Building Exemption Disclosure Form.

Contractor requirements

Effective July 1, 2023, all contractors must hold a state-issued certified contractor license to perform work in Leon County. Contractors must provide registration forms, authorized agent forms, and verification through the online permit portal.

Source: Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM), Building Plans Review and Inspection ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the parcel is located in unincorporated Leon County and not within Tallahassee city limits.
2. 02
   Gather the required permit application package, including parcel ID, site plan, legal documents, flood letter, soil test, energy forms, septic documentation, plans, and wind load analysis if applicable.
3. 03
   Submit all building and environmental permit applications through the Leon County Online Permit Portal.
4. 04
   Complete parallel reviews for environmental, driveway, septic, site plan, or fire requirements as triggered by the project scope.
5. 05
   Pay permit fees after county review and issuance.
6. 06
   Post the permit placard and approved plans on site.
7. 07
   Schedule inspections online, by phone, or by text as work progresses, and obtain final approval before occupancy or use.

Typical processing time: 5-15 days depending on project type. Single-family homes: 8 days; manufactured homes: 5 days; accessory structures: 5 days; commercial projects: 15 days. Single-trade permits eligible through Permits Online are issued immediately.

Source: Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM), Building Plans Review and Inspection ↗

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Leon County Permits Online (online)
• (850) 606-1306 (phone)
• Text SCHEDULE to 855-927-1525 (text)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections can be scheduled and completed as soon as the next business day.

Source: Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM), Building Plans Review and Inspection ↗