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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington County
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Washington County under the Florida Building Code.
Note: No published county-issued general permit-exemption handout located. Applicants should confirm claimed exemptions directly with the county before starting work because land-use, floodplain, addressing, driveway, septic, or trade-permit requirements may still apply.
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Owner and contractor details
- Parcel and project information
- Occupancy type and valuation
- Architect or engineer information where applicable
- Notarized owner and contractor affidavit
- Building code
- Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), effective December 31, 2023
- Permit validity
- A permit remains valid only while construction progress and an approved inspection are recorded within each 180-day period.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must provide the same documentation as contractors.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors may be required to register with the Washington County Building Department.
Application process
Typical processing: Varies; initial plan review typically 2-4 weeks depending on plan complexity and resubmittals.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Washington County and not inside Chipley, Vernon, Caryville, Ebro, or Wausau.
- 02 Submit the Land Use Application, recorded deed, and site plan to County Planning Department.
- 03 Submit the E911 Address Application to the Planning Department.
- 04 Obtain a driveway permit if required (new residential driveways on county-maintained roads).
- 05 Obtain septic approval if required from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
- 06 Submit the building permit application and required plans and supporting documents to the Building Department.
- 07 Pay permit fees, planning fees, plan-submittal and plan-review fees, and impact fees if applicable.
- 08 Post the address, prints, inspection card, and Notice of Commencement before new construction begins.
- 09 Schedule required inspections through the Building Department (24-48 hours notice required).
Typical processing time: Varies; initial plan review typically 2-4 weeks depending on plan complexity and resubmittals.
Fee schedule
Effective Current schedule published by county
3.5% convenience fee applies to credit-card transactions (effective March 17, 2025)
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current schedule published by county) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 850-638-6195 (phone)
- permits@washingtonfl.com (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department at least 24 to 48 hours before the requested inspection date.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Time windows
- Business hours as published
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: temporary electrical service, footer, under slab, floor slab, concrete block, nailing and strapping, dry-in, insulation, temporary permanent power to certificate of occupancy, and final / certificate of occupancy.
Remote inspections not specified in published documents.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Washington County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washington County, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Washington County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.