How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Florence County, SC?

The minimum permit fee is For valuation of $1,000 and less, no fee unless inspection is required, in which case $15.00 per inspection is charged.. Fees are calculated as: $15.00 for the first $1,000 plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 up to $50,000; $260.00 for the first $50,000 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000 to $100,000; $460.00 for the first $100,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 to $500,000; $1,660.00 for the first $500,000 plus $2.00 for each additional $1,000 above that.. Plan check fee: One-half of the building permit fee when valuation exceeds $1,000 and a plan is required..

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Florence County, SC?

Typical processing time is No public review clock was identified on the reviewed county pages..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Florence County, SC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Florence County portal.

County Building Permits

Florence County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Florence County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Carolina Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies to unincorporated Florence County and also to the municipalities listed on the county jurisdictions page that consolidated their building and planning functions with the county.

Department: Florence County Building Department
Address: 518 S. Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501
Phone: 843-676-8600
Website: https://www.florenceco.org/planning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Florence County Permitting and Planning

Platform: Florence County One Stop Application • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether the parcel is in unincorporated Florence County and review county planning and building requirements.
Create a county One Stop account or prepare for in-person filing at 518 S. Irby Street.
Submit the Florence County Building Permit Application with owner, applicant, contractor, valuation, use, and work-type information.
Upload or provide required plans, zoning compliance verification, utility or SCDES approvals, and owner-builder or covenant forms where required.
County staff reviews the application; if complete and approved, the applicant receives email notification and a Pay Fees link in the portal.
Pay online or in person, download and print the permit, post it on site, and schedule inspections through the portal.

Typical processing time: No public review clock was identified on the reviewed county pages.

Source: Florence County Building Department

General Requirements

County building application covers commercial and residential new installation, accessory structures, additions, alterations, repairs and renovations, and agricultural-only work categories. The county portal also supports permits, licenses, planning projects, and inspections.

Required Documents

Building permit application
Site plans and building plans
Zoning compliance verification
Residential energy code compliance certificate
Water or sewer tap fee receipts or SCDES permits
Restrictive covenants affidavit
Owner-builder exemption filing (where applicable)

Permit validity: County application states the permit is void if work is not started within six months from issuance and is void if work is abandoned for six months.
Building code: The reviewed county public pages did not publish a current consolidated code-edition list. County technical documents reviewed reference 2017 NEC policy language and county plan standards; confirm current South Carolina code editions with Florence County before filing.
Owner-builder: Owner-builder exemption for new single-family residential structures must be completed and recorded with the Florence County Register of Deeds prior to processing by permitting staff.
Contractor requirements: County application requires subcontractors to be properly licensed or registered in accordance with state law. State LLR licensing controls regulated building and trade classifications.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: For valuation of $1,000 and less, no fee unless inspection is required, in which case $15.00 per inspection is charged.
Plan check fee: One-half of the building permit fee when valuation exceeds $1,000 and a plan is required.
Permit fee formula: $15.00 for the first $1,000 plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 up to $50,000; $260.00 for the first $50,000 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000 to $100,000; $460.00 for the first $100,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 to $500,000; $1,660.00 for the first $500,000 plus $2.00 for each additional $1,000 above that.
Reinspection fee: No separate public reinspection fee was identified on the reviewed county fee schedule.
Penalty (no permit): Fees are doubled where work requiring a permit begins before the permit is obtained.
Payment note: County help page says applicants can pay online with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, or in person with check or money order. Cash is not accepted. Credit card payments carry a 2.99% convenience fee.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-03).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Florence County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Florence County portal (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Application approval, fee payment, permit issuance, required phase inspections, corrections if necessary, then final approval.

Additional Resources

Building code: The reviewed county public pages did not publish a current consolidated code-edition list. County technical documents reviewed reference 2017 NEC policy language and county plan standards; confirm current South Carolina code editions with Florence County before filing.
Zoning information: View zoning info
County Jurisdictions
Florence County Contact
License lookup guide: South Carolina Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: South Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
South Carolina hub: South Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Florence County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florence County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Florence County, SC?: County building application covers commercial and residential new installation, accessory structures, additions, alterations, repairs and renovations, and agricultural-only work categories. The county portal also supports permits, licenses, planning projects, and inspections.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Florence County, SC?: The minimum permit fee is For valuation of $1,000 and less, no fee unless inspection is required, in which case $15.00 per inspection is charged.. Fees are calculated as: $15.00 for the first $1,000 plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 up to $50,000; $260.00 for the first $50,000 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000 to $100,000; $460.00 for the first $100,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 to $500,000; $1,660.00 for the first $500,000 plus $2.00 for each additional $1,000 above that.. Plan check fee: One-half of the building permit fee when valuation exceeds $1,000 and a plan is required..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Florence County, SC?: 1. Determine whether the parcel is in unincorporated Florence County and review county planning and building requirements. 2. Create a county One Stop account or prepare for in-person filing at 518 S. Irby Street. 3. Submit the Florence County Building Permit Application with owner, applicant, contractor, valuation, use, and work-type information. 4. Upload or provide required plans, zoning compliance verification, utility or SCDES approvals, and owner-builder or covenant forms where required. 5. County staff reviews the application; if complete and approved, the applicant receives email notification and a Pay Fees link in the portal. 6. Pay online or in person, download and print the permit, post it on site, and schedule inspections through the portal.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Florence County, SC?: Typical processing time is No public review clock was identified on the reviewed county pages..
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Florence County, SC?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Florence County portal.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Florence County (Unincorporated) can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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