County Building Permits
Baker County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Baker County, Florida. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated Baker County.
- Department
- Baker County Community Development Department
- Address
- 360 E Shuey Ave, Macclenny, FL 32063
- Phone
- 904-259-2403
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Complete the county permit application with property owner and parcel information, scope of work, cost of construction, and utility information.
- Prepare required review package including structural, architectural, and trade-specific documents.
- Provide zoning approval and required documentation to Community Development.
- State-certified contractors must provide current state license, liability insurance, workers compensation, and occupational license.
- If a person other than the license holder will purchase the permit, provide original notarized authorization such as a power of attorney.
- Submit application and all required documents in person or by mail to Community Development.
- County staff reviews for completeness and compliance with building codes and land development regulations.
- Pay applicable fees once application is approved.
Typical processing time: Not specified; contact Community Development for current timelines.
General Requirements
A building permit is required for construction work within unincorporated Baker County.
Required Documents
- County permit application
- 2 sets of structural and architectural engineered plans
- 2 sets of truss documents
- 2 sets of energy forms
- Septic approval letter
- 911 address letter
- Recorded notice of commencement (where applicable)
- Recorded deed or proof of ownership
- Site plan
- Proof of state contractor license, liability insurance, and workers compensation
- Permit validity
- Permit becomes invalid if an inspection for permanent construction is not requested within 180 days.
- Building code
- Florida Building Code (state-mandated); County Building Code and Comprehensive Plan
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with state requirements and provide required documentation.
- Contractor requirements
- State-certified contractors must provide current state license, liability insurance, workers compensation, workers compensation exemption form if applicable, and occupational license before permits will be issued.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- One-half of permit fee for initial review and one revision; $10 per sheet for additional revisions
- Reinspection fee
- $39.00 first, $49.00 each after
- Penalty (no permit)
- 2x permit fee for first offense; 2x permit fee plus $250 for second offense; 2x permit fee plus $500 for third offense
- Payment note
- State surcharge applies: $4.00 for permits $139.00 or under; 3% surcharge for permits over $139.00
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Baker County Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 904-259-4896 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call by 4:00 PM for next-business-day inspection. Calls after 4:00 PM are scheduled in two business days.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections by trade: footing, slab, framing, strapping, sheathing, roof, insulation, rough electrical, rough plumbing, mechanical rough-in, finals, and certificate of occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Florida Building Code (state-mandated); County Building Code and Comprehensive Plan
- Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR License Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Community Development Main Page
- License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Baker County Community Development Department before applying.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Unincorporated Baker County 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.
Learn how Jaspector works