Bradford County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Bradford County handles building permitting for unincorporated Bradford County. Properties within the CITY LIMITS OF STARKE or with City of Starke utilities must go to the City of Starke instead.

Department

Bradford County Building Department

Address

945 N. Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091

Phone

(904) 966-6223 ext. 2

Email

buildingdept@bradfordcountyfl.gov

Website

https://bradfordcountyfl.gov/building-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated county jurisdiction. If it is inside Starke city limits or has City of Starke utilities, contact the City of Starke instead.
2. For zoning questions in unincorporated areas, use Bradford County Zoning, which is responsible for all areas except local zoning in Lawtey, Brooker, Hampton, and Starke.
3. Submit the building permit application by email to buildingdept@bradfordcountyfl.gov, by mail, or in person. Applications should be sent in PDF format.
4. If no Building Official review is needed, the county may issue emailed applications in about 24 hours. If reviews are needed, typical plan review is 7 to 10 business days; the Building Official has 30 days by law for a new-home plan review.
5. Post the permit and Notice of Commencement when required, and keep the reviewed site-copy plans on the job site in a weatherproof container before inspections.
6. Schedule inspections by phone or online at least 1 business day before the inspection and before 4:30 PM.

Typical processing time: 24 hours if no review needed; 7-10 business days for typical plan review; 30 days maximum by law for new-home plan review.

Source: Bradford County Building Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for work covered by the Florida Building Code, including roofs, windows, doors, additions, renovations, and similar improvements.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Two complete plan sets for plan review
• Notice of Commencement (if applicable)
• Reviewed site-copy plans for inspections
• Septic number (required before submitting plans for new home or mobile home using septic)

Permit validity

A county permit is deemed abandoned 180 days after purchase unless an approved inspection is obtained within that 180-day period. Each approved inspection extends validity another 180 days. Written extensions of up to 90 days each may be requested and approved by the Building Official.

Building code

Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), effective December 31, 2023. Bradford County is not in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.

Owner-builder

An owner may build their own home and may build or remodel their own commercial structure if total construction value is $75,000 or less, subject to section 489.103(7)(a), Florida Statutes.

Contractor requirements

State-certified and state-registered contractors must provide license copy, driver license, workers' compensation or exemption, and general liability insurance naming Bradford County.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$54.00 (consisting of $50 permit fee plus $4 state surcharge)

Permit fee formula

Permit cost depends on work type and is calculated using square footage, contract price, or both.

Payment note

The county offers an online payment link for building, zoning, and fire protection charges.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (904) 966-6223 ext. 1 (phone)
• iWorQ online scheduler (online)

Scheduling deadline

At least 1 business day before needed and before 4:30 PM. Calls after 4:30 PM are scheduled 2 days out.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), effective December 31, 2023. Bradford County is not in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building FAQs
• Florida Building Code Portal
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub