Columbia County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties within unincorporated Columbia County, excluding areas within the incorporated City of Lake City and Town of Fort White.

Department

Columbia County Building Department / Building and Zoning Department

Address

135 NE Hernando Ave., Suite B-21, Lake City, FL 32055

Phone

386-758-1008

Email

bldginfo@columbiacountyfla.com

Website

https://bcc.columbiacountyfla.com/BuildingDepartment.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the site is in unincorporated Columbia County and not inside Lake City or Fort White.
2. Choose the correct county application packet from the Building Department page. The county publishes separate forms for new residential, remodels, roofs, electrical, mobile homes, signs, solar, pools, storage buildings, and owner-builder filings.
3. Submit the application online or in person with the project description, construction drawings or site plans when structural work is involved, contractor information/license number if using a contractor, and any zoning or floodplain documents the project requires.
4. Include county checklists and supporting forms as applicable, such as site plan checklist, residential checklist, product approval form, owner-builder disclosure, Notice of Commencement, and private-provider forms.
5. Respond to plan review comments and pay permit, plan review, zoning certificate, flood-zone, and state surcharge fees as applicable.
6. Schedule inspections with the county and obtain final approval before occupancy or project closeout.

Typical processing time: Varies by project type; simple permits like reroofs or AC replacements may be issued the same day, while larger projects can take longer due to multi-discipline plan review.

Source: Columbia County Building Department / Building and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Permits are required for any project or structure over $5,000 and for many lower-cost projects involving structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool/spa, reroof, demolition, new service, generators, solar, or similar code-regulated work.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application form
• Project description and scope of work
• Construction drawings or site plans (when structural work is involved)
• Contractor information and license number (if using a contractor)
• Zoning or floodplain documentation as applicable
• Notice of Commencement when required
• Owner-builder disclosure (if owner-builder)
• Product approval forms
• Relevant checklists (site plan, residential, etc.)

Permit validity

Permits generally expire if work does not start within 180 days of issuance or if there is no inspection activity for 180 days.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023, plus related Florida statutes and state surcharge requirements.

Owner-builder

Property owners may pull permits when acting as owner-builders, but they must follow all code requirements and cannot hire unlicensed workers.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold required DBPR licenses and follow all registration and reciprocity requirements published by the county.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100

Plan check fee

25% of the calculated building fee, with a $75 minimum and $25,000 maximum.

Permit fee formula

Calculated by square footage or by actual cost of construction at $8 per $1,000 of valuation, plus plan review fees and state surcharges.

Reinspection fee

$50

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Projects under $5,000
• Painting and wallpapering
• Flooring and carpet installation
• Minor non-structural repairs
• Cabinet and countertop replacement without altering plumbing or electrical
• Small sheds and playhouses under $5,000
• Ordinary landscaping

Important: Zoning, floodplain, and other local approvals may still apply even to exempt work. The county publishes a 'No Permit Required Form (Fillable 2025)' to document exemption determinations.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Inspection Request Page (online)
• 386-758-1008 or 386-758-1124 (phone)
• bldginfo@columbiacountyfla.com (email)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspections include footings/foundations, framing and structural connections, electrical/plumbing/mechanical rough-ins and finals, roofing and insulation, and final completion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023, plus related Florida statutes and state surcharge requirements.
• Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building and Zoning Home
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Florida Building Code (ICC)
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub