Pensacola, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Pensacola limits.

Department

City of Pensacola Building Inspections, Development Services Department

Address

Fifth Floor of City Hall, 222 W. Main St., Pensacola, FL 32502

Phone

850-436-5600

Email

inspections@cityofpensacola.com

Website

https://www.cityofpensacola.com/departments/inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the address is within Pensacola city limits; verify the taxing authority through the Escambia County Property Appraiser.
2. Obtain required zoning and site approval first for new dwellings, additions, pools, accessory structures, house moves, and manufactured homes.
3. Submit the permit application electronically through MGO, uploading PDFs for plans, Notice of Commencement, and other required documents.
4. Complete contractor registration if applicable, or appear in person to execute the owner-builder affidavit if applying as an owner-builder.
5. Respond to plan review comments, pay fees, and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
6. Schedule inspections through MGO or IVR and keep approved plans and permit available on site.
7. Obtain final approval or certificate issuance before occupancy or use.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and plan review requirements; typical permits require 2-4 weeks for initial review.

Source: City of Pensacola Building Inspections, Development Services Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction, alterations, repairs, and regulated work under the Florida Building Code.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plans
• Construction plans (original PDF files; paper plans not accepted except owner-builder forms)
• Notice of Commencement (for projects over $5,000 and HVAC changeouts over $15,000)
• Contractor registration or owner-builder affidavit

Permit validity

Permits are valid for 180 days from issuance. Each passed inspection extends validity 180 days from the inspection date.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Codes (8th Edition) and 2020 National Electrical Code, adopted effective December 31, 2023. Pensacola publishes its own administrative Chapter 1.

Owner-builder

The city allows owner-builders under Florida Statute 489.103 if the property is for the owner's personal residence for at least one year after completion and not for sale or lease; business-owner projects are limited to personal business use and up to $75,000, with ownership in the individual's name rather than an LLC.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must submit new registration packages through MGO or by email to inspections@cityofpensacola.com.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$40

Plan check fee

$50 revision plan review fee for new residential; varies for alterations.

Permit fee formula

New single-family dwelling/duplex: $0.15 per square foot plus $40 administrative fee. Residential alterations: $7.50 per $1,000 of project cost plus $40 administrative fee.

Reinspection fee

Generally $50 per additional inspection.

Payment note

Credit card fee payments are subject to a 3% service charge.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Pensacola Building Inspections, Development Services Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• MGO portal (online)
• IVR at 866-957-3764, option 5 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests submitted before midnight are scheduled for the next business day.

Inspection hours

Operating hours 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; permit counter hours 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; appointments available after 12:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: The city publishes one- and two-family dwelling inspection lists and trade pages for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, solar, and other work.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Codes (8th Edition) and 2020 National Electrical Code, adopted effective December 31, 2023. Pensacola publishes its own administrative Chapter 1.
• Verify contractor license: Contractor Registration and Verification
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Administrative Chapter 1
• New SFD/Duplex Fee Schedule
• Residential Alterations Fee Schedule
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Escambia County