Holmes County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Holmes County (outside Bonifay, Esto, Noma, Ponce de Leon, and Westville city/town limits).

Department

Holmes County Building Department / Building, Planning, and Zoning

Address

107 E Virginia Ave, Bonifay, FL 32425

Phone

850-547-1119

Email

hcbd@holmescountyfl.org

Website

https://holmescountyfla.com/building-planning-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Holmes County and not inside an incorporated municipality.
2. Use the correct county packet or trade form for the work type: residential, mobile home, electrical, roofing, mechanical, plumbing, or gas.
3. Assemble the required package. The residential packet calls for plans, flood documents where applicable, a landowner authorization if needed, and a Notice of Commencement for work valued over $2,500.
4. Submit the application and supporting materials to the Holmes County Building Department in person or by phone.
5. If the site is in a flood zone, provide the required elevation certificate(s). Holmes County floodplain ordinance requires final elevation two feet above base elevation, with elevation certificates before the structure goes vertical and again at final.
6. Respond to plan review comments, pay fees and surcharges, and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
7. Request inspections before 2:00 PM for the next business day and obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: Time varies based on project complexity and completeness. Inspections must be scheduled before 2:00 PM for next business day availability.

Source: Holmes County Building Department / Building, Planning, and Zoning

General Requirements

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, modify, change occupancy, alter, repair, move, remove, or demolish buildings and structures under the Florida Building Code.

Required Documents

• Two sets of scaled plans
• Flood-zone elevation certificate when applicable
• Notarized landowner authorization when building on another person's property
• Notice of Commencement for construction valued over $2,500

Permit validity

Permits expire if 180 days pass without an approved inspection. One-time extension available for up to 90 additional days.

Building code

Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)

Owner-builder

The county packet includes an owner-builder affidavit under Florida Statutes 489.103 with standard Florida limits for owner-builders.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be licensed and registered as required by Florida law. Work started before permit issuance is subject to double fees.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Building permit cost is based on total project cost, including labor and materials, and may include planning and zoning fees plus a state surcharge.

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fees for building without a permit or starting work before permit issuance.

Payment note

Sub-permits are sold separately. Contact Holmes County Building Department for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Replacement of an existing plumbing fixture with a similar or like fixture without altering water or drain systems (plumbing only)

Important: For other work, applicants should confirm Florida Building Code exemptions with the county before relying on them, especially where floodplain, zoning, septic, driveway, or other regulatory issues may still apply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 850-547-1119 (phone)
• hcbd@holmescountyfl.org (email)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be received before 2:00 PM to be scheduled for the next business day.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Florida Building Commission
• Florida Disaster Floodplain Contacts
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub