Jackson County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

The county Building Services page handles inspections on new structures and major improvements, ensures compliance with state and local building requirements, and issues contractor competency cards. County planning materials indicate the Jackson County Building Official issues permits and conducts inspections throughout the county and for municipalities that do not have their own officials.

Department

Jackson County Building Services, within Community Development

Address

4979 Healthy Way, Suite B, Marianna, FL 32446

Phone

850-482-9805

Email

building-dept@jacksoncountyfl.gov

Website

https://jacksoncountyfl.gov/services/community-development/building-services/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Jackson County rather than inside one of the county's incorporated municipalities.
2. If the project requires a Residential Development Order, start with county planning; the permit process begins with a Residential Development Order application, and once approved it is forwarded to Building Services and other county reviewers.
3. Submit the county Building Permit Application and all required support documents through the county process, either through the iWorQ portal or in person.
4. For new single-family dwellings, additions, and duplexes, follow the county checklist package: approved development order, septic permit or sewer tap receipt, plans, truss details, energy form, Florida product approval form, Notice of Commencement if applicable, and other project-specific materials.
5. Pay the required permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
6. Schedule inspections through Building Services. Inspection requests must be called in by 2:30 PM for following-day inspections.

Source: Jackson County Building Services, within Community Development

General Requirements

County Building Services inspects new structures and major improvements of existing structures and posts permit applications for all trades, roofing, pools, mobile homes, and commercial count sheets.

Required Documents

• Approved development order (if applicable)
• Completed permit application
• Septic permit or sewer tap receipt
• Two sets of detailed plans
• Two sets of truss details
• Energy-efficiency report
• Florida product approval form
• Filed Notice of Commencement (when applicable)
• Owner-builder disclosures (when applicable)

Permit validity

Permit holders should obtain an inspection at least every 6 months to keep a permit active.

Building code

Florida's statewide code controls. The current governing code is the 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023.

Owner-builder

The county permit application reproduces the Florida Statute 489.103(7) owner-builder exemption language, including the direct onsite supervision requirement and the $75,000 cap for certain owner-occupied commercial work.

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractors or qualifying owner-builders under Florida Statute 489.103(7).

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$46

Plan check fee

One-half of the permit fee

Permit fee formula

$46 for the first $1,000; $8 for each additional $1,000 or fraction; $2.50 per additional $1,000 over $1,000,000

Reinspection fee

$40 first, $80 second, $120 third

Payment note

2.5% surcharge or $4.00, whichever is greater, applies to all permits issued. Municipalities and County contracted work requiring inspections will require full permit.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2023-01).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Jackson County Building Services, within Community Development to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 850-482-9805 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be called in by 2:30 PM for following-day inspections.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence: temporary service, footing, under slab, floor slab, block, roof and siding nail-off, framing, strapping, rough-in, insulation, permanent power, and final / certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida's statewide code controls. The current governing code is the 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023.
• Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning Division
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub