Jefferson County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Jefferson County. All construction within unincorporated areas of the county requires permits from the Jefferson County Building Department following approval by the Jefferson County Planning Department.

Department

Jefferson County Building Department

Address

445 W. Palmer Mill Road, Monticello, FL 32344

Phone

850-342-0223

Email

pgarrett@jeffersoncountyfl.gov

Website

https://www.jeffersoncountyfl.gov/p/county-departments/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start with Jefferson County Planning Department for the initial two-step process; planning approval must come before building permits are issued.
2. Submit Development Application and site plan to Planning with proof of ownership (recorded deed), 911 address form, and any applicable driveway permit application.
3. Planning reviews setback, zoning, floodplain, wetland, land use, addressing, and driveway compliance; no building permits will be issued without Development Permit approval.
4. Once Development Permit is issued and planning fees are paid, proceed to the Building Department with the construction permit package.
5. For new residential construction, obtain septic approval from the Department of Health (unless using approved city utilities) before final building permit issuance.
6. Submit two copies of all required building plans, site plans, truss package, Florida energy forms, wind load documents, notice of commencement, and driveway permit if applicable.
7. Building Department reviews plans for compliance with Florida Building Code and fees are assessed after code review completion.
8. Pay permit fees by check or cash (credit/debit cards not accepted); permit is issued upon fee payment.

Typical processing time: Varies; two-step process typically requires 2-4 weeks after all supporting documents are submitted to both departments.

Source: Jefferson County Building Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all new construction and substantial improvements in unincorporated Jefferson County. Development Permit approval from Planning is required before building permits can be issued.

Required Documents

• Development Application (Planning approval)
• Recorded deed or proof of ownership
• 911 address form
• Site plan drawn to scale
• Construction plans (2 copies)
• Truss package (2 copies)
• Florida energy forms
• Wind load documents and calculations
• Notice of commencement
• Driveway permit if connecting to county-maintained road
• Septic approval letter (if applicable)
• Proof of city utilities if using Monticello services

Permit validity

Issued permit is valid for six months. If work does not begin within six months or is suspended/abandoned for six months, the permit expires. Extensions of up to 90 days may be granted in writing.

Building code

Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023)

Contractor requirements

Contractors must submit Florida state certified license, general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance or exemption, all phone numbers, and license-holder email. If someone other than the license holder will pick up permits, a signed notarized authorization letter on letterhead must be hand delivered or mailed. Contact: kphillips@jeffersoncountyfl.gov or mcoen@jeffersoncountyfl.gov

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$80.00

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based scale: $80.00 for $501-$6,000; $110.00 for $6,001-$10,000; $180.00 for $10,001-$18,000; $265.00 for $18,001-$28,000; $370.00 for $28,001-$38,000; $455.00 for $38,001-$60,000; over $60,000 add $2.00 per $1,000

Reinspection fee

$45.00 first re-inspection, $55.00 second re-inspection

Payment note

Payment by check or cash only; credit and debit cards not currently accepted. Payable to Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 850-342-0223 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Same-day inspections will not be scheduled; requests must be made at least one business day in advance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023)
• Verify contractor license: Florida Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Site Plan Instructions
• Florida Building Code Portal
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub