Leon County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Leon County outside the City of Tallahassee boundaries.

Department

Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM), Building Plans Review and Inspection

Address

Renaissance Center, 435 N. Macomb Street, 2nd Floor, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Phone

(850) 606-1300

Email

DSEM_Intake@LeonCountyFL.gov

Website

https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Government/Departments/Development-Support-Environmental-Management/Building-Plans-Review-and-Inspection/Applications

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is located in unincorporated Leon County and not within Tallahassee city limits.
2. Gather the required permit application package, including parcel ID, site plan, legal documents, flood letter, soil test, energy forms, septic documentation, plans, and wind load analysis if applicable.
3. Submit all building and environmental permit applications through the Leon County Online Permit Portal.
4. Complete parallel reviews for environmental, driveway, septic, site plan, or fire requirements as triggered by the project scope.
5. Pay permit fees after county review and issuance.
6. Post the permit placard and approved plans on site.
7. Schedule inspections online, by phone, or by text as work progresses, and obtain final approval before occupancy or use.

Typical processing time: 5-15 days depending on project type. Single-family homes: 8 days; manufactured homes: 5 days; accessory structures: 5 days; commercial projects: 15 days. Single-trade permits eligible through Permits Online are issued immediately.

Source: Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM), Building Plans Review and Inspection

General Requirements

Building permits are required for sheds over 100 square feet, decks greater than 100 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade, backup generators, demolitions, exterior alterations and repairs, grinder pumps, retaining walls, and solar installations. Building construction and alteration in unincorporated Leon County generally requires permit review.

Required Documents

• Affidavit of Ownership and Designation of Agent
• Owner/Building Exemption Disclosure Form
• Flood Letter Certification Form
• Notice of Commencement
• Permit application and checklist
• Site plan and construction plans
• Roof truss information (where applicable)
• Contractor registration and verification forms
• Wind load analysis (where required by Florida Building Code)

Permit validity

Permits automatically expire and become null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days following issuance, or if work is suspended or an inspection is not approved within 180 days from issuance. Approved permit extensions add 180 days and carry a $90 fee.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (effective statewide December 31, 2023)

Owner-builder

Homeowners who live in the subject property may obtain permits for projects on their own home. Owner-builders must submit the Owner/Building Exemption Disclosure Form.

Contractor requirements

Effective July 1, 2023, all contractors must hold a state-issued certified contractor license to perform work in Leon County. Contractors must provide registration forms, authorized agent forms, and verification through the online permit portal.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Residential one- and two-family work uses square-foot based components: $0.16 per square foot for plan review and $0.15 per square foot for inspection. Trade-specific flat fees apply.

Reinspection fee

$65.27

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM), Building Plans Review and Inspection to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Leon County Permits Online (online)
• (850) 606-1306 (phone)
• Text SCHEDULE to 855-927-1525 (text)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections can be scheduled and completed as soon as the next business day.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (effective statewide December 31, 2023)
• Verify contractor license: Florida Contractor License Lookup
• Building Services Forms and Documents
• Inspections Information
• Life Safety and Fire Protection Permitting
• Flood Regulations
• Florida Wind Maps by County
• Staff Directory
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub