Liberty County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

The Building Services Division provides permitting and inspection services for unincorporated areas of Liberty County, including Hosford, Lake Mystic, Telogia, Estiffanulga, and Sumatra.

Department

Liberty County Building Department, Building Services Division

Address

10818 NW SR 20, Bristol, FL 32321

Phone

(850) 643-2215

Website

https://libertycountyfl.org/growth-management/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Liberty County and not inside the City of Bristol.
2. Determine whether the project needs county planning or zoning review in addition to building permits.
3. Use the county iWorQ portal to select the correct permit type: single-family, supplemental, development, mobile home, electrical/mechanical, or planning and zoning.
4. Search for the property and contractor in the portal, complete the application, and upload all required documents.
5. Include supporting forms such as Notice of Commencement, Owner/Builder Affidavit, Roof Inspection Affidavit, and land-development materials where applicable.
6. Pay county fees and obtain permit issuance.
7. Use the portal to request inspections and manage permit closeout.

Source: Liberty County Building Department, Building Services Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all construction work in unincorporated Liberty County as enforced by the Florida Building Code.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Notice of Commencement (for residential work)
• Owner/Builder Affidavit
• Roof Inspection Affidavit
• Construction plans and specifications
• Site plan
• Proof of property ownership or contractor authorization

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must complete the Owner/Builder Affidavit and comply with applicable county and state requirements.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold valid Florida construction licenses as required by state law.

Fees

Plan check fee

$100 residential, $200 commercial

Permit fee formula

Residential building permits: $0.75 per square foot of valuation; Commercial building permits: $0.85 per square foot of valuation

Trade permit fee

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas, mechanical: $150.00 each

Penalty (no permit)

Double fee for work started before permit issuance

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 1, 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Liberty County Building Department, Building Services Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• iWorQ Citizen Portal (online)
• (850) 643-2692 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential inspection sequence: footers, rough plumbing under slab, slab, nail inspection on plywood, framing, A/C, plumbing, electrical, insulation, roof, and final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), effective December 31, 2023
• Verify contractor license: Florida Building Commission
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Florida Building Commission Wind Maps by County
• Liberty County Wind-Lines Map
• Planning and Zoning Contact: Brianna Williams
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub