Fort Walton Beach, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Fort Walton Beach. Applicants should verify jurisdiction because some mailing addresses say Fort Walton Beach while the parcel is actually in unincorporated county.

Department

City of Fort Walton Beach, Growth Management Department, Building & Inspections Division

Address

City Hall Annex, 105 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Phone

850-833-9605

Website

https://www.fwb.org/171/Building-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is within Fort Walton Beach city limits.
2. Submit the application electronically through MGO.
3. Upload plans, engineered drawings, affidavits, Notice of Commencement if required, and other forms.
4. Respond to plan review comments; projects with engineered drawings or site plans undergo plan review.
5. Pay fees, obtain permit issuance, and then schedule inspections through MGO.
6. Complete final inspections and any Certificate of Occupancy requirements.

Typical processing time: Plan review for projects with engineered drawings or site plans typically takes about 1-2 weeks depending on scope and reviewing departments.

Source: City of Fort Walton Beach, Growth Management Department, Building & Inspections Division

General Requirements

The division issues permits and inspects structure, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fences, and signs, and enforces city code plus the Florida Building Code.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Plans and site plans as applicable
• Engineered drawings for applicable projects
• Notice of Commencement if required
• Affidavits and supporting forms

Permit validity

Permits remain valid according to city and state law.

Building code

Effective December 31, 2023, the 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, and 2020 National Electrical Code

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must comply with Florida Statute 489.103, including the one-year personal-use rule for one- and two-family residences and the $75,000 cap for qualifying owner-builder commercial projects.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold valid state licensure and obtain city approval.

Fees

Plan check fee

50% of building fee

Permit fee formula

Building permit processing fee $22.50; valuation-based construction permit fees

Penalty (no permit)

Working-without-a-permit fee is 300% of the permit fee or $250, whichever is greater

Payment note

City publishes valuation-based construction permit fees and separate general and inspection fee tables. Certificate of Occupancy fee: $38.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-03).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Cosmetic work only such as carpet, tile, and painting does not require a permit.

Important: Confirm edge cases with the Building & Inspections Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• MGO portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Contact city for current scheduling procedures.

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Typical inspection sequence: City performs building inspections according to Florida Building Code requirements.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Effective December 31, 2023, the 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, and 2020 National Electrical Code
• Verify contractor license: Florida Contractor Search
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Owner-Builder Permit Info
• GIS / City Limits
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

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