Mary Esther, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Mary Esther. The city has a hybrid city-plus-county process where the city issues permits and reviews city-code compliance, but projects requiring Florida Building Code review also require Okaloosa County review and a county permit.

Department

City of Mary Esther, Community Development Department / Code Enforcement, Planning and Zoning Department

Address

195 Christobal Road N, Mary Esther, FL 32569

Phone

850-243-3566

Website

https://www.cityofmaryesther.com/157/Permitting

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit a city permit application for every building permit application.
2. For projects requiring only city review, obtain city review and permit issuance through Mary Esther.
3. For projects subject to Florida Building Code review, first obtain city plan approval and a city development order.
4. Then take the plans to Okaloosa County for FBC review and county permit issuance.
5. Return the county permit to the city and obtain the city construction permit before beginning construction.
6. Complete city and county inspections as applicable.

Typical processing time: Contact city for current processing times.

Source: City of Mary Esther, Community Development Department / Code Enforcement, Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Projects requiring FBC review include new dwellings, commercial buildings, interior and exterior remodels, additions, carports, seawalls, fences/walls with footers, boathouses, and accessory structures over 200 sq ft. Projects not requiring FBC review include fences/walls with no footer, re-roofs, driveways, and accessory structures 200 sq ft or less.

Required Documents

• City permit application
• Plans and specifications as applicable
• County permit documentation for FBC-review projects
• Contractor Tracking Certificate

Permit validity

Permits remain valid according to city and state law.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition. The city permit process is expressly built around deciding whether a scope needs an FBC review.

Owner-builder

City-specific qualification follows Florida law.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must obtain a city Contractor Tracking Certificate before work begins or before applying for an Okaloosa County permit or sub-permit.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$10

Permit fee formula

Residential site plan review $15; residential construction plan review $15; commercial site plan review $30; commercial construction plan review $30

Penalty (no permit)

Site inspection $20; final inspection $30; re-inspection $20

Payment note

The city warns the list is not all-inclusive and that additional fire and utility fees may apply.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Sheds and storage buildings 200 sq ft or less are in the category of projects that do not require an FBC review.

Important: City review may still be required for exempt-from-FBC work. The city tells owners to call before starting any project to verify permit requirements and contractor registration.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• City Hall (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Contact city for current inspection scheduling procedures.

Typical inspection sequence: Depending on scope, inspections may involve both the city and Okaloosa County.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition. The city permit process is expressly built around deciding whether a scope needs an FBC review.
• Verify contractor license: Florida Contractor Search
• Building Permit Application
• Okaloosa County Mary Esther Guide
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Okaloosa County