Putnam County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Putnam County.

Department

Putnam County Building Department

Address

2509 Crill Ave., Suite 300, Palatka, FL 32177

Phone

(386) 329-0307

Website

https://www.putnam-fl.gov/departments/development-services/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete the county permit application with property owner, parcel information, scope of work, cost of construction, and utility information.
2. Prepare required review package including structural, architectural, and trade-specific documents per county checklists.
3. Provide zoning approval and required documentation to Building Department.
4. State-certified contractors must provide current state license, liability insurance, workers compensation, and occupational license.
5. Submit application and all required documents to Putnam County Building Department in person, by mail, or via online portal if available.
6. County staff reviews for completeness and compliance with Florida Building Code and land development regulations.
7. Pay applicable fees once application is approved.
8. Schedule inspections through the online permit portal or by email if portal is unavailable.

Typical processing time: Not specified; contact Building Department for current timelines.

Source: Putnam County Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for residential new construction, additions, remodels, change of use, structures in special flood hazard areas, boathouses, retaining walls over 2 feet, window and door replacement, roofing and siding, stucco on wood-framed buildings, pools 24 inches deep or more, most electrical/mechanical/plumbing/gas replacements and additions, and broadly for commercial construction, alterations, demolition, tenant build-outs, accessory structures, grading/fill/dredging, accessible routes/parking, docks/boathouses, and tents 120 square feet or greater.

Required Documents

• County permit application with original signatures
• Owner-builder affidavit (when applicable)
• Notice of commencement (for work above stated thresholds)
• Site plan or survey
• Signed and sealed plans or qualifying prescriptive designs
• Energy forms and Manual J/S/D (when applicable)
• Florida product approvals
• Truss plans
• Contractor license and insurance/workers comp documentation
• Driveway permit (for connections to county road system)
• Floodplain documentation and elevation certificates (where applicable)

Permit validity

Building permit is valid for 180 days and remains active if an approved inspection occurs within 180 days or the building official grants an extension.

Building code

Florida Building Code (state-mandated); County Building Code and local regulations

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must comply with state requirements and provide required documentation.

Contractor requirements

State-certified contractors must provide current state license, liability insurance, workers compensation, workers compensation exemption form if applicable, and occupational license before permits will be issued.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Zoning permit only (not full building permit) for detached residential accessory buildings 150 square feet or less and up to 12 feet high
• Zoning permit only for certain small wood decks
• Zoning permit only for certain manufactured storage sheds 150 square feet or less
• Zoning permit only for a covered entry porch up to 36 square feet on a HUD home
• No permit for certain minor work including some flatwork, limited residential roof/wall/interior covering repairs up to 25 percent in 12 months
• No permit for certain like-for-like residential electrical fixture swaps
• No permit for certain portable gas/mechanical equipment
• No permit for some minor plumbing fixture replacements or leak repairs

Important: Emergency repairs may proceed before permit issuance, but the permit application must be filed the next business day and work must comply with Florida Building Code. Confirm all requirements with Putnam County Building Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online permit portal (online)
• Email (if portal unavailable) (email)

Typical inspection sequence: Permit holder is responsible for calling for each required phase before concealment. All permits require final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code (state-mandated); County Building Code and local regulations
• Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR License Lookup
• Putnam County Community Development Services
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub