County Building Permits
Union County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Union County, Florida. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties in unincorporated Union County, excluding areas within Lake Butler, Raiford, and Worthington Springs.
- Department
- Union County Building Department
- Address
- 15 NE 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054
- Phone
- 386-496-2676
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Cloudpermit • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Union County and not inside Lake Butler, Raiford, or Worthington Springs.
- Obtain a 911 address.
- Assemble the county checklist items, including survey and legal description, utility or septic documentation, flood data letter, construction plans, subcontractor verification, and recorded Notice of Commencement when required.
- Submit the application through Cloudpermit or coordinate with the Building Department using county application forms.
- Respond to plan review comments, pay fees, and receive permit issuance before starting work.
- Schedule inspections through Cloudpermit and obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: Processing times vary; check with Union County Building Department for current timelines.
Source: Union County Building Department
General Requirements
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Union County.
Required Documents
- Survey and legal description
- 911 address
- Proof of payment of special assessment tax
- Septic permit or letter, or sewer and water tap-in receipt
- FDOT culvert permit or no-permit letter if applicable
- Flood data letter
- Flood elevation materials if in a flood zone
- Subcontractor verification form
- Owner-builder disclosure if claiming exemption
- Recorded deed if recently purchased
- Two sets of construction plans
- Recorded Notice of Commencement
- Receipt for payment of fees
- Posted 911 address numbers
- Permit validity
- Permits remain valid according to Florida Statutes 553.792.
- Building code
- 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must sign and submit a required owner-builder disclosure statement when claiming the exemption.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors and subcontractors must be licensed with the State of Florida and approved by Union County Building Department before permit issuance.
Fees
- Payment note
- Flood data/compliance letter fee: $75 for unincorporated parcels. Receipt for payment of all fees is required before permit issuance. Contact Union County Building Department for complete fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Union County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Cloudpermit portal (online)
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023.
- Verify contractor license: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Florida Building Commission
- Florida Statutes 553.792 (Permit Review Timelines)
- License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Union County Building Department before applying.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Union County can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works