Walton County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Walton County, including the 30A and South Walton communities and other county areas outside DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, and Paxton city and town limits.

Department

Walton County Building Division

Address

117 E. Sloss Ave., DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433; 842 State Highway 20 E, Unit 112, Freeport, FL 32439

Phone

(850) 892-8160 (DeFuniak Springs office); (850) 267-2084 (Freeport office)

Website

https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/77/Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Walton County and not inside DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, or Paxton.
2. Review the county permit page and select the correct application and checklist for the project type.
3. Obtain required outside approvals such as septic or utility availability, driveway access approval, planning/floodplain review, fire impact fee receipt, and coastal/flood certifications where relevant.
4. Submit the building permit application, plans, site plan, valuation, and supporting documents through the county's online Civic Access process.
5. Pay required fees and plan review charges. A $29.00 plan review deposit is required upon submittal.
6. Respond to review comments and obtain issued permit before starting work.
7. Request required inspections and obtain final approval or certificate before occupancy or use.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity and completeness of initial submittal; specific timeframes depend on the type of work and any required coordinated reviews.

Source: Walton County Building Division

General Requirements

Walton County requires building permits for construction, alteration, repair, and demolition work as listed on the county permit page, including building, reroof, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, demolition, pools, mobile homes, modular homes, accessory work, temporary poles, and coastal/flood-related items.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Proof of ownership
• Parcel information
• Septic permit or utility letter
• Planning-approved site plan and review sheet/letter
• Plans and specifications
• Energy forms when applicable
• Notice of Commencement when required
• Flood-zone statements and certificates
• Project-specific forms such as product approvals or pile installation forms

Permit validity

Specific validity periods are detailed in the county ordinances; applicants should verify with the Building Division.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code (effective December 31, 2023) is mandatory for all projects submitted after that date.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder projects must comply with Florida Statutes section 553.79 and county notice requirements.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold proper DBPR licensure and register with the county before working in Walton County.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Refer to current Walton County Ordinance 2025-17

Plan check fee

$29.00 plan review deposit required upon submittal

Permit fee formula

Walton County publishes fee ordinances rather than a simple one-page fee chart; verify with the Building Division.

Trade permit fee

Separate trade permit applications available for electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical; refer to current fee schedule.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fees published in current fee ordinances

Penalty (no permit)

Penalties for work without permit published in county code

Payment note

Payment methods and processing details available on the county permit page.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current ordinances: 2025-17, 2025-70, 2025-58; earlier ordinances 2005-29, 2007-38).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Walton County Building Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• County portal (Civic Access / Tyler Host) (online)
• (850) 892-8160 (DeFuniak Springs) or (850) 267-2084 (Freeport) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Specific deadline information should be verified with the county Building Division.

Inspection hours

8:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Time windows

8:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence per county checklist: footing, plumbing rough-in, slab or floor framing, sheathing/nail-off, window and door attachment, framing including electrical/plumbing/gas/mechanical, power, and certificate of occupancy/completion.

Remote inspection availability should be verified with the county Building Division.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code (effective December 31, 2023) is mandatory for all projects submitted after that date.
• Verify contractor license: Walton County Contractor Registration
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Walton County Wind Maps
• Florida Wind Maps by County
• Florida Permits Statute
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub