Apply, Track, Inspect and Close an Escambia County Building Permit
Escambia County uses MGO Connect for online permit access. Start by proving that the property is in unincorporated Escambia County, the Town of Century or another area served by County Building Services—not inside the City of Pensacola.
This guide explains permit types, MGO steps, zoning clearance, flood documentation, Notice of Commencement rules, contractor verification, inspection cutoffs, fees and final Certificate of Occupancy requirements.
What Do You Need to Do?
Escambia County Permit Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that best matches the work.
Escambia County Building Services Phone, Email and Offices
County, Pensacola, Century or Pensacola Beach?
Property location |
Building authority |
Approval needed before filing |
|---|---|---|
Unincorporated Escambia County |
Escambia County Building Services |
Zoning, addressing, engineering, environmental, septic/sewer or flood review as applicable |
City of Pensacola |
City of Pensacola Inspection Services |
Use the city’s MGO jurisdiction and city departments—not the county permit application |
Town of Century |
County Building Services after Town approval |
Obtain and submit the required Town of Century approval |
Pensacola Beach |
County Building Services after SRIA approval |
Obtain Santa Rosa Island Authority approval and any beach-specific documentation |
Which Project Requires Which Permit?
Project |
County requirement |
Important extra check |
|---|---|---|
New home, addition or major residential alteration |
Residential building permit |
Plot plan, sealed plans, wind design, energy, septic/sewer, water, termite and flood documents |
Commercial construction or occupancy change |
Commercial building and trade permits |
Development review, fire/life safety, accessibility, utilities and site approval |
Air-conditioning installation or replacement |
Mechanical permit |
NOC at the applicable HVAC contract threshold, electrical work and equipment anchorage |
Electrical circuit, equipment or panel work |
Electrical permit |
Service change, load calculations, utility coordination and final inspection |
Water heater, fixture relocation or water-service replacement |
Plumbing permit |
Licensed contractor, rough inspection and sewer/septic conditions |
Roof replacement over two roofing squares |
Roofing permit |
Florida Product Approval, roofing affidavit, deck repair and manufacturer specifications |
Roof repair under two squares |
Generally no building permit |
Confirm that work is truly a limited repair and does not include structural damage |
Windows, exterior doors, sliding doors or garage doors |
Building permit |
Florida Product Approval, design pressure and installation details |
In-ground swimming pool |
Pool and trade permits |
Barrier, electrical bonding, setbacks, easements and floodplain placement |
Shed with slab or posts installed in the ground |
Building permit |
Location, anchorage, setbacks, easements and flood conditions |
Portable skid-mounted shed under 120 square feet |
Generally no building permit |
Zoning, placement, floodplain and neighborhood restrictions still apply |
Fence |
No Building Services permit |
Land-use approval and zoning compliance are still required |
New or extended driveway |
No building permit |
County right-of-way permit, sight distance, zoning and environmental rules may apply |
Painting, wallpaper, carpet or cabinet replacement |
Generally no permit |
A permit is still needed when structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical work is included |
Apply Online Without Creating the Wrong Record
Confirm the parcel and jurisdiction
Use the property address and parcel or reference number. Confirm County, Pensacola, Century or Pensacola Beach routing before starting.
Open MGO Connect
Create an account or sign in to the Customer Portal.
Select Florida and Escambia County
Do not accidentally choose the City of Pensacola when County Building Services controls the property.
Choose the exact permit type
Select the record matching the complete project. Separate permits may be required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, roofing, pools, signs or wells.
Upload a coordinated package
The application, project value, plot plan, construction plans, contractor information and trade scope must describe the same work.
Monitor every review comment
Read zoning, addressing, engineering, environmental, fire, flood and plan-review comments. Answer each item and identify the revised drawing sheet.
Pay and confirm issuance
Do not start because an application number exists. Verify that the permit is issued and that the approved documents can be printed.
Prepare These Documents Before Filing
Property and approvals
- Exact property address
- Parcel or property-reference number
- Zoning and future land use
- Town of Century or SRIA approval if applicable
- Septic approval or sewer-tap receipt
- Water-tap or water-management permit
Plans and project
- Complete permit application
- Detailed scope of work
- Total construction cost
- Plot or site plan
- Building plans and construction details
- Wind-load design method
Technical and closeout
- Florida Product Approvals
- Energy-efficiency forms
- Termite-treatment letter
- Flood certificates when applicable
- Recorded Notice of Commencement
- Blower-door certification for residential CO
What to Prepare for Common Projects
Project |
Useful documents |
Question to answer first |
|---|---|---|
Roof replacement |
Roof application, roofing affidavit, contract value, roof type and Florida Product Approval |
Will damaged decking or structural framing also be replaced? |
Windows or exterior doors |
Opening schedule, sizes, design pressures, product approvals and installation details |
Are opening dimensions or structural headers changing? |
Residential addition |
Plot plan, sealed construction plans, energy forms, utilities, flood data and trade plans |
Does the addition meet setbacks, septic capacity and flood elevation? |
Pool or enclosure |
Site plan, pool or aluminum plans, barrier, equipment, electrical bonding and drainage information |
Can every component fit outside easements and required setbacks? |
Shed or accessory structure |
Site plan, dimensions, anchorage, slab or post details and product information |
Is it portable and under 120 square feet, or fixed to the ground? |
Commercial alteration |
Use description, occupancy, accessibility, life safety, fire and complete MEP plans |
Is the proposed use allowed and is a change of occupancy involved? |
Check Land Use, Setbacks and Board Relief Early
Prepare two identifiers
Planning staff need the property address and the 16-digit property reference number to identify zoning and future land use accurately.
Check more than use
- Front, side and rear setbacks
- Height and lot coverage
- Parking and access
- Accessory structures
- Sight-distance areas
- Flood and environmental overlays
Ask before filing for relief
Call 850-595-3475 to schedule an appointment with a planner before submitting a Board of Adjustment application.
Board application |
Official listed fee |
Use |
|---|---|---|
Variance |
$515 |
Dimensional relief when a qualifying hardship prevents compliance |
Conditional use |
$1,530 |
A use allowed only after Board approval and conditions |
Administrative appeal |
$820 |
Appeal of an administrative determination |
Development-order extension |
$260 |
Request to extend an eligible development order |
Building Approval May Depend on Site and Infrastructure Review
Driveways and right-of-way
A building permit is generally not required for a driveway, but a right-of-way utilization permit, zoning and sight-distance approval may be required.
Land disturbance and stormwater
Commercial sites, subdivisions, major grading and drainage work may require a land-disturbance permit, stormwater-management permit and Development Review Committee approval.
Utilities and septic
New construction may require a septic permit, sewer-tap receipt, water-tap receipt, utility approval or executed water/wastewater waiver.
Prepare the Correct Elevation Documents at Each Stage
Flood condition |
Required document or design |
Due point |
|---|---|---|
New construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area |
Original pre-construction Elevation Certificate |
With permit application |
Building under construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area |
Under-construction Elevation Certificate |
Before framing inspection |
Completed building in a Special Flood Hazard Area |
Finished-construction Elevation Certificate |
Before final inspection |
V Zone construction |
Original signed and sealed V-Zone certification |
As required during permit review |
Construction in a designated floodway |
Signed and sealed no-rise certification with supporting engineering |
Before permit issuance |
Equipment below required elevation |
Plans showing elevated electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and other equipment |
During plan review |
Record, Submit and Post the NOC Before Inspection
Use the conservative county trigger
- Plan to record an NOC when construction cost is $5,000 or more.
- For repair or replacement of an existing HVAC system, use the $15,000 threshold.
- The owner must sign the Notice of Commencement.
- Building Services will not approve inspections until the certified recorded copy is provided.
Record with the Clerk
Address: 221 South Palafox Place, 1st Floor, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-595-3930
Hours listed in county guidance:
Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Complete and notarize the NOC
Match the owner, contractor, property description, lender and permit information.
Record it with the Escambia County Clerk
Obtain a certified recorded copy showing the official recording information.
Send the certified copy to Building Services
Upload it through MGO, email buildinginspections@myescambia.com, fax it or deliver/mail it to 3363 West Park Place.
Display it at the job site
Post the certified recorded copy where the inspector can verify it.
Watch the validity period
The county guidance states that the recorded NOC generally expires one year after recording and becomes void when the contracted improvement does not begin within 90 days.
Use the Correct Same-Day Cutoff
MGO online request
Same-day cutoff: 6:00 AM
Sign in, open the permit, select the inspection and verify that it appears in the record.
IVR phone request
Same-day cutoff: 4:30 AM
Follow the automated prompts and retain the confirmation.
Inspection stage |
What should be ready |
Common delay |
|---|---|---|
Footing, slab or foundation |
Location, forms, reinforcement, depth and approved plans visible |
Concrete placed before inspection or setbacks not verified |
Underground trades |
Electrical, plumbing or gas work exposed and test-ready |
Work covered with soil or concrete |
Rough framing and trades |
Framing, wind connectors, wiring, plumbing and HVAC coordinated |
Unapproved field changes or incomplete trade roughs |
Flood elevation |
Under-construction Elevation Certificate submitted where required |
Framing requested before elevation approval |
Insulation or enclosure |
Prerequisite rough inspections passed |
Walls or ceilings closed too early |
Final |
Project complete, certified NOC posted, plans on site and trade permits finaled |
Missing flood certificate, open trade permit, failed blower-door test or unfinished site work |
Keep the Permit Active
Six-month inactivity rule
The county FAQ states that a permit remains valid for six months from issuance or from the last approved inspection.
Request an extension before expiration
A dormant project can expire after six months. A permit extension requires a written request and Building Official approval.
Request an Official Estimate Instead of Guessing
Building estimate form
The county provides a Building Permit Fee Estimate form requesting project type, structure type, dimensions, square footage, roofing squares, scope and construction cost.
The form clearly states that it is not a permit application.
Each trade is separate
Separate estimate forms are provided for building, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing work.
Planning, fire, septic, sewer, utility, stormwater, zoning and outside-agency charges may not be included.
Fee question |
What to prepare |
Best action |
|---|---|---|
How is the project described? |
New, addition, alteration, repair, replacement, demolition or occupancy change |
Use the exact scope—not a broad label such as “renovation.” |
What value should be entered? |
Complete labor and material construction cost |
Include owner-supplied materials and connected trade work. |
Which square footage matters? |
Footprint and all square footage under roof |
Do not enter only conditioned living area. |
Are all agency fees included? |
Zoning, engineering, fire, septic, utility and environmental approvals |
Ask each reviewing agency about its separate charge. |
Is the estimate final? |
Approved scope and completed application |
Use the final MGO invoice as the amount due. |
Understand the Owner-Builder Responsibilities
A qualifying residential owner may apply when
- The property is a one- or two-family residence.
- The home is for the owner’s own use.
- The property is not being offered for sale or lease.
- The owner personally performs or directly supervises the work.
- A homeowner affidavit and disclosure are submitted.
- Licensed contractors perform regulated trade work when required.
The owner becomes responsible for
- Permit accuracy
- Code compliance
- Licensed subcontractors
- Workers’ compensation obligations
- Job-site safety
- Inspection scheduling and correction
Verify the Contractor Before Paying
Search the license
Verify state-certified contractors through Florida DBPR and local contractors through the county search.
Match all names
The license holder, business, contract, insurance and permit applicant should match.
Report a problem
Call 850-595-3550 and select option 6 to report contractor-related concerns.
Repair Storm Damage Without Skipping Flood or Permit Review
Document conditions first
Photograph roof, wall, equipment, flood-water and structural damage before removing materials.
Separate emergency protection
Temporary tarping or securing may differ from permanent repair. Ask which reconstruction work needs a permit.
Request every inspection
The contractor or owner-builder must request the required inspections before proceeding to the next construction stage.
What the MGO Permit Status Means
Find an Old Permit and Confirm Final Closure
Search MGO Connect
Select Florida and Escambia County, then search by permit number or exact address.
Use consistent property information
Try the parcel number, property reference number, owner name and alternate address formatting.
Request the complete file
Ask for the application, approved plans, revisions, inspection history, NOC and Certificate of Occupancy or Completion.
Check separate trade records
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, pool, fire and site permits can close separately.
Submit a public-record request when necessary
Use the county public-record route when the online permit record is incomplete or a certified file is needed.
Confirm the Code Edition Shown on the Permit
Current statewide edition
The Florida Building Commission identifies the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code as the current statewide edition during this review, together with applicable supplements.
Why confirmation matters
Code editions, supplements, electrical standards and product approvals can change. Follow the code and documents identified on the issued permit.
Fix Common Escambia County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
MGO cannot find the address |
Wrong jurisdiction or address format |
Confirm city limits, parcel number and County versus Pensacola authority. |
Application remains incomplete |
Missing notarized signature, plot plan, contractor or agency approval |
Compare the file against the county application instructions. |
Plan review has not started |
Zoning, addressing, septic, flood, engineering or intake issue remains |
Ask which reviewing agency currently holds the record. |
Plans keep returning |
Comments were answered separately or plans conflict |
Submit a numbered response and one complete coordinated revision set. |
Inspection did not schedule |
Same-day cutoff missed or incorrect permit/inspection selected |
Use the next available date or call 850-595-3550. |
Inspection cannot be approved |
NOC, plans, permit card, flood document or visible work is missing |
Correct every prerequisite before requesting reinspection. |
Fence or driveway application is confusing |
Building permit may not be required, but land-use or right-of-way approval is |
Contact Planning and Zoning or Public Works before installation. |
Permit expired |
No approved inspection for six months |
Stop work and ask the Building Official about extension, renewal or a new permit. |
Final inspection passed but no certificate |
Trade, flood, septic, utility, fire or site closeout remains open |
Request a written list of every remaining closure condition. |
What to Say When You Contact the County
“Please confirm whether Escambia County, the City of Pensacola, the Town of Century or SRIA handles the building permit for [address and property reference number].”
“I am planning [exact work] at [address]. Which building, zoning, flood, engineering and trade permits are required, and which documents should be uploaded in MGO?”
“Permit [number] is issued, but I cannot request [inspection type]. Can you confirm whether the NOC, fee, flood certificate, preceding inspection or another hold is missing?”
“Please provide the permit, approved plans, inspection history and final certificate for work completed around [year] at [address].”
Do Not Consider the Project Finished Until These Are Complete
- Correct jurisdiction confirmed
- Zoning and future land use verified
- Century or SRIA approval completed if applicable
- Septic, sewer and water documents completed
- Flood requirements resolved
- Correct MGO applications submitted
- Contractors and trades verified
- Plans and product approvals accepted
- Fees paid and permits issued
- Certified NOC submitted and posted
- Approved plans available on site
- Rough inspections passed before concealment
- Building final passed
- Electrical final passed
- Plumbing final passed
- Mechanical final passed
- Fire and site finals completed
- Final Elevation Certificate accepted if required
- Blower-door and termite documents accepted
- Certificate of Occupancy or Completion issued
Escambia County Building Services Map
North office: 3470 Highway 29, Cantonment, FL 32533 · 850-587-5770.
Open the Correct Escambia County Page or Portal
Escambia County Building Department FAQs
Which areas does Escambia County Building Services cover?
County Building Services handles permits, plan review and inspections in unincorporated Escambia County and provides building services for the Town of Century. Properties inside the City of Pensacola use City of Pensacola Inspection Services.
Where do I apply for an Escambia County building permit?
Use the MGO Connect Customer Portal. Create an account, select Florida and Escambia County, choose the correct permit type, upload the documents and monitor the record for reviews, fees and inspections.
What is the Escambia County Building Department phone number?
Call 850-595-3550 for the main Building Services office. The North Office in Cantonment is listed at 850-587-5770.
What is the cutoff for a same-day building inspection?
Online same-day inspections can be scheduled through MGO until 6:00 AM. Same-day IVR requests can be made by calling 850-273-4864 by 4:30 AM.
Do I need a building permit for a fence?
The county FAQ states that a Building Services permit is not required for a fence, but land-use approval and compliance with zoning regulations are required. Contact Planning and Zoning at 850-595-3475 before installation.
Do I need a permit for a shed?
A shed with a poured slab or posts installed into the ground requires a building permit regardless of size. A portable skid-mounted shed under 120 square feet is generally listed as not requiring a building permit, but zoning and flood rules still apply.
When is a Notice of Commencement required?
Use the conservative county trigger of $5,000 or more for construction work and $15,000 or more for repair or replacement of an existing heating or air-conditioning system. The certified recorded copy must be provided to Building Services and posted before inspection.
What flood documents are required for new construction?
New construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area may require pre-construction, under-construction and finished-construction Elevation Certificates. V Zone construction requires a signed and sealed V-Zone certification, and floodway construction requires a signed and sealed no-rise certification.
How long is an Escambia County building permit valid?
The county FAQ states that the permit is valid for six months from issuance or the last approved inspection. A project dormant for six months can expire unless the Building Official approves a written extension.
How can I estimate Escambia County permit fees?
Use the official building and trade fee-estimate forms. Enter the full construction cost, project type, dimensions and square footage. The estimate is not a permit application, does not include every agency charge and is finalized only after application review.
Source and Accuracy Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Escambia County. Applications, zoning decisions, flood determinations, fees, inspections and final certificates must be confirmed with the responsible government agency.
This page was rebuilt using Escambia County Building Services, MGO Connect, permitting, plan-review, inspection, floodplain, Planning and Zoning, contractor-licensing, development-review, NOC and Florida Building Commission resources.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Forms, portal functions, fees, staff, flood maps, code editions and inspection procedures can change. Recheck the official source before filing, paying or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.