Find the Correct Duval Permit Office, Use JaxEPICS and Finish Every Inspection
Do not begin with the permit form. First confirm whether the property is handled by Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach or Baldwin.
For most consolidated Jacksonville and Duval County properties, this guide shows how to submit through JaxEPICS, prepare PDFs, understand review statuses, schedule next-business-day inspections, check zoning and flood reviews, search old permits and verify final closure.
Duval County Has More Than One Building Permit Office
Property location |
Correct starting office |
Official route |
|---|---|---|
Jacksonville and most consolidated Duval County |
City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division |
|
Jacksonville Beach |
Jacksonville Beach Building Inspection Division |
|
Atlantic Beach |
Atlantic Beach Building Division |
|
Neptune Beach |
Neptune Beach Planning & Community Development |
|
Town of Baldwin |
Town of Baldwin local permitting |
Choose the Exact Permit Task
Building Inspection Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Which Jacksonville Permit or Review Fits the Work?
Project |
Start with |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New house, addition or structural alteration |
Building permit |
Zoning, drainage, concurrency, landscape, flood and trade permits |
Interior remodel or tenant build-out |
Alteration permit |
Occupancy classification, fire, accessibility and MEP trades |
Roof replacement |
Roofing permit |
Product approval, deck condition and required inspections |
Electrical service, panel, circuits or wiring |
Electrical permit |
Building permit when walls or structural work change |
HVAC replacement or mechanical work |
Mechanical permit |
Electrical, structural, equipment location and energy documents |
Plumbing, irrigation or water heater |
Plumbing permit |
Gas, electrical and right-of-way work |
Pool or spa |
Pool permit |
Barrier, electrical, plumbing, safety affirmation and zoning |
Shed or accessory structure |
Accessory-structure permit |
Survey, setbacks, flood area, anchoring and size |
Driveway, culvert, sidewalk or work in city easement |
Right-of-way permit |
Bond, maintenance-of-traffic plan and utility jurisdiction |
New business or change of use |
Certificate of Use / Converting Use |
Zoning, occupancy, life-safety plan, Fire and business tax receipt |
Submit a Jacksonville Permit in Seven Clear Steps
Confirm the correct municipality
Use the jurisdiction table before opening JaxEPICS.
Check zoning, flood and site-development triggers
Confirm what can be built and whether DSD, Agency or Historic review will apply.
Download current forms
Use Jacksonville’s Checklists, Forms and Documents page. Pre-2026 versions listed by the city are no longer accepted after June 8, 2026.
Prepare PDF files
Jacksonville requires online permit packages and PDF documents. Digitally signed plans must not be password protected.
Complete JaxEPICS tabs
Finish Location, Contacts and Specs, upload documents and use a Project Contact email that is monitored.
Click Submit for Review
A permit number alone does not mean the application was submitted. The status should move from Not Submitted to DSD Review.
Pay, obtain Active status and inspect
Work may begin only when JaxEPICS shows Active. Complete inspections until the record shows Finalized.
What to Prepare Before Opening JaxEPICS
Property and applicant
- Exact site address
- Real estate number
- Legal description
- Owner information
- Contractor or design-professional profile
- Project Contact email
Plans and supporting files
- Permission to Obtain Permits form
- Architectural plans
- Structural plans
- Site plan or survey
- MEP plans or clear no-work notes
- Agency approval correspondence
Know Exactly What the Permit Status Requires
Current Jacksonville Plan-Review Guidance
First building review
25–30 business days
Jacksonville’s official FAQ currently lists this expectation because of submission volume.
Resubmission review
About 10 business days or less
Use a complete response package to avoid another return.
When the clock starts
After prerequisites and review fee
Zoning, concurrency and Development Services approvals must clear first.
Schedule and Prepare for Jacksonville Inspections
Schedule online
- Open JaxEPICS.
- Find the Active permit.
- Select the correct inspection.
- Confirm the requested day.
- Review the daily schedule when posted.
Schedule by phone
- Call 904-255-8500.
- Call on a workday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Provide the permit number and address.
- Name the exact inspection type.
- Jacksonville says the inspection will be scheduled for the next business day.
Required at the job site
- Posted permit
- Posted Notice of Commencement when required
- Complete approved documents
- Weatherproof plan container
- Safe access to work
- Adult representative for occupied sites
Before requesting
- Correct inspection stage complete
- Work remains visible
- Active permit confirmed
- Previous corrections completed
- Gates and rooms accessible
- Ladder/access provided where needed
Search a Duval / Jacksonville Property in JaxEPICS
Open JaxEPICS and use Guest Sign In
Public users can research permit, Certificate of Occupancy and violation information without using a contractor profile.
Choose Search for → Property by Address
Search the base street address first when a unit or suffix produces no result.
Open the address number
The address link opens associated permits and building-code enforcement details.
Open the permit number
Review status, inspections, documents and closeout information.
Check the CV tab
Jacksonville identifies the CV tab as the complaint/violation area.
Contact Archives when the old CO cannot print
Email BIDArchives@coj.net with the property, permit number and document requested.
Selected Jacksonville Building Permit Fees
Permit work |
Current city fee item |
What it means |
|---|---|---|
New enclosed building area through the fourth story |
$6.38 BID per 100 sq. ft. |
Additional resource, Development Services, landscape, debris and plan-review charges can apply. |
Residential new building/addition debris fee |
$8.75 per 100 sq. ft. |
Listed construction-and-demolition debris fee. |
Alteration or tenant build-out |
$3.00 BID per $1,000 of cost |
Resource, landscape, Development Services, debris and plan review are separate. |
General building plan review |
67% of BID fee or $90 minimum |
Applies to listed building-fee subsections. |
Roofing |
$10 per 1,000 sq. ft. |
Minimum BID fee is listed as $80 without inspection or $150 when inspections are required. |
Small residential accessory structure, no final inspection |
$45 BID + $15 DSD + $25 debris |
Applies to the listed size/value conditions in the city schedule. |
Above-ground pool |
$75 BID + $25 DSD |
Other electrical, plumbing or related permit costs may apply. |
Banner sign |
$40 per sign |
Permanent-sign formulas and plan review differ. |
Check Zoning, Flood, Historic and Right-of-Way Rules Early
Zoning
Call 904-255-8300 or email Zoning@coj.net for allowed use, setbacks, height and parcel questions.
Floodplain
A project exceeding 50% of the existing building value can be treated as a substantial improvement under flood rules.
Historic property
Exterior work, fencing, driveways and sheds in local historic districts or landmarks may need a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Right-of-way
Driveways, culverts, utility work or materials in a city road, right-of-way or easement can require a separate permit.
Can a Jacksonville Homeowner Pull the Permit?
Basic eligibility
- The property is the owner’s primary residence.
- The property is not for sale or rent.
- The owner’s name appears on the deed.
- The owner appears in person at 214 N. Hogan Street, Room 280.
Owner responsibilities
- Supervise subcontracted work.
- Use licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other licensed trades.
- Associate trade permits with the owner building permit.
- Schedule and pass all inspections.
Record and Post the NOC When Required
When required
Jacksonville’s official FAQ says a Notice of Commencement is required on most jobs over $5,000.
The owner must sign it.
Where to record
Record through the Duval Clerk of Courts at 501 W. Adams Street, 1st Floor, or use the recording office located within the Building Inspection Division offices when available.
Post the NOC with the permit at the job site before inspection.
Check Use and Occupancy Before Signing a Lease
Step 1: Zoning
Confirm that the proposed business use is allowed and that parking, alcohol, outside seating and other conditions can be met.
Step 2: Occupancy classification
A previously occupied space may not have the correct Building and Fire Code classification for the new business.
Step 3: COU / Converting Use
A new, expanded or changed business may need a Certificate of Use and a Converting Use permit with a life-safety plan and code summary.
How to Recover an Old Jacksonville Permit
Collect first
- Permit number
- Property address
- Original scope
- Approved plans
- Contractor history
- Inspection results
Ask BID
- Which inspections are missing?
- Is the permit expired but open?
- Are revisions required?
- Can the contractor be changed?
- Are trade permits still open?
- What creates Finalized status?
Codes Jacksonville Currently Lists
Florida Building Code
8th Edition (2023)
Building, fuel gas, mechanical, plumbing, accessibility, energy and existing-building provisions.
Electrical
NFPA 70 – NEC 2020
Confirm project-specific amendments and current interpretation with the electrical reviewer.
Fire prevention
2023 Florida Fire Prevention Code, 8th Edition
Fire review may be required before building-permit issuance.
What to Say When You Contact Jacksonville
“I am planning to [describe exact work] at [full address]. Can you confirm the municipality, permit types, zoning or flood reviews, required documents and inspection sequence before I submit?”
“Permit [number] shows [status]. Which review, document or payment is preventing the next step, and where should I upload the correction?”
“Permit [number] at [address] is not Finalized. Which inspections, revisions or certificates are still required to close it?”
Do Not Consider the Permit Finished Until These Are Complete
- Correct municipality confirmed
- Zoning and legal use checked
- Flood and historic screening completed
- Current 2026 forms used
- All PDFs uploaded to correct folders
- Permit reached Active status
- Permit and NOC posted
- Approved documents kept onsite
- Required inspections passed
- Trade permits closed
- Permit status shows Finalized
- CO or Completion certificate saved
Jacksonville Building Inspection Division Map
Open the Correct Duval / Jacksonville Resource
Duval County Building Department FAQs
Does all of Duval County use Jacksonville JaxEPICS?
No. Most consolidated Jacksonville/Duval properties use the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division and JaxEPICS. Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Baldwin have separate local permit routes.
Where do I apply for a Jacksonville building permit?
Use the official JaxEPICS portal. Jacksonville states that electronic submission is required for all permit types. Complete the required tabs, upload PDFs to the correct folders and click Submit for Review.
How do I schedule a Jacksonville inspection?
Schedule through JaxEPICS or call 904-255-8500 on workdays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The city says phone requests are scheduled for the next business day.
How do I search a Duval County permit by address?
Open JaxEPICS, use Guest Sign In, choose Search for and Property by Address, then open the address number and permit number. The CV tab contains complaint and violation information.
When may work begin?
Work may begin when JaxEPICS shows Active. Not Submitted, DSD Review, Agency Review, In Review, Return for Corrections and Pending Payment do not authorize construction.
How long is a Jacksonville permit valid?
Jacksonville’s official Building Inspection FAQ lists permits as good for 180 days. Keep inspections and work progressing and contact the city before continuing an expired permit.
When is a Notice of Commencement required?
Jacksonville’s FAQ says a Notice of Commencement is required on most jobs over $5,000. The owner must sign it, and it should be recorded and posted with the permit for inspections.
Can a homeowner pull a Jacksonville permit?
A qualifying homeowner may permit work on a primary residence that is not for sale or rent when the owner is on the deed. The owner must appear in person and remains responsible for supervision, trade permits and inspections.
What does Finalized mean in JaxEPICS?
Finalized means required work and inspections are complete and the permit is closed. A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion should be available when applicable.
What extra reviews can delay a Jacksonville building permit?
Common prerequisites include zoning, concurrency, landscape, drainage, flood, Historic Preservation, Downtown Investment Authority, fire, asbestos, CRA and site-development review. JaxEPICS shows these as DSD or Agency Review.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Jacksonville or Duval County government.
This page was checked against the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division, JaxEPICS instructions, Services and FAQ pages, Development Services, Zoning, Flood Protection, Historic Preservation, Right-of-Way, City Fees, and the official building pages for Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Baldwin.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Forms, fees, codes, review timing, staff and portal procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the correct permit authority 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.