Permitting Guidelines

Permitting Process General Guidelines

Building permits are required if you are starting a new construction project, remodeling and planning to change the footprint of an original structure, or making any structural changes. Permits types can include:

  • Electrical
  • Gas
  • Mechanical
  • Plumbing
  • Residential or commercial buildings

Before seeking a building permit you should make sure that your project is actually allowed in the area in which you are building. If you are unsure whether your project is allowed or requires a building permit in Santa Rosa County, please call Development Services at 850-981-7000.

Residential Projects

Residential plan review assists customers who are constructing, remodeling, or altering a residential structure. Staff from the building inspections, planning and zoning, and floodplain management departments work together to educate customers and enforce the requirements of the Florida Building Code or FBC, Santa Rosa County Land Development Code and other local ordinances. Please visit this link for a checklist of items required to obtain a residential building permit (PDF). Please visit our Forms section for a complete list of all permit applications

Commercial Projects

Commercial Projects assists customers who are developing commercial or multi-family residential projects. Staff from the Building Inspections, Planning and Zoning and Engineering Departments work together to educate customers and enforce the requirements of the Santa Rosa County Land Development Code and other local ordinances, the Santa Rosa County Comprehensive Plan and the Florida Building Code or FBC, among other regulations.

Permitting Software

My Government Online is the new permitting software as of May 2022. To apply or search for permits please create an account. Once you have an account, to obtain permits as a contractor you must also "apply for registration" which will prompt you to enter your company information and upload documents pertaining to your license. Account created in the previous permitting software did not transfer to My Government Online. 

Please see the My Government Online Customer Portal Guideline for assistance on how to use the portal.

Know Who You Are Hiring

These projects often increase the value of our homes so we make an extra effort to ensure that they are done properly. If you are going to hire someone to perform the work, a major factor in choosing the right person is ensuring they are properly licensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can result in a cease and desist order and fines. Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation has recently increased their efforts at ensuring citizen’s hire licensed professionals. Below are just a few helpful hints.

Warning Signs of an Unlicensed Contractor

  • The contract offers a verbal contract only.
  • The contractor does not have proof of insurance. A licensed contractor in the Santa Rosa County is required to have workers compensation and general liability insurance.
  • The contractor asks you to obtain the permit. The permit holder is held responsible for making any changes needed to pass inspections. If you hold the permit then we expect you to make the corrections.
  • The contractor states that a permit is not required. Most often a permit is required except for minor repairs.
  • The contractor only provides a copy of a Business Tax Receipt as proof of a license. The State of Florida requires an individual to hold a State Certification, State Registration of Specialty Trade License in the field they are contracting to lawfully engage in contracting. Each will have a wallet card labeled with their name and scope of trade.

For additional information check the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

Protecting Yourself

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

State & Local Regulations

Please visit the following websites for other necessary approvals as well as state and local regulations which we enforce: