Note: “It is the responsibility of the homeowner or contractor to have a building permit issues, in hand, and posted, prior to work start.” This is per the current Florida Building Code (FBC), and Florida Residential Code (FRC), and all referenced codes.

FBC Part 1 - Section 101 General

101.2 Scope. The provision of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

FBC Part 1 – Section 105 Permits

105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

Additional Pertinent Information

Additional pertinent information may be found in the following sections:

• FBC 102.2 Building Exemptions
• FBC 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit
• FBC 105.2.1 Emergency Repairs
• FBC 105.2.2 Minor Repairs
• FBC 105.4. 1 Permit Intent

If you’re not sure whether a permit is needed, call our office at 352-438-2400 or refer to the Florida Building Code, Chapter 1.

All swimming pools, above and in-ground, larger to equal to 24 inches in depth require a permit. Also, the child barrier and electric set up must meet FBC standards.

Applications may be submitted to our office. Permit applications will be processed in the order received. Processing time will depend on the level of permit activity and availability of staff trained to process permits. Those applications that require review by other departments may take several days to process.

A permit technician can provide you with an 'estimated' processing time for your permit application.

The following building permits require plan review:

• Fire alarm systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Mobile home additions
• New commercial additions or alterations
• New commercial structures
• New residential additions or alterations
• New residential structures
• Signs
• Swimming pools

You need to have the following on the job site at the time of inspection:

• Access to permitted construction work
• Animals restrained
• Building Safety stamp on plans
• Permit Inspection job card
• Work completed for inspection scheduled

To register as a state-certified contractor in Marion County the applicant must provide the following:

• State license
• Proof of Workers' Compensation and liability insurance
• Driver’s license or government-issued ID
• A completed county licensing application

A person applying to be a registered contractor in Marion County must provide the following:

• An application for reciprocity
• A letter of reciprocity from the county where testing took place
• State license
• A notarized letter of recommendation from a licensed contractor
• Proof of Workers' Compensation and liability insurance

The paperwork will then be scheduled to go before the Marion County License Review Board (LRB).

An application can be made with Marion County Building Safety as a contractor desiring to do business in Marion County. Each applicant must demonstrate competency by providing either a letter of reciprocity from another Florida county or by taking an exam.

Steps to Obtain a Local Competency Card

The following steps are needed to obtain a local competency card:

• A completed application for sponsorship/exam
• Documentation to prove four years of experience in the specific trade, with at least one of those years working in a supervisory capacity.
• A notarized letter of recommendation from a licensed contractor.

Submit these materials to the Building Safety’s Licensing Division. The paperwork will then go before the Marion County License Review Board (LRB). Additionally, each contractor must provide evidence of Workers' Compensation and liability insurance and proof of Fictitious Name filing, if applicable.

Yes, you can apply for a building permit if you are not a licensed contractor.

Per Florida Statutes, ss:489.103, “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors, when building or improving farm outbuildings or one-or-two family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease, or building or improving commercial buildings, at a cost not to exceed $75,000.00 on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not for sale or lease.”

The Marion County License Review Board is responsible for hearing cases related to the following:

• Applications for Licensure
• Appeals of decisions of the building official
• Appeals of unsafe building determination by the Building Official
• Violations of contracting rules in county ordinances and state statutes

The Building Safety Director/Building Official is responsible for the following:

• Adopting policies and procedures to clarify the application of provision of the FBC
• Enforcing the FBC
• Interpreting the FBC
• Identifying and abating unsafe buildings or systems
• All operations of Building Safety

The Marion County Building Official and the Florida Building Commission can render interpretations of the FBC.

The Marion County Fire Marshal and the state fire marshal can interpret the provisions of the Florida Fire Code.