For any questions not addressed below, contact Building Safety at 352-438-2400 during our regular business hours of Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. & Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

When is a building permit necessary?
A building permit is required for all projects to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside area being used as part of the building's designated occupancy, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, which is regulated by the technical codes. Exceptions provided in the answer to the next question.

When is a permit not required?
Examples of work which does not require a permit.
- Ordinary minor non-structural repairs, provided that such repairs shall not violate any of the provisions of the technical codes.
- Repairing faucet or valves and unstop clogged drains & sewer lines.
- Installing A/C units (less than three tons), cord & plug with existing electrical outlet; not connected to ducts.
- Any portable heating appliance, portable ventilation equipment or portable cooling unit. 
- Painting or replacing cabinets, carpet, vinyl, tile & gutters.
- Roofing repair 100 square feet or less.
- Stucco or siding 100 square feet or less.

How long will it take to get a building permit?
Applications may be submitted by email, fax, or dropped off at our office. Permit applications will be processed in the order received. Processing time will depend on the level of permit activity. Those applications that require review by other departments may take several days to process. A service representative can provide you with an estimated processing time for your permit application.

Which building permits require plan review?
The most common type of permits requiring plan review are:
- New residential structures.
- New residential additions or alterations.
- Mobile home installations and additions.
- New commercial structures.
- New commercial additions or alterations.
- Fire alarm systems.
- Fire suppression systems.
- Sign installations & repairs.
- Swimming pool installations & repairs.

What do I need to have on the job site at the time of inspection?
- Access to permitted construction work has been provided.
- Plans have been stamped by Building Safety.
- Permit inspection record.
- Work has completed for inspection scheduled.
- Any animals and pets onsite are restrained.

What information will I need to provide to work as a contractor in Marion County (if I am a state-certified contractor)?
Marion County no longer registers state-certified contractors. However, we do maintain an insurance database for contractors’ convenience, if they choose to participate. To be added to this database, you must provide:
- Florida state contractor license.
- Workers' compensation and liability insurance proof.
- Driver’s license.

If a contractor does not wish to be added to Building Safety’s insurance database, they must bring their insurance certificates each time they apply for a permit. 

What information will I need to provide when I register as a contractor in Marion County, if I am licensed as a registered contractor in another county in Florida?
State-registered contractors need to submit a letter of reciprocity.

Do I need to do to obtain a local competency card in Marion County?
Local competency cards are required for work as/in:
- Aluminum contractor.
- Aluminum contractor with concrete.
- Concrete.
- Masonry.
- Demolition.
- Garage door installation.
- Irrigation installation & maintenance.
- Siding installation & maintenance.
- Window and door installation and maintenances.

Local competency cards are obtained by passing an exam in the trade, business and law.

As an owner, can I apply for a building permit if I am not a licensed contractor?
Yes.
"Owners of property, when acting as their own contractor & 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 $25,000.00, on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners & not for sale or lease." Florida Statutes 489.103.

What is the role of the Marion County License Review Board?
The county's License Review Board is responsible for hearing cases related to:
- Violations of contracting rules in county ordinances & state statutes.
- Appeals of decisions of the Building Official.
- Appeals of unsafe building determination by the Building Official.

What are the duties/responsibilities of the Building Safety Director/Building Official?
The Building Safety director/building official is responsible for:
- All operations of Building Safety.
- Enforcing the Florida Building Code.
- Rendering interpretations of the Florida Building Code.
- Adopting policies & procedures to clarify the application of provisions of the Florida Building Code.
- Identifying and abating unsafe buildings or systems. 

Who can interpret provisions of the Florida Building Code?
Interpretations of the Florida Building code mat be rendered by the Marion County building official & the Florida Building Commission.

Who can interpret provisions of the Florida Fire Code?
Interpretations of the Florida Fire Code may be rendered by the county fire marshal or the Florida Fire Marshal.

Can I schedule an inspection online?
Yes, via Building Safety's permits & inspection information page.

Can I verify my escrow account online?
Yes, via Building Safety's permits & inspection information page.

How do I confirm that a contractor is currently licensed?
You may check Building Safety's contractor licensing database or by calling 352-438-2430.