Before you start any construction, remodel, or trade work in Nassau County, Florida, you’ll need approval from the Building Department to stay compliant with Florida’s coastal building standards. From residential additions to commercial builds, most projects here must follow Florida’s strict structural, wind load, and flood-zone regulations.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Nassau County permitting process, including which projects require approval, how to apply through the online permitting portal, current permit fees, and what to expect during plan review and inspections.
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What requires a building permit in Nassau County, FL?
Most construction work in Nassau County needs a permit before you start. The county requires permits to make sure all building projects meet Florida's safety codes, especially rules designed for coastal and hurricane zones.
Here are common projects that require permits in Nassau County:
- Construction of a new building or structure (residential or commercial) governed by the Florida Building Code
- Alteration, modification, repair (involving structural changes), change of use or occupancy of a building or structure
- Installation of major systems (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, HVAC) when they fall under the code requirements for commercial properties or when structural support/foundation work is required
What doesn’t require a building permit in Nassau County, Florida?
Under the Florida Building Code, minor non-structural work often doesn’t need a permit.
Examples include:
- Structures regulated by the federal government
- Railroads and associated facilities
- Nonresidential farm buildings on farms
- Temporary construction buildings or sheds
- Electric utility structures used for generation, transmission, or distribution
- Film/TV production sets, temporary structures, or sound-recording gear
- Family mausoleums <250 sq ft made of granite/marble/concrete
- Temporary Department of Corrections housing for inmates
- Remote hunting buildings under all of these conditions:
- <1,000 sq ft
- Not rented, leased, or used as a residence
- Not in a 100-year floodplain
- No water or power connection
Nassau County, FL building permit cost
Permit fees in Nassau County are calculated based on the project’s construction value, square footage, and type of work. Below are general estimates for typical projects:
For full details on building permit fees, review the county’s permit fees page.
Other related fees to be aware of:
- Foundation-only permits: 25% of total building cost
- Shell building completion: 40% of total building cost (portion completed)
- Remodels/renovations: 10%–50% of total cost (as determined by official)
- No permit obtained: Fee is 4x the normal permit fee
- Site work: Based on total contract or cost estimate
Nassau County, FL trade permits
Plumbing permits
A plumbing permit is required for new installations, system replacements, or major repairs.
Electrical permits
Electrical permits cover new service connections, upgrades, or major wiring changes.
HVAC permits
All heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations or replacements require a mechanical permit.
Roofing, fence, and special permits
Certain exterior and accessory projects require their own permits.
You can find more about trade permit fees on the permit fees page.
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How to get a building permit in Nassau County, FL
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Before applying, collect all required documentation based on your project type (residential or commercial).
For residential permits, gather:
- Completed Residential Building Application
- Full site plan (to scale) with setbacks, easements, lot drainage, etc.
- Floor plans, elevations, and structural plans
- Manual J/S/D for HVAC load calculations (if applicable)
- Product approval sheets for windows, doors, roof, etc.
- Contractor license info (or owner-builder disclosure if DIY)
- Recorded Notice of Commencement (NOC) if job >$2,500
- Septic permit or sewer availability letter
- Flood elevation certificate if in the floodplain
For commercial permits, gather:
- Completed Commercial Building Application
- Full site plan (including fire lanes, accessible routes, etc.)
- Architectural and structural plans (signed & sealed)
- Energy code compliance report
- Fire protection plans (if required)
- Contractor license info
- Recorded NOC if project >$2,500
- Utilities verification (water/sewer/septic)
- Florida Product Approval Numbers for regulated materials
Step 2: Submit your Nassau County FL building permit application
You have two options to submit:
- Online via Citizen Self Service Portal (CSS)
- In Person at the Building Department:
- 96161 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097
- Include 2 hard copies of all plans (minimum), and digital PDFs
Step 3: Plan review and approvals
Your application and plans will be routed for review to:
- Building Department
- Planning & Zoning
- Fire Department (for commercial & multifamily)
- Health Department (for septic approval, if needed)
- Engineering (for site drainage, driveway cuts, etc.)
Step 4: Pay fees and receive your permit
Once approved:
- You’ll receive a notification via the CSS portal or email
- Fees are calculated based on project valuation and trade scope (building, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
- Pay fees online or in person
- A digital Permit Card and approved Stamped Plans will be issued – print and post on-site and accessible to inspectors.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
With the permit active, you may begin work.
Typical inspections include:
- Footings & foundation
- Slab or under-slab utilities
- Framing, sheathing, and tie-downs
- Rough-in inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Insulation
- Final building & trade inspections (must pass all for CO/CC)
How to schedule inspections:
- Use the CSS portal
- Or call (904) 530-6250 (Inspection Request Line)
Nassau County, FL permitting resources
- Nassau County Building Department
- Address: 96161 Nassau Pl., Yulee, FL 32097
- Phone: (904) 530-6250
- Fax: (904) 321-5763
- Email: permitting@nassaucountyfl.com
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
- Nassau County FL building permit search
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Nassau County's coastal location means stricter building codes and more complex permit requirements. Between Florida's hurricane standards, flood zone rules, and wind load calculations, even simple projects need detailed documentation. Managing all these requirements while keeping your project on schedule takes serious time and expertise.
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