Jacksonville permits are filed online through JaxEPICS; the Building Inspection Division is at 904-255-8500 and Zoning at 904-255-8300, both in the Ed Ball Building.

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Sources: the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division and its FAQs, the Zoning Section, the Planning Department and the Planning Commission.

Permits, inspections and zoning for the consolidated City of Jacksonville all run out of the Ed Ball Building, 214 N. Hogan St., downtown. Every permit is now filed online through JaxEPICS, and you need a JaxEPICS account to submit. The city enforces the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023).

Who to call

  • Building Inspection Division (permits, inspections, JaxEPICS help): 904-255-8500; BIDDocuments@coj.net. 2nd floor, 214 N. Hogan St., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
  • Zoning Section (what’s allowed on your lot): 904-255-8300; Zoning@coj.net
  • Planning and Development Department: 904-255-7800, Suite 300
  • Code complaints about a neighbor’s property: 630-CITY (904-630-2489) or MyJax

When you need a permit

The Building Inspection Division’s FAQ says a permit is needed for any work that physically changes or adds to a structure, including:

  • New buildings, room additions, patio covers and swimming pools.
  • Re-roofs, garage conversions and exterior stucco.
  • Water heaters, irrigation systems, air-conditioning units, new electrical service and rewiring.
  • Moving or demolishing a building, or changing its use.
  • Wood stoves, central heat, wall heaters and gas or wood fireplaces.

No permit is needed for patio slabs, replacing plumbing fixtures after the stop (not water heaters), fixing leaks, clearing drains or plugging in portable heaters and coolers.

Starting work without applying for a permit is unlawful and can bring a $250 fine, according to the city’s residential permits page. The permit must be posted where it can be seen from the street. Permits are good for 180 days.

How to apply

  1. Check zoning first. Look up your parcel on the city’s JaxGIS map or call 904-255-8300. Have your real estate number handy.
  2. Create a JaxEPICS account and submit the application and plans as PDFs at jaxepics.coj.net.
  3. Record a Notice of Commencement for jobs over $5,000 ($15,000 for mechanical work) before the first inspection. Record it with the Clerk of Courts at 501 W. Adams St., 904-255-1930, or at the clerk’s desk inside the permit office, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  4. Book inspections through JaxEPICS. Field inspectors work 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Plan examiners meet the public 2 to 4 p.m. daily, first come, first served. Fees are listed in the city’s fee schedule.

Doing the work yourself

Florida lets an owner act as their own contractor. In Jacksonville, the homeowner can permit work on their own primary residence if it is not for sale or rent and their name is on the deed. The owner must apply in person at 214 N. Hogan St., Room 280 (904-255-8500, option 4), and sign an owner’s affidavit; proof of homestead exemption goes with it for work on an existing home. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC and roofing contractors you hire still pull their own permits.

Hiring a contractor? Check the license with the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the city’s contractor license and complaint search. The city advises a signed written contract and a lien release with every progress payment.

Businesses: certificate of use

A new business, an expanding business or a change of use needs a Certificate of Use, which can mean zoning, building and fire reviews. Apply in JaxEPICS. The city warns that a correctly zoned space may still need a “converting use” permit if the building’s code occupancy class doesn’t match your use. Ask Zoning at 904-255-8300 before you sign a lease.

Zoning, rezoning and who decides

The Planning Department’s Current Planning Division reviews rezonings, planned unit developments (PUDs), variances, exceptions and waivers. Its chief is at 904-255-7817. Two public bodies hear the cases:

Body What it does When it meets
Planning Commission Hears exceptions, variances and waivers; recommends on land use changes and rezonings Twice a month on Thursdays, Ed Ball Building, Hearing Room 1002
City Council Land Use and Zoning Committee Considers rezonings and land use amendments before the full council votes First and third Tuesday, 5 p.m., Council Chamber, City Hall, 117 W. Duval St.

The Planning Commission last met Thursday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m.; its agendas and results are posted on its page. LUZ agendas are on the council’s Legistar calendar. To comment on a zoning case, the Planning Commission page lists an email link for all commissioners.

Historic districts such as Riverside-Avondale and Springfield need a certificate of appropriateness for exterior changes; the Historic Preservation Section lets you search by address.

Not in Jacksonville city limits?

Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Baldwin are inside Duval County but run their own permit offices. Check with your city hall.

What this means for you

  • Apply online; walk-in is for owner-builders.
  • Check zoning before you buy, lease or design.
  • Watch LUZ and the Planning Commission agendas for rezonings near you.

Related: who to call at City Hall, Duval County property taxes and moving to Jacksonville.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a building permit in Jacksonville?

Apply online through the city’s JaxEPICS system at jaxepics.coj.net; online submission is now required for every permit type. Questions go to the Building Inspection Division at 904-255-8500.

What is my zoning in Jacksonville?

Look up your parcel on the city’s JaxGIS map at maps.coj.net/jaxgis, or call the Zoning Section at 904-255-8300.

Can a homeowner pull their own permit in Jacksonville?

Yes, for their own primary residence that is not for sale or rent, with their name on the deed. The owner must apply in person at 214 N. Hogan St., Room 280, and sign an owner’s affidavit.

How long is a Jacksonville building permit good for?

The Building Inspection Division says permits are good for 180 days.

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or AC unit in Jacksonville?

Yes. The city lists water heaters, AC units, re-roofs, pools, additions and new electrical service among the jobs that need a permit.