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Building Permits & Inspections

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1. When is a permit required?

The Florida Building Code requires a Building Permit 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 The Florida Building Code, latest edition. Always call prior to commencement of any construction project to verify whether a permit is required.

2. How much will my permit cost?

The cost of a permit varies depending on the permit type. If you have the square footage and valuation of the project, an estimate can be obtained from one of the Building Clerks. The fee schedule can also be viewed on our webpage.

3. What happens if I choose not to obtain the required permits?

If the Building Official, Inspector, or Code Enforcement Officer finds you working without a permit, your work will be stopped immediately. A Stop Work Order will be posted and the Code Enforcement Officer will issue you a notice for working without permits and you will be required to pay the cost of the permit fee PLUS a fine. Additionally, structural work may require a third party engineering analysis and if areas of work are concealed, materials may be required to be removed in order to reveal that work. If you choose to ignore the notice of the Code Enforcement Officer, you will receive a citation and be brought before the Code Enforcement Board, where you may be fined and be required to remove the unpermitted work.

4. Do I need a contractor?

If you own a building or structure, and it is not for sale or lease, 489.103(7), Florida Statutes, allows you to act as your own contractor. “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, on-site supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors, when building or improving farm outbuildings or one-family 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, on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease.” Owners, acting as their own contractor are required to personally appear and sign the permit application along with the Owner-Builder Affidavit 489.103(7), Florida Statutes.

5. If I use a contractor, what guidelines should I use to choose one?

Ask for and check references, and always ask to see their state license. Licenses can be verified on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website. If a contractor asks you to obtain the permit, beware. This is a sign that the contractor may not be licensed, which puts the homeowner at risk. Department of Business and Professional Regulation

6. How long does it take to get a permit?

Depending on the number of permits that have been submitted before yours, and if all required documents are provided, a simple Building Permit such as A/C change-out, water heater replacement, re-roofing, or other minor work can typically be obtained within a day or two. More complex work such as one and two family dwellings can take up to a week or longer, and a permit to build or remodel a commercial structure may take several weeks or longer.

7. What happens after the permit is issued?

A list of required inspections is provided to you at the time of permitting. During the construction, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are made, prior to proceeding with the next phase of the work on the project.

8. How much time do I have once the permit is issued?

Once a permit has been issued, a permit will expire and become null and void if work is not started and an inspection is requested and has passed within 180 days from the issuance date. After work has commenced, the permit will expire if work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days. A permit may be granted an extension by the Building Official if requested in writing.

9. What do I do with the permit and associated documents after I pick them up at the Building Division?

Post them on the job site where they are clearly visible and accessible for the building inspector to use during the inspection process. We suggest that you place the documents in Document Box or in a clear plastic bag if they are to be posted outside. Failure to post the Permit, NOC, or City approved plans will result in a failed inspection.

10. If I fail an inspection, what do I do?

The items that were listed on the Correction Notice must be corrected, and the Inspection must be rescheduled. All re-inspection fees must be paid prior to issuance of a Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy.

11. Do I need a permit to do minor roof repair?

Minor repairs, such as replacing a few shingles or repairing small sections of fascia, do not require a permit. If the repair is 100 square feet or more a permit is likely required. In the event that you experience an emergency, such as a fallen tree limb damaging your roof, please make the necessary emergency repairs and apply for a building permit the following business day.

12. Do I need a permit to install a fence?

Yes. A permit is required to verify that the fence meets the zoning requirements, including height restrictions and any setback requirements.

13. I want to remodel the inside of my house. What work can be done without a permit?

No permit is required to paint or apply other wall treatments to the interior of a house, change the flooring or to perform other cosmetic work. Work that involves specialty trades such as electricians, plumbers, or air conditioning contractors will usually require a permit. Any work that involves structural changes or involves removing or moving walls will require a permit. Kitchen and bathroom remodels may be required to be permitted as well. When in doubt, please contact the Building Division for clarification.

14. Do I need a permit to replace a garage door, exterior door or windows?

Yes. A permit is required to verify that the manufacturer’s installation procedures are followed and are in compliance with the Florida Building Code. Residential interior door replacement does not require a permit.

15. I need to have my doors and windows inspected. Does the inspector need to gain access to the inside to conduct the inspection?

Yes. The inspector will need to verify the hardware securing the door to the framing. For most windows it is only possible to verify the fastener type and location by operating the window and viewing from the inside.

16. I need to have my new Air Conditioning system inspected. Does the inspector need to gain access to the inside to conduct the inspection?

Yes. The inspector will need to verify some details. For a list of these details please view the Air Conditioning System Inspection page.

17. How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion?

Once all fees are paid and all required inspections are completed, the Building Division will issue a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings and buildings undergoing a change of occupancy classification, or a Certificate of Completion for shell buildings. Upon request, a Certificate of Completion can be obtained for minor projects.

18. Where is the permitting office?

The Building Division is located in City Hall, located at:
198 North Wilson Street
Crestview, FL 32536

We are located one block west of Main Street on the corner of Woodruff and Wilson Street, North - Please call us at 850-689-1618.

19. What are the Building Division Hours of operation?

The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on City holidays.