Bradford County, FL: Building Permits & Inspections
The Bradford County Building Department in Starke, Florida handles building permit applications, construction inspections, building-code compliance, and related services within its jurisdiction. Property owners and contractors can submit applications by email, mail, or in person, schedule inspections online or by phone, and search permit records through county-linked portals.
Need a permit? Contact the Building Department at 904-966-6223, extension 2, or visit the official building department website.
Need an inspection? Call the same number, extension 1, or use the county’s online inspection portal. Request your inspection at least one business day ahead and before 4:30 p.m.
Important: The county specifically directs properties within Starke city limits or served by City of Starke utilities to the city’s Building and Zoning Department at 904-964-5027.
Department Contact Information
| Department | Bradford County Building Department |
|---|---|
| State | Florida |
| Office address | 945 N. Temple Avenue, Courthouse North Wing, Starke, FL 32091 |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box B, Starke, FL 32091 |
| Building permits | 904-966-6223, extension 2 |
| Inspection scheduling | 904-966-6223, extension 1 |
| Zoning | 904-966-6223, extension 3 |
| Building Official | Rod Crawford, as listed on the county website |
| Official website | bradfordcountyfl.gov/building-zoning/ |
Public Office Hours
10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Closed 12:00–12:30 p.m. for lunch.
8:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
No scheduled lunch closure.
The department reports restricted public access from 8:00–10:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday because of staffing limitations. These department-specific hours differ from the general county office hours displayed elsewhere on its website. Call before visiting, especially around holidays.
Which Building Permits Are Required?
Bradford County generally requires permits for construction and improvements regulated by the Florida Building Code. Whether your particular project needs one depends on the scope of work, applicable exemptions, zoning, and property location.
| Project | Permit guidance |
|---|---|
| New homes and commercial buildings | Building permits and appropriate plan reviews are generally required. |
| Additions and patio covers | Usually require building approval; zoning setbacks may also apply. |
| Roof replacement | Re-roofing is identified by the county as permit-required work. |
| Windows and exterior doors | Replacement work is listed among projects requiring permits. |
| Electrical service and rewiring | Electrical permits and applicable inspections are generally required. |
| Plumbing and water heaters | Plumbing permits may be required, including for equipment replacement. |
| Air-conditioning and HVAC | Equipment installation or replacement typically requires appropriate permitting. |
| Pools and garage conversions | Building permits and additional reviews may apply. |
| Sheds and agricultural buildings | Requirements depend on use, construction, zoning, and statutory exemptions. |
| Demolition or relocating buildings | Generally requires permit review. |
Do not assume a small project is automatically exempt. Certain nonresidential agricultural structures may qualify for exemptions under Florida law, but zoning requirements and other approvals can still apply. Verify with the county before purchasing materials or starting construction.
How to Apply for a Bradford County Building Permit
Bradford County accepts building permit applications by email, mail, and in-person delivery. Its official website also provides downloadable forms and contractor registration materials.
- Confirm your property jurisdiction. Check whether the property is under Bradford County or a municipal permitting authority. Properties in Starke city limits or served by Starke utilities should follow the city’s instructions.
- Identify your permit type. Determine whether the project requires building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, demolition, or other approvals. Ask the county if multiple permits are necessary.
- Download the appropriate application. Open the official Building Department page and select Building Permit Applications / Contractor Registration. This leads to the county’s forms collection.
- Prepare your documents. Complete the application and gather applicable site plans, construction drawings, contractor information, ownership documents, product approvals, and supporting affidavits. Exact requirements vary by project.
- Submit the application. Applications may be delivered to the courthouse office, sent by mail, or submitted through the building email address linked on the county website. Email attachments must be PDFs; the county limits ordinary emailed submissions to three pages and 8 MB. Request the county’s large-file upload link when necessary.
- Confirm receipt and respond to reviews. The department says it responds within two business days. If no response arrives, follow up because the county cautions that the application may not have been received. Supply revised plans or additional documents if requested.
- Pay applicable fees and obtain authorization. Follow the department’s payment and issuance instructions. Do not begin work requiring a permit until the authorization has been issued.
Schedule Building Inspections
Inspection requests should be made at least one business day before the needed inspection and before 4:30 p.m. The county offers telephone and online scheduling.
Call 904-966-6223, extension 1.
Online Inspection Scheduling Steps
- Open the portal. Visit the county-linked iWorQ inspection page above.
- Locate your permit. Use the available permit search or inspection functions and enter the identifying information requested.
- Select the appropriate inspection. Choose the inspection type required for the current stage of work.
- Submit the request. Follow the portal prompts and check for confirmation. If you cannot find your permit or receive confirmation, call extension 1.
- Check results. Return to the inspection portal to review posted outcomes and determine whether another inspection is needed.
The portal’s exact on-screen fields may change. Its live interface was not accessible for independent testing during this review.
Prepare for the Inspector
- Display the permit and keep a site copy of approved construction drawings available.
- Post the property’s 911 address clearly before the first inspection. The county says an inspection may be canceled if the address is not posted.
- Do not conceal wiring, plumbing, framing, or other work requiring inspection before approval.
- Provide safe access to the work area.
- Resolve any correction notices before requesting reinspection.
According to the county’s published guidance, inspections are generally performed Monday–Friday, approximately 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scheduling availability and special arrangements should be confirmed directly with the department.
Search Building Permits and Inspection Records
Bradford County provides separate links for current permits, archived permits, contractor registration searches, and related zoning records.
| Record needed | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Current building permits | County Building Department — Permit Searches |
| Historical permits | Building permit archive |
| Inspections and results | Inspection portal |
| Contractor registration | County-linked iWorQ search portal |
| Open or expired permit certification | Written request through the Building Department |
For a formal open or expired permit search, the department requests a letterhead request and a $25 check mailed or delivered to the Building Department, attention Building Official, at 945 N. Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091. It reports a typical response within one to two business days after receiving the request. Verify the current charge and request requirements before sending payment.
Buying a property? Check unresolved permits, completed final inspections, and unpermitted alterations before closing. A normal home inspection is not a substitute for an official building-permit history search.
Building Permit Fees and Payments
Permit charges depend on the type of work, project valuation, square footage, applicable reviews, and other required approvals.
Bradford County’s published FAQ lists a $54 minimum permit charge, described as a $50 permit charge plus a $4 state surcharge. This is a published reference amount, not confirmation that it is the current minimum for every permit category in 2026.
Other costs may include plan review, zoning, fire prevention, impact fees, and additional inspections. Obtain an itemized estimate for your project.
Building, Zoning & Fire Permit Fee Schedules
The county page links to its building and fire fees, impact fees, and zoning fee documents. Its published schedules describe maximum allowable charges for certain categories; actual assessed fees may vary.
For authorized payments, use the Make a Payment – Building, Zoning, Fire Protection link on the official county department page.
Applicable Building Codes in 2026
Bradford County enforces the Florida Building Code and applicable county regulations. As of this review, the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), as amended remains the existing adopted code framework. Florida has begun the formal rulemaking process to adopt the 9th Edition (2026); its appearance in proposed rulemaking or code-development materials does not itself mean that edition is already effective.
Depending on the project, code requirements may address structural construction, residential design, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical systems, energy efficiency, accessibility, and existing buildings.
- Florida Administrative Code — Rule 61G20-1.001: official adoption rule and effective-date information.
- Florida Building Commission code resources: adopted-code resources and upcoming edition materials.
- Bradford County Chapter 14: local building regulations and amendments, including provisions relating to flood hazards.
Flood-zone projects: Check the property’s floodplain status, elevation requirements, and zoning before preparing plans. County requirements can impose additional conditions beyond ordinary construction standards.
Owner-Builder Permits and Contractor Verification
Florida law allows qualifying property owners to act as owner-builders under specific conditions. This can permit certain work without hiring a licensed general contractor, but the owner assumes responsibility for code compliance, supervision, inspections, and applicable employment obligations.
Owner-builder eligibility is not automatic. Verify that your project qualifies under Florida Statutes Section 489.103 and obtain the county’s required owner-builder documentation.
If hiring a contractor, verify the license status through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and confirm local registration requirements. Also check required insurance and workers’ compensation documentation.
Zoning, Property Boundaries and Other Approvals
A building permit does not automatically resolve zoning, land-use, floodplain, driveway, septic, or water-management requirements.
Before submitting major construction plans, confirm:
- The property’s official jurisdiction and parcel information.
- Permitted land uses and zoning classification.
- Minimum building setbacks and lot coverage requirements.
- Floodplain restrictions and elevation requirements.
- Septic or utility approvals where applicable.
- Whether fire prevention or site-plan review is required.
Start with Bradford County Planning & Zoning or call 904-966-6223, extension 3.
Common Permit Problems and Solutions
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| No application confirmation | Follow up after two business days; the county warns that an unanswered email may not have been received. |
| Plans need corrections | Review the Building Official’s comments, revise the affected documents, and resubmit as instructed. |
| Failed inspection | Correct the cited issues and request reinspection before concealing affected work. |
| Unpermitted work discovered | Contact the Building Official. Existing concealed work may require evaluation, plans, or selective opening for inspection. |
| Permit record missing | Check current and archive searches, then request assistance or a formal record search. |
| Wrong permitting office | Verify municipal limits and utility jurisdiction; Starke properties may require city handling. |
For a project in neighboring Baker County, see our Baker County building permit guide for the correct permit office, application documents, and inspection contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Bradford County Building Department located?
It is located in the North Wing of the Bradford County Courthouse at 945 N. Temple Avenue, Starke, Florida 32091. Its mailing address is P.O. Box B, Starke, FL 32091.
2. How do I apply for a building permit in Bradford County?
Download the appropriate permit application from the county Building Department website, prepare the required supporting documents, and submit them by email, mail, or in person. The department provides a separate large-file upload option upon request.
3. What phone number do I call for building permits?
Call 904-966-6223, extension 2, for Building Department assistance. For inspection scheduling, use extension 1.
4. How do I schedule a building inspection?
Call 904-966-6223, extension 1, or use the county-linked online inspection portal. Submit your request at least one business day in advance and before 4:30 p.m.
5. How much does a Bradford County building permit cost?
Costs depend on the permit category, square footage, project valuation, and associated reviews. The county’s published FAQ references a $54 minimum, but current fees should be verified against the official fee schedules before payment.
6. How long does building permit approval take?
The department advises allowing about 24 hours for certain emailed applications and approximately 2–3 weeks where Building Official review is required. Actual approval depends on submission completeness, project complexity, and required reviews.
7. Can homeowners obtain their own building permits?
Qualifying owners may obtain owner-builder permits under Florida Statutes Section 489.103. The owner must meet eligibility conditions and accept legal responsibility for the work. Contact the department for the applicable affidavit and requirements.
8. Does replacing a roof or HVAC system require a permit?
Bradford County identifies re-roofing and HVAC replacement among work generally requiring permits. Confirm the permit category, supporting documents, and inspections before starting.
9. How can I check open or expired permits?
Use the permit-search links on the county Building Department website. For a formal open or expired permit search, the county publishes a written-request procedure with a $25 charge, subject to verification.
10. Does the county issue building permits inside Starke city limits?
The county directs properties within Starke city limits or served by City of Starke utilities to the City of Starke Building and Zoning Department at 904-964-5027. Confirm the property’s jurisdiction before applying.
Official Resources and Next Steps
For most readers, the fastest next step is to identify the permit type, verify the property’s jurisdiction, and contact the correct department before submitting plans or paying fees.
- Bradford County Building Department — official information and applications
- County building permit FAQs and inspection guidance
- Official building, zoning, fire, and impact-fee resources
- Bradford County Planning & Zoning
- Florida Building Code adoption rule
Information reviewed: October 2026. Department hours, fees, staffing, application procedures, and building codes may change. USBuilding.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Bradford County government. This guide covers Bradford County, Florida, not Bradford County, Pennsylvania.