Dixie County's Community Development Department covers the full building, planning, and zoning process for the county, with the Building & Zoning office at 387 SE 22 Ave. in Cross City. Building Official Leon T. Wright, CBO leads the office, supported by a named permit technician, zoning officer, and code enforcement officer — and the county posts step-by-step instructions, forms, and complete application packets on its Building Department page at dixiecounty.us/building.
Dixie County's process has concrete rules that reward preparation: bring the deed or contract for deed to apply, submit two full sets of plans (the county files one; the other must stay on the job site), and expect the state surcharges — 2.5% in total, minimum $4.00 — added to every permit. This guide walks the whole sequence, including the driveway, septic, and water-management prerequisites that sit in front of the building permit.
Applies countywide for building permits: Dixie County Building & Zoning permits unincorporated Dixie County and also takes applications for parcels inside Cross City limits, where its checklist asks for city approval paperwork with the application. Horseshoe Beach applies its own Land Development Regulations through a town LDR administrator, available by appointment — confirm the routing for Horseshoe Beach parcels before filing.
What requires a building permit in Dixie County?
Permit required
- New homes, additions, and tenant build-outs
- Structural / load-bearing alterations and demolition
- Reroofing, window and door replacement, and exterior work
- Electrical service changes and most wiring alterations
- Mechanical / HVAC changeouts and boilers
- Plumbing alterations, repipes, gas, and water heaters
- Pools and spas (barrier required), signs, and fences
- Manufactured homes and solar PV systems
Usually exempt
- Painting, flooring, cabinetry, and cosmetic work
- Like-for-like minor repairs not altering systems
- Certain low non-structural fences (confirm limits)
- Routine maintenance not extending or rerouting systems
Florida requires a permit under the Florida Building Code (section 105.1) for most construction, alteration, repair, demolition and change of occupancy; since 1 July 2026 a narrow exemption covers some single-family work under $7,500, and single-family permits stay valid for at least a year. When a permit is required in Florida
Who handles permitting in Dixie County?
The Building & Zoning office at 387 SE 22 Ave. in Cross City — phone (352) 498-1236, fax (352) 498-1286, email permits@dixiecounty.us — is staffed by Building Official Leon T. Wright, CBO, with dedicated code enforcement (Steve Freeman), zoning (Jason Jean), and permit technician (Jenesia Teague) contacts. Customer service representatives receive and accept applications, issue permits, and check contractors for required licenses and permit history, while plans examiners review submittals against the building codes, regulations, and ordinances. The department also issues the Septic Tank Zoning Compliance Letter needed for septic approval. The county's Building Department page links to its online application portal and downloadable PDF applications (residential, subcontractor, marine, and Notice of Commencement), and office staff also receive and accept permit applications. Confirm which route fits your permit type, and any original-document or in-person requirements, before submitting.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →- Address: 387 SE 22 Ave., Cross City, FL 32628
- Phone: (352) 498-1236 (staff and permit desk); department main line (352) 498-1235
- Email: permits@dixiecounty.us
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–5:00 p.m.
In 2025, building permits issued by Dixie County authorized 126 new privately owned housing units, 66 of them single-family homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey.
Dixie County permit types
A building permit is one record among many. the Dixie County Building & Zoning office issues work under separate record types, and filing under the wrong one is a rejection, not a correction — the application is closed and refiled, and the review clock restarts.
Residential permit types
| Permit type | What triggers it | Review path | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | New dwellings, additions, and accessory structures over the exempt threshold | Full plan review (structural, energy, zoning) | Valuation-based |
| Renovation / alteration | Structural or load-bearing changes, layout changes, substantial repair | Plan review scaled to scope | Valuation-based |
| Reroof | Roof covering replacement and most major roof repair | Product approval review; dry-in and nail-off inspections | Valuation or squares |
| Solar photovoltaic | Rooftop or ground-mount PV installation or replacement | Structural plus electrical review | Flat or system-size based |
| Solar thermal | Passive water heating or pool heating systems | Plumbing and structural review | Flat or per-permit minimum |
| Electrical | Service changes, panel upgrades, new circuits, most wiring alterations | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-device |
| Plumbing | New piping, repipes, water heaters, fixtures, gas piping | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-fixture |
| Mechanical / HVAC | Changeouts that are not like-for-like, ductwork, refrigeration | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-unit |
| Windows and doors | Replacement units and opening protection | Product approval review for wind-borne debris | Valuation or per-opening |
| Pool and spa | In-ground and above-ground pools, spas, barrier and enclosure work | Plan review plus barrier and electrical bonding | Valuation-based |
| Fence and accessory | Fences, sheds, decks, and carports over the exempt threshold | Zoning plus structural where applicable | Flat or valuation-based |
| Demolition | Full or partial demolition of a structure | Utility disconnect verification required | Flat |
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →Commercial permit types
| Permit type | What triggers it | Review path | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | Ground-up commercial, industrial, and multifamily | Full multi-discipline plan review | Valuation-based |
| Tenant improvement | Interior build-outs and suite fit-ups | Plan review across affected disciplines | Valuation-based |
| Renovation / alteration | Structural, envelope, or system changes to an existing building | Plan review scaled to scope | Valuation-based |
| Change of use | Converting a building from one occupancy classification to another | Zoning, life-safety, and accessibility review | Valuation or flat |
| Reroof | Commercial roof covering replacement | Product approval review plus fire review where applicable | Valuation or squares |
| Solar photovoltaic | Commercial rooftop, carport, and ground-mount PV | Structural, electrical, and often fire review | Valuation or system-size based |
| Electrical | Service, distribution, and branch circuit work | Trade review | Valuation or per-device |
| Plumbing | Supply, waste, vent, and gas systems | Trade review | Valuation or per-fixture |
| Mechanical / HVAC | Rooftop units, ductwork, exhaust, and refrigeration | Trade review | Valuation or per-unit |
| Fire protection | Sprinkler, standpipe, alarm, and suppression systems | Fire prevention plan review | Valuation or per-device |
| Sign | Wall, monument, and illuminated signage | Zoning plus electrical where illuminated | Flat or per-sign |
| Demolition | Full or partial commercial demolition | Utility disconnect and environmental clearance | Flat or valuation-based |
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Residential
- Single-discipline review in most cases
- Master permit with trades filed against it
- Owner-builder route exists but carries statutory affidavits
- Product approval drives roofing and opening protection
Commercial — multi-discipline
- Concurrent review across building, fire, and zoning
- Signed and sealed plans across every affected discipline
- Accessibility and life-safety review attach to change of use
- Impact and concurrency fees can apply on top of permit fees
Roofing permits in Dixie County
Solar and roofing work follow statewide rules on HOA limits, product approval, reroof inspections and hurricane mitigation. Solar and roofing rules in Florida
Dixie County building permit cost
Dixie County permit fees follow the county schedule by project type, and every permit carries the state-mandated surcharges: 1.5% and 1% of the permit fee (2.5% in total), with a combined minimum of $4.00. Owner-applicants should bring the deed or contract for deed; a notarized letter of authorization is required if someone other than the owner pulls the permit. For churches and commercial structures, a licensed contractor is required when construction cost exceeds $75,000.
How Dixie County permitting works
| Component | How it works |
|---|---|
| State surcharge | 2.5% of the permit fee in total (1.5% + 1%), $4.00 minimum, on each permit |
| Plan sets | Two full sets — one filed with the county, one kept on the job site |
| Commercial / church contractor threshold | Licensed contractor required above $75,000 construction cost |
| Flood zone with Base Flood Elevation | Benchmark required |
| Septic approval | Septic Tank Zoning Compliance Letter from this department |
Rather not deal with the Dixie County building department?
Get a free quote →Dixie County trade permits
Electrical permits
Required for service installations, panel upgrades, solar PV, and most wiring alterations in Dixie County, filed by a licensed electrical contractor against the master building permit through the Dixie County Building & Zoning (Community Development).
Plumbing permits
Required for new plumbing, repipes, water heater changeouts, fixture relocations, and gas piping; fees follow the local schedule with per-permit minimums.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC installations and changeouts, ductwork, and refrigeration; specialized systems are permitted and inspected separately.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Roofs, pools and spas, screen enclosures, mobile home set-ups, and demolition are permitted separately. Exterior components need current Florida Product Approval rated for the local wind speed.
How to get a building permit in Dixie County
Assemble the prerequisites
Obtain the Septic Tank Zoning Compliance Letter from Building & Zoning for septic approval, the driveway form from the county Road Department — or the FDOT Chiefland permit ((352) 493-6075) if the driveway exits US-19/98 or SR-349N — plus any SRWMD or utility requirements.
Bring the ownership documents
Bring the deed or contract for deed for the property; if you're not the owner, bring a notarized letter of authorization from the owner to pull the permit.
Prepare two plan sets
Submit two full sets of plans — the county keeps one on file in the Building Department, and the other set must be kept on the job site. Mobile homes need set-up plans from a Florida licensed installer.
Apply at Building & Zoning
Dixie County publishes online application options and downloadable forms on its Building Department page. Follow the current instructions for your permit and applicant type, and confirm any original-document or in-person requirements before submitting; the Cross City office (387 SE 22 Ave.) and permits@dixiecounty.us can help with questions. In the Town of Horseshoe Beach, the town's LDR Administrator reviews the application by appointment first.
Pay fees including the surcharge
Pay the county fee plus the state surcharges (2.5%, $4 minimum), and record the Notice of Commencement — it must be recorded and posted on the job site before the first inspection.
Inspect through final
Request inspections through the county's online Request Inspection link or through the office at (352) 498-1236, keep the on-site plan set available, and clear all inspections through final approval.
Inspections in Dixie County
Inspections can be requested online through the county's Request Inspection link or through the Cross City office, and the on-site plan set must be available to the inspector — that's the reason for the two-set rule. The recorded Notice of Commencement must be posted on the job site before the first inspection, and flood-zone parcels with a Base Flood Elevation require a benchmark, so coastal projects should confirm elevation documentation before scheduling the first inspection.
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Official Dixie County permitting resources
- Dixie County - Building Department and Application Options
- Dixie County - Online Applications and Permit Search (iWorQ portal)
- Florida Building Code (8th Ed.)
- Florida Product Approval search
- DBPR license verification
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a building permit in Dixie County?
The prerequisite chain — septic compliance letter, driveway form or FDOT permit, ownership documents, two plan sets — sets the pace more than county review does; complete packages move through plans examination without correction cycles. Post-hurricane rebuild volume on the coast can extend review during surge periods. Call (352) 498-1236 for current turnaround.
How do I look up a permit in Dixie County?
Dixie County publishes its permitting instructions, forms, and application packets on its Building Department page (dixiecounty.us/building). Its online portal includes a permit search by parcel address or permit number, or you can contact the permit technician at (352) 498-1236 or permits@dixiecounty.us with the parcel or permit number.
What is the state surcharge on Dixie County permits?
Two state surcharges, 1.5% and 1% of the permit fee (2.5% in total), with a combined minimum of $4.00, applied to each permit — state fees that counties are required to collect (F.S. 468.631 and 553.721). Budget it on every permit, from a water heater changeout to a new home.
How many plan sets does Dixie County require?
Two full sets: the county keeps one on file in the Building Department, and the other set is required to be kept on the job site for the inspector. Mobile home applications additionally need set-up plans from a Florida licensed mobile home installer.
Can I build as an owner-builder in Dixie County?
Yes, you may pull the permit as a self-contractor under Florida's owner-builder exemption — but hiring an unlicensed contractor is a violation of state law even as a self-contractor. Unlicensed workers must be your legal, insured employees, and churches and commercial structures over $75,000 in construction cost require a licensed contractor.
Who permits my driveway in Dixie County?
It depends on the road. Driveways exiting US-19/98 or SR-349N are permitted by FDOT in Chiefland ((352) 493-6075) with FDOT's fees; all others use the driveway form from the Dixie County Road Department. The driveway approval belongs in your application package.
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Dixie County?
Yes. Photovoltaic installations in Dixie County are permitted under a dedicated solar record type reviewed on both a structural and an electrical track. Solar thermal — passive water and pool heating — is a separate record. Under Fla. Stat. §163.04 a homeowners' association cannot ban solar panels, though it can decide where on the roof they go if that does not reduce their performance; HOA review is separate from the building permit. Utility interconnection and Permission to Operate run in parallel with the permit, not inside it.
Does a roof replacement require a permit in Dixie County?
Yes. A roof covering replacement almost always requires a permit in Florida, including Dixie County. Products must carry a current Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance rated for the wind speed at the project address, and inspections usually run deck nailing, then dry-in, then final. Some minor repairs fall below the permit threshold, and a small single-family job under $7,500 can qualify for the written-request exemption under F.S. 553.79(1)(g), so ask the department first.
What is the difference between a residential and a commercial permit in Dixie County?
Residential work is generally a single-discipline review filed as a master permit with trades filed against it. Commercial work in Dixie County runs concurrent review across building, fire, and zoning, requires signed and sealed plans for every affected discipline, and can carry impact and concurrency fees on top of permit fees. Change of use adds accessibility and life-safety review.
Do trade permits need to be pulled separately in Dixie County?
Yes in most cases. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work is permitted separately by the licensed contractor for each trade and filed against the master building permit. Each trade permit carries its own fee and its own inspection sequence.
What happens if I file under the wrong permit type in Dixie County?
The application is rejected rather than corrected. the Dixie County Building & Zoning office closes the record, the filing is resubmitted under the correct record type, and the review clock restarts from zero. Confirming the record type before filing is the cheapest step in the entire process.
Can I apply for all Dixie permit types online?
Not necessarily all of them. Dixie County publishes online application options and downloadable forms on its Building Department page - the online portal currently lists residential, mobile home, marine, and Division 2 contractor applications. Follow the current instructions for your permit and applicant type, and confirm any original-document or in-person requirements before submitting.
Simplify Dixie County permitting with Alliance Permitting
Between the FDOT-vs-county driveway split, the two-plan-set rule, the surcharge math, and coastal flood documentation, Dixie County punishes incomplete packages. Alliance Permitting is a permit expediter for Dixie County and prepares the whole sequence and files it right the first time.
Trusted by leading builders and brands - including Dream Finders Homes, Tesla, Verizon, Hyatt, and Sunnova.
Contractors and builders choose Alliance for Dixie County because we deliver:
- Local expertise - we know the Dixie County Building & Zoning (Community Development) and its online and office application process.
- Complete oversight - track every permit and inspection across all your jobs in one place.
- Complete submissions - AI pre-checks plus expert review catch issues before they become correction cycles.
Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance - including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
Ready to break ground in Dixie County sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Dixie County permits while you stay focused on building. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.
More Florida permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of July 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Dixie County Building & Zoning (Community Development) before filing. This is not legal advice.