Fernandina Beach, Florida Building Permit Guide

The City of Fernandina Beach Building Department, at 204 Ash Street, issues building permits inside city limits. All permitting is done online through the CityView Portal, and you must create a CityView account to apply.

What requires a permit in Fernandina Beach?

The city requires a building permit before any improvements, repairs or alterations to a property. That includes building, demolition and change-of-occupancy work and any regulated electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work. The Building Department publishes a "When Do I Need a Permit?" handout.

The city’s permitting page also distinguishes building permits from Planning & Conservation applications. Tree, fence, historic, planning-board or other land-development items may require separate city review in addition to the Building Department record.

Who handles permitting in Fernandina Beach?

Fernandina Beach permit types

The city's fee schedule covers these common permit types:

• Building permits
• Electrical permits
• Plumbing permits
• Mechanical permits
• Roofing and HVAC changeouts
• Windows, doors and structural alterations
• Commercial and multifamily work
• Demolition and other regulated construction

Permit costs and local fees

Fernandina Beach's Building Fee Schedule was revised October 1, 2024 under Ordinance 2024-17. The all-inclusive building permit fee is $7.50 per $1,000 of construction cost up to $5,000,000, with lower rates above that, and a minimum of $45.00. Construction value is the greater of the job cost or the city's square-foot valuation. A non-refundable admin processing fee of $35.00 (residential) or $50.00 (commercial) also applies.

The current schedule lists a $50 reinspection fee for each failed inspection. It also states that after-the-fact permit fees can be up to 4 times the Building Permit Fee. The city offers virtual inspections for HVAC changeouts and reroofs upon scheduling or request and publishes separate private-provider fee adjustments when plan review or inspections are performed under an approved private-provider arrangement.

Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other trade permits

The all-inclusive building permit covers structure, new roofing, plumbing, mechanical and electrical work. Gas, irrigation and reroofs on remodels need their own permits. Standalone trade permits use the same per-$1,000 table, with a $45.00 minimum, except gas and reroof permits, which have their own fees.

Application documents and plan requirements

CityView is the city’s current permit application platform. Because the city transitioned from a prior portal, applicants with old credentials must create a new CityView account, using the same email address when possible.

The Building Department also publishes a commercial application requirements memo and a foundation staking plan memorandum. Fire plan review is charged separately for commercial and multifamily structures at 35 percent of the building permit fee.

How to apply: 6-step local process

Inspections in Fernandina Beach

Request inspections by email to buildinginspections@fbfl.city or by calling 904-310-3135. The department's inspection reminder asks for next-business-day requests by 3:30 p.m.; later requests are scheduled two business days out. Each failed inspection carries a $50.00 re-inspection fee. Virtual inspections are available for HVAC changeouts and reroofs.

Florida building code

The Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), has applied statewide since 31 December 2023; the Florida Building Commission has proposed the 9th Edition (2026) to take effect on 31 December 2026. Florida permit rules

Official Fernandina Beach permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Florida Building Code - 8th Edition (2023)
• 2024-2025 Building Fee Schedule
• Fire fee schedule
• CityView Portal
• Permits
• Building Department

Frequently asked questions

Who issues building permits in Fernandina Beach?

The City of Fernandina Beach Building Department, 204 Ash Street. Call (904) 310-3135.

How do I apply for a permit in Fernandina Beach?

Apply online in the CityView Portal after creating an account. Old portal logins no longer work.

How are inspections handled?

The Building Department performs inspections. Email requests to buildinginspections@fbfl.city or call 904-310-3135. Failed inspections carry a $50.00 re-inspection fee.

Simplify Fernandina Beach permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Florida. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Fernandina Beach permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.