The City of Pensacola Building Inspections Division, on the fifth floor of City Hall, reviews plans, issues building permits and performs inspections for property inside the city. Every application with plan review is filed electronically through My Government Online (MGO).
What requires a building permit in Pensacola?
Pensacola Building Inspections enforces the Florida Building Code and recommends contacting the division before you start work on your property. For residential new dwellings, additions, pools, accessory structures, house moves and manufactured homes, a Zoning and Site Approval application must be approved first; the building permit is then filed as an "Add to Existing" application under the zoning project.
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Get a free quote →Who handles permitting in Pensacola?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Local office | 222 W. Main Street, Fifth Floor, Pensacola, FL 32502 |
| Phone | 850-436-5600 |
| Hours | 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; walk-ins 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |
Pensacola permit types
Pensacola issues building permits, with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, roofing and fire-system work filed as sub-permits.
| Permit category |
|---|
| Building |
| Electrical |
| Mechanical |
| Plumbing |
Pensacola building permit cost
Pensacola sets building permit fees in Chapter 7-14 of the City Code and publishes simplified fee schedules for new one- and two-family dwellings, new commercial development, residential alterations and commercial alterations.
Trade permits in Pensacola
All sub-permits for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, roofing and fire-system work on a project must be submitted online in MGO as an "Add-to-Existing" permit type. Contractors register with the city through the MGO portal or by emailing a complete package to ContractorRegistration@cityofpensacola.com.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →How to get a building permit in Pensacola
Confirm the property is inside Pensacola and identify the building and trade permits required for the work.
Prepare original PDF plans and all supporting documents, including any Notice of Commencement, for upload. Paper documents are not accepted except owner-builder forms.
Submit the permit in MyGovernmentOnline. Associated trade permits are filed as Add-to-Existing permits under the main project.
Complete city plan review and respond to correction requests through the MGO permit record.
Pay the permit and plan-review fees and obtain the issued permit and approved documents. Residential permits issued on or after July 1, 2026 are valid for one year; commercial permits are valid for 180 days.
Schedule inspections in MGO or through the city IVR inspection system.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Inspections in Pensacola
Schedule inspections online through MGO or through the city's IVR system at 866-957-3764, option 5. The city publishes the required inspection list for one- and two-family dwellings. The contractor must get the owner's express permission for an inspector to enter an occupied home, go on roofs or go behind closed gates; otherwise the inspection can fail for "No Access".
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
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →Frequently asked questions
Who issues building permits in Pensacola?
The City of Pensacola Building Inspections Division, at City Hall, 222 W. Main St., Fifth Floor.
How do I apply for a Pensacola building permit?
Create an account and submit the application and PDF plans in My Government Online (MGO). Paper plans have not been accepted since April 1, 2020.
How are permit fees calculated?
Under Chapter 7-14 of the City Code, using the simplified fee schedule for the project type: new one- and two-family dwellings, new commercial, residential alterations or commercial alterations.
Official Pensacola permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
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More Florida permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Pensacola permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.