Building Common Questions

"Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends 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 this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit." (Florida Building Code, Chap. 1, Sec. 105: Permits)

The purpose of obtaining a permit is to verify the minimum requirements of the state codes are met to ensure a reasonable level of safety, public health and general welfare. (Florida Building Code, Chap. 1, Sec. 101: General)

If work is being completed without a building permit, Code Enforcement may issue a Stop Work Order. This could result in the applicant/owner paying double the permit fees. If the appropriate permits haven't been obtained after the Stop Work Order has been issued, then Code Enforcement may issue a Notice of Violation which could include additional fees and/or fines.

After the permit is issued, the applicant will be notified, via email, to log into their PermitGNV account to download the permit card and approved plans. The permit card includes the inspections that need to be scheduled throughout the project. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are made prior to proceeding with work on the project. 

If work has not started or an inspection has not been requested within 180 days from the issuance date of the permit, then the building permit will expire and need to be reinstated by the applicant. A reinstatement fee may occur.

Per Florida Statutes, in order to qualify for an exemption under Chapter 489, the residence must be for the use and occupancy of the homeowner only. The property cannot be for sale, rent or lease during construction and once the work is completed, the property cannot be for sale, rent, or lease a year after the issued completion date. (Florida Statutes, Chap 489.103)

It would be best to request a copy of their state license and references. It would also be best to verify their license through the Department of Professional Regulation (DBPR). DBPR regulates licenses in the State of Florida and will show you if the contractor's license is valid and if there are any complaints or concerns.

If a contractor asks you to pull the permit for the work they are doing, please be cautious. Pulling the permit as a homeowner holds you liable for all the work that is being done.

PermitGNV is an online component of the City of Gainesville's permitting system. It allows the general public to access information about existing or past permits and inspections, apply for new permits, schedule inspections, submit code complaints, run reports, and more. 

PermitGNV

I would recommend contacting the building division and describing the work that is being done, so our permit expeditors can let you know what specific information you need to provide. Generally, we will need a filled-out application, a copy of your tax bill or recorded warranty deed, and your driver's license. Permit Application(PDF, 856KB)

You can also start the application process online through PermitGNV. You would need to register as the owner and once you're logged in, you can submit a building application. Once you've submitted the application, the system will route you to pay the permitting fees. If you are sure, you are applying for the correct permit, then continue with the payment process. If you are not sure, please contact the building division at 352-334-5050 before making the payment. Please keep in mind, the homeowner must still appear in-person at the building office to sign the application and owner-builder affidavits. Once the homeowner appears in-person and signs the documents, then the application will continue to be processed.

To register with the City of Gainesville Building Division, you must be a state certified contractor. If you are, we have the following options to register:

1. You can register through PermitGNV. Click on the Login icon and click New User and follow the prompts. 
2. You can email a copy of your license, liability and workers comp insurance, phone number, and email to building@gainesvillefl.gov.

You can search for an address/parcel on the Property Appraiser's website. Once you enter the address/parcel and the results come up, look at the tax jurisdiction and the following will apply:

• Gainesville (District 3600) - property located in City of Gainesville limits.
• Alachua (1700) - property located in City of Alachua limits.
• Anything else (St Johns/Suwanee/etc) - property located in the County limits.

You can search for any property in the City of Gainesville limits using our online portal, PermitGNV. Click on the Search tab and enter the property information (as it is shown in Property Appraiser) and once you click submit, it will show you all the permits under the property. If you click on the permit number, it will bring you into the permit to see more specific information. 

We also have a Property Search report which is located under the Reports tab, that allows you to generate an excel sheet of all the permits under a parcel or address.

Plan review timelines can take up to 15 business days, but that can vary depending on the size of the project and how good of a submittal.

We will need the notarized Change of Contractor form or a notarized letter from the existing contractor/owner on the project stating they are no longer doing the work and one from the new contractor/owner who is stating they are accepting the work. If you decide to provide notarized letters, please include the permit number, contractor’s name, contractor business name, contractor license number and job site address in both of the letters.

Change of Contractor Form(PDF, 289KB)

If the inspection requires the inspector to enter your building or there are animals on the property, someone must be there to meet the inspector.