A photo of an inspector standing in front of a building

Building Division



Our mission is to create and maintain a safe and healthy community by keeping our homes, offices and other buildings safe for public use by carefully reviewing and inspecting all construction projects that require building permits in the unincorporated areas of the County and several municipalities.





Online Permitting

Building Division Fee Schedule
Construction Cost Calculator

Information about E-Recording


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report unlicensed activity

Verify a License by searching the Name, License Number, City/County or License Type.

Report Unlicensed Activity to the State Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Notice to tenants, home & property owners

Please be advised that the Florida Building Code requires that a building permit must be obtained and that a final inspection must be approved for the construction work about to be done by your Contractor in Alachua County. It is in your best interest to ensure that the Contractor you hire is properly licensed and insured to perform work in Alachua County. This is done in the interest of public safety and protects you as a homeowner, property owner, or tenant. It also protects the Contractor and assures that the work is done safely and completed according to all building code requirements.

Once your work is completed or equipment is installed, your contractor will schedule a final inspection. Our building inspectors, who are certified by the State of Florida, will conduct the inspection to ensure compliance with the building code and certify that the installation or construction is safe for use or occupancy. Please coordinate with your Contractor and note that someone must be present during the inspection, to provide access to the interior of your structure.

Failure to obtain a permit for work done or failure to receive a final inspection within 180 days will not only result in an expired permit being recorded on your property, but also additional fees for a permit renewal.

If you have any questions, please call the Building Division staff at 352-374-5243, we will be happy to answer your questions.

Are there any authorized PACE providers in Alachua County?

PACE providers are not authorized to provide property assessment financing in Alachua County.

My parcel is zoned Agricultural, do I need a building permit to place a barn or storage building on my property?

Yes, as stated in Florida Statutes 604.50 and 193.461(b), an exemption from the required building permit is allowed only when the parcel has an Agricultural Classification as assigned by the Property Appraiser. The exemption is not based on your zoning classification.

Do I need a permit for a shed?

Generally yes, all accessory structures require a building permit. However, the County does allow any residential property in the unincorporated area a one-time exemption for a single storage shed that is 150 square feet or less. Once this exemption is used, any additional storage buildings require a building permit, regardless of size. The exemption request may be submitted by including this exemption request form with a Pre-Application Screening request through our Citizenserve permitting website. If your building does require a permit, see this pre-engineered building handout for additional information on documentation required when permitting a pre-fab building.

Are barndominiums allowed in Alachua County?

Yes, as long as the building is certified for compliance with the Florida Building Code to be occupied for residential use. Barndominiums are somewhat unique, so we have created this barndominium handout to assist you with the permitting process.


  • Building Division
  • Building Division
  • County Annex Building, 1st Floor
  • 10 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, Fl 32601
  • Phone: 352-374-5243
  • Fax: 352-491-4510
  • Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:00 am-4:00 pm
  • Hours: Friday 8:00 am-1:00 pm
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Building General Information
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Flood Hazard Permits
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