Putnam County, FL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Putnam County, FL, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, under § 45-108
- Setback for sheds ≤150 sq ft (side/rear)
- 3 feet from lot line
- Separation from other structures
- 3 feet minimum
- Cargo container as storage building
- AG/AE districts only, 5-ft buffer required
Summary
A shed in unincorporated Putnam County needs a building permit, and if it is 150 square feet or smaller it can sit as close as three feet from the side or rear line and three feet from other structures. Motor homes and truck bodies cannot double as a permanent storage building.
(e)In residential, AG and AE zoning districts, accessory structures not used for habitation that are 150 square feet or less in size shall meet the front setback, waterfront setback and wetland setback requirements for the zoning district in which the structure is located as provided in articles VI and VII of this Code; however, such a structure may be set three feet from any side or rear (non-waterfront) lot line, as measured from the furthest projection of the structure. It shall also be set back three feet from any other structure ... Building permits are required for accessory structures in accordance with the applicable building codes as adopted and implemented by the county. ... (10)Storage building. A motor home, mobile home, truck body, camper, or other similar unit, with or without wheels, may not be used as a permanent storage building.
Full Breakdown
Putnam County Code § 45-108 requires a building permit for accessory structures like a storage shed before construction begins, tied to the building codes the county has adopted. Section 45-105(e) sets the setback for small accessory structures not used for habitation: in residential, AG and AE zoning districts, a structure 150 square feet or less must still meet the front, waterfront and wetland setbacks of the zoning district, but it may sit as close as three feet from any side or rear non-waterfront lot line, measured from the structure's furthest projection, and must keep three feet of separation from any other structure.
Structures larger than 150 square feet lose that reduced-setback break and must instead meet the full setback requirements of the zoning district under subsection (d), plus the same three-foot separation from other structures. Section 45-109(10) separately bars using a motor home, mobile home, truck body, camper or similar wheeled or unwheeled unit as a permanent storage building; a cargo shipping container may be used as one only if it is installed per the Florida Building Code as determined by the building official, sits only in the AG or AE zoning district, and is visually buffered from adjoining parcels by a five-foot type-A buffer or an alternative the planning director accepts.
Violations & Fines
An unpermitted shed or one that fails the setback or buffering standard is a code enforcement matter: the county can issue a correction notice, require removal or relocation, and refer an unresolved case to the special magistrate under chapter 2 for civil fines until the structure is brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my property line can I put a small shed in unincorporated Putnam County?
Can I use an old shipping container as a permanent shed?
Do I need a permit for a shed on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Putnam County
How Putnam County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Putnam County to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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