Jacksonville, FL Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Ordinance Code Ch. 320, Part 5
- Inspecting agency
- Building Inspection Division
- Failed inspection
- Voids request, new fee required
- Milestone inspection
- Due within 25 years of CO (3+ stories)
- Hurricane inspection
- Required before repairing storm-damaged buildings
Summary
The Building Official inspects permitted work at every stage, from pre-permit plan review through completion, and logs every inspection and code violation found, per Ordinance Code Sec. 320.501.
Before issuing a permit, the Building Official may examine or cause to be examined any building, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems for which an application has been received for a permit to enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, install, or change the occupancy. The Building Official shall inspect all buildings, structures, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems, from time to time, during and upon completion of the work for which a permit was issued. He shall make a record of every such examination and inspection and of all violations of the technical codes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Ordinance Code Chapter 320, Part 5, the Building Inspection Division inspects permitted work at every stage: the Building Official may examine plans before issuing a permit, then inspects buildings and electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems during construction and upon completion, recording each examination and violation. Permit holders are assumed to have self-checked that work is code-ready before calling for inspection, a rejected inspection nullifies the request and requires a new request and fee. Storm-damaged structures need a special inspection before repair after hurricane-force winds, and condo/co-op buildings three stories or taller must pass a milestone structural inspection within 25 years of their certificate of occupancy.
Violations & Fines
A rejected inspection is nullified; the holder must fix the violation, request reinspection, and pay the added fee under Sec. 320.408. Skipping required inspections or ignoring notices can trigger a stop-work order under Sec. 320.705.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inspects building permits in Jacksonville?
What happens if an inspection is rejected?
Do older condos need periodic inspections?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.