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Clay County, FL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopted code
Standard Plumbing Code (§ 6-40(a)(3))
Under-slab piping
Type M copper piping prohibited
Backflow preventer
Required between sewer tap and cleanout
Cleanout marker
Must be permanent, visible, above-grade
Penalty
Second-degree misdemeanor (§ 6-5)

Summary

Clay County requires plumbing work to comply with the Standard Plumbing Code, and its local amendment bans type M copper piping under a slab, mandates a backflow preventer between the sewer tap and cleanout, and requires the cleanout marked above grade.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clay County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(a)All permits issued by the county building department shall require that work performed in connection therewith shall be in full compliance with the latest editions and amendments of the following documents:(1)Clay County Building Code.(2)Standard Building Code.(3)Standard Plumbing Code; provided, (1) type M copper piping for use under pressure is prohibited under any building slab; (2) a backflow preventing valve will be installed between the sewer tap and the required clean out; and (3) the sewer line clean out must be located by means of some permanent, visible, above-grade marker.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 86).

Full Breakdown

Section 6-40(a)(3) adopts the latest edition of the Standard Plumbing Code as one of eleven technical codes every county permit must comply with, then layers on three specific local amendments: type M copper piping for use under pressure is prohibited under any building slab, a backflow preventing valve must be installed between the sewer tap and the required cleanout, and the sewer line cleanout must be located by means of some permanent, visible, above-grade marker. Like every other permit, a plumbing permit is filed with the building department under § 6-36 and reviewed within 30 days under § 6-41, and the application under § 6-37(a) must show the plumbing layout on the submitted drawings.

Only a contractor or master craftsman holding an active certificate under Chapter 7 may normally apply for or perform the work, per § 6-38(b), with narrow owner-builder exceptions for agricultural structures and commercial jobs under $25,000 in a twelve-month period, per § 6-38(c). The board of county commissioners can amend or delete any of the adopted technical codes, including the Standard Plumbing Code, under § 6-40(b), and the building official keeps at least three copies on file for public review under § 6-40(c). A permit that has been issued expires in 90 days under § 6-43 unless extended for just cause, and the fee schedule for plumbing permits is set and amended by board resolution under § 6-42(a).

Violations & Fines

Performing plumbing work in violation of the adopted Standard Plumbing Code or without the required permit is a misdemeanor of the second degree under § 6-5, punishable under F.S. § 775.082 or § 775.083. Starting the work before the permit issues doubles the required fee under § 6-42(b), and unauthorized copper piping installations under a slab or a missing backflow preventer can trigger a stop-work order or permit revocation under § 6-45.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use type M copper piping under my home's slab in Clay County?
No. Section 6-40(a)(3) specifically prohibits type M copper piping for use under pressure from being installed under any building slab as a local amendment to the adopted Standard Plumbing Code.
Does Clay County require a backflow preventer on residential plumbing?
Yes, for the sewer connection. Section 6-40(a)(3) requires a backflow preventing valve installed between the sewer tap and the required cleanout on every permitted plumbing installation in the unincorporated county.
How must the sewer cleanout be marked?
Section 6-40(a)(3) requires the sewer line cleanout to be located by means of some permanent, visible, above-grade marker, so inspectors and future owners can find it without digging.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clay County

All Clay County rules

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