Jacksonville, FL Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum age for landmark status
- 50 years old
- Designation criteria needed
- 2 of 7 (4 if owner objects)
- Before altering/demolishing
- Certificate of appropriateness required
- Civil penalty (owner/agent did work)
- $1,000-$3,000 per violation
- Deciding body
- Historic Preservation Commission + Council
Summary
The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission designates landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts for cultural, historical, or architectural value, then requires a certificate of appropriateness before owners may alter, demolish, or relocate them.
The City Council declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts is a public necessity because they have a special historic, architectural, archaeological, aesthetic or cultural interest and value and thus serve as visible reminders of the history and heritage of this City, State and nation.
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
City Council designates landmarks and landmark sites by ordinance under Ordinance Code Chapter 307, on recommendation of the seven-member Historic Preservation Commission after a public hearing. A property must be at least 50 years old and meet at least two of seven criteria (four if the owner objects): including significant cultural, historical, architectural, or archaeological value, association with a notable person or event, or the work of a master builder. Once designated, any exterior alteration, new construction, demolition, relocation, or mothballing requires a certificate of appropriateness (COA) from the Commission or, for routine work, administrative staff.
Violations & Fines
Work done without a required COA triggers a stop-work order; civil penalties run $1,000-$3,000 per violation for owners/agents who did the work themselves, $50-$500/day otherwise, enforced by the Special Magistrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I demolish a designated Jacksonville landmark without approval?
How does a Jacksonville building become an official landmark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida historic preservation overview
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