Permits & Inspections

Most construction and improvement projects in Mary Esther need a City permit, from fences, sheds, and driveways to remodels, new construction, signs, and tree removal. Starting August 24, everything runs through one online system: apply, upload plans, pay fees, schedule inspections, and even receive your Certificate of Occupancy electronically. You apply once, and City staff route your plans to every required reviewer.

Most construction and improvement projects in Mary Esther need a City permit, from fences, sheds, and driveways to remodels, new construction, signs, and tree removal. Starting August 24, everything runs through one online system: apply, upload plans, pay fees, schedule inspections, and even receive your Certificate of Occupancy electronically. You apply once, and City staff route your plans to every required reviewer. Apply for a Permit Online Look Up Permits on a Property Need help applying? Visit City Hall (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.) or call 850-243-3566 and select Customer Service. Staff will complete the online application with you. How It Works Check if you need a permit. Not sure? Ask the Community Assistant in the corner of this page, or call before you start work. Property owners are responsible for unpermitted work even when a contractor performs it. Apply online. Create a free account, pick your permit type, and upload your documents. The permit guide for your project type lists exactly what is needed. Plan review. Simple projects are typically reviewed in 1 to 3 days. Projects requiring a Florida Building Code review are routed by City staff to the City's building official, EPCI. Commercial projects are also routed to the Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District for fire code review. You track everything in your one application. Pay and receive your permit. Pay online, and your permit is issued to your account. Schedule inspections. Request inspections from your account and get results the same day. When your project passes final inspection, your Certificate of Occupancy is issued electronically to your account. Was Your Permit Issued Before August 24? Permits issued before August 24, 2026 will be completed with Okaloosa County under the process in place when you applied, through final inspection and close-out. Permits applied for on or after August 24 come through the City's online system. Which Projects Need a Florida Building Code Review? New residential and commercial construction, remodels, additions, carports, seawalls, fences and walls with footers, boathouses, and accessory structures over 200 square feet. City staff route these to the building official as part of your application. Some minor residential work is exempt from permitting under Florida law; the Building Official makes that determination, so ask before you build. Which Projects Have a City-Only Review? Fences and walls without footers, driveways, and sheds or storage buildings of 200 square feet or less. These are typically reviewed in 1 to 3 days, some in 1 day or less. Who Reviews Commercial Projects for Fire Code? Commercial plans are routed to the Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District, the City's contracted fire authority. You do not need to contact them separately. Permit Fees Permit fees are based on your project's total valuation (Resolution 26-09). Your exact fees are calculated in your application before you pay. Highlights: Residential (one- and two-family) Projects valued at $10,000 or less: $95 permit fee, plus $45 plan review Projects over $10,000: $95 plus $5.25 per $1,000 of value over $10,000, with rates stepping down for larger projects; plan review is $0.45 per $1,000 of total valuation ($45 minimum) Roof or re-roof, all types: $100 minimum Commercial Projects valued at $10,000 or less: $95 minimum Projects over $10,000: $95 plus $6.20 per $1,000 of value over $10,000, with rates stepping down for larger projects Plan review: 50 percent of the permit fee ($95 minimum) Trade permits and other fees Trade permits (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, gas): $75 each Re-inspections: $75 first, $150 second, $250 each additional Certificate of Occupancy: $40 State surcharges required by Florida law are added to each permit fee. Starting work before a permit is issued doubles the permit fee. Hiring a Contractor? Any contractor working in the City must hold a current Contractor Tracking Certificate. Verify your contractor is registered on the Business Licenses page before work begins.