Yes. Early starts may be issued at the Building Official’s discretion after a permit has been processed and completed its first review cycle. To request an early start, email building@ocalafl.gov.

Yes. Under Florida’s Owner-Builder Statute (Section 489.103, Florida Statutes), property owners may act as their own contractor under certain conditions. This exemption applies to work on your primary residence, a one- or two-family dwelling, farm outbuildings, or certain small commercial projects (not exceeding $75,000).

To qualify:

• You must personally appear and sign the building permit application.

• The work must be for your own use, not for sale or lease. If the property is sold or leased within one year of completion, it is presumed the work was done for resale, which violates the exemption.

• You must directly supervise the work and ensure all laborers are either licensed contractors or properly employed by you (with required tax and workers’ comp obligations).

• You assume full responsibility for compliance with codes, regulations, and liability for the project.

Each permit application must include an Owner/Builder form, and the complete packet must be submitted in person to the Building Division (2nd floor, Customer Service Center, 201 SE 3rd St).

A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is a legal document that must be recorded with the Marion County Clerk of Court before work begins on certain projects valued over $5,000 (or $15,000 for HVAC changeouts). The NOC establishes the official start of construction and protects property owners by outlining who is authorized to perform work and who has lien rights.

• To complete an NOC, fill out the standard form available in our Forms section.
• Have the NOC notarized.
  • The NOC shall be signed by the property owner, a registered agent, or a lessee. (Lease holders must provide a copy of the lease agreement showing they are authorized.)
• Record it with the Marion County Clerk of Court and upload a copy to your building permit in our online system. You may also e-mail a copy referencing the permit number or bring it in person.

To register, please click on the “Contractor Registry” button on the Building Division page.

Contractors must provide:

• A copy of your current state license
• Proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation (or exemption)
• Letter of Authorization (if you would like to allow additional people to sign on your behalf)

Inspections may be scheduled online through our permit portal or by phone using the inspection line. You will need your permit number, type of inspection, and contact information.

• Inspections must be scheduled before 4:00 p.m. for next business day service.
• Click the “Inspections” button above for more details.

• Residential properties: Fences that are 6 feet or lower in height do not require a building permit. Exceptions include properties located within a historic district, fences taller than 6 feet, or “wall-like” fences (such as masonry or concrete). These exceptions do require a permit.
• Commercial properties: All commercial fences require a site permit, regardless of height or material.

For questions regarding setbacks or to verify if your improvement requires a site plan review, please contact the Planning Department at 352-629-4040 or email zoning@ocalafl.gov.

Yes, most accessory structures require a building permit, including new sheds, replacements, or site-built structures. All accessory structures must include either a product approval, notice of acceptance, or engineered plans and must meet zoning requirements, such as setbacks.

A property owner may apply as an Owner/Builder by submitting the required Owner/Builder form in person at the Building Division (2nd floor, Customer Service Center, 201 SE 3rd St.).

When applying, you’ll need:

• A property survey showing the location and setbacks
• Product approval or vendor drawings for pre-manufactured sheds
• For site-built sheds: scaled structural drawings by a design professional, including floor plan, foundation plan, elevations, wall section, and roof system details
• If you are building your own shed, a signed and sealed set of structural drawings from a Florida-licensed architect or engineer is required
• If the shed (including installation) is valued at more than $5,000, you must file a Notice of Commencement (NOC) with the Clerk of the Circuit Court before work begins

For questions regarding setbacks or to verify if your improvement requires a site plan review, contact the Planning Department at 352-629-4040 or email zoning@ocalafl.gov.

Review times vary based on project type and completeness of the submittal.

• No plan review required: Re-roofs, window/door changeouts, and A/C “same-for-same” changeouts are typically issued within 2 business days, provided the application is complete.
• Plan review required: Applications typically go through a plan cycle review within 10 business days of a complete submittal (plans must be uploaded and review fees paid). Any resubmittals are reviewed within 5 business days.

Impact fees are assessed during the review process and prior to the issuance of the permit. They are typically required for:

• New construction
• Renovations that increase square footage
• Changes of use (for example, converting a retail space into a restaurant)

• Previously paid impact fees for demolished structures on the same property
• If the last use was of a higher intensity