Contractor Registration and Permits in Jacksonville

Jacksonville and Duval County share a consolidated government. The Building Inspection Division (Department of Public Works) issues permits for all residential and commercial construction within the City of Jacksonville and enforces the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023). It is on the 2nd floor of the Ed Ball Building, 214 North Hogan Street, open weekdays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (904-255-8500).

Registering to pull permits: JaxEPICS

Jacksonville's permitting system is JaxEPICS. The division's FAQ lists what you need to register as a contractor:

1. Completed New Contractor Registration Form
2. Your State of Florida construction license
3. A picture ID
4. Proof of workers' compensation insurance or exemption
5. Signature verification. The qualifying agent either appears in person or has the form notarized.

Email everything to BIDRegistrations@coj.net.

The 2026 registration form is also used to add a license holder to an existing company profile. It has a separate note for private providers. A contractor profile registered as a private provider can only submit plans and documents. A firm doing both plan review and inspections needs a separate private provider profile.

Before you file

The division keeps a Contractor License and Complaint Search page. It links state license lookups, Duval County licenses for registered and specialty contractors and journeymen, a business tax search, the State Fire Marshal's sprinkler contractor database, and the workers' comp coverage database. Owners use it to check contractors, and you can use it to confirm your own records look right.

Business tax: one Duval receipt

Because of consolidation, Jacksonville has a single Local Business Tax Receipt issued by the Duval County Tax Collector. It covers any business, occupation or profession operating in the City of Jacksonville or Duval County, including home-based and one-person businesses. Receipts are valid October 1 to September 30. Unpaid receipts are delinquent after September 30, with a 10% penalty for October and more after that. The Tax Collector also points out that an LBTR is not a license, permit or registration. It doesn't replace your state license or your JaxEPICS registration.

FAQ

Do I need separate city and county business tax receipts in Jacksonville? The Duval County Tax Collector issues the Local Business Tax Receipt for businesses operating in the City of Jacksonville or Duval County.

Can I register without going downtown? Yes. Email the documents to BIDRegistrations@coj.net and have the form notarized instead of verifying your signature in person.

When do I need a Notice of Commencement? The city's FAQ says on most jobs over $5,000.

License first

JaxEPICS registration requires a state construction license. See general contractor, roofing and underground utility. Each requires the state Business and Finance exam. Prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.