Washington County is a rural Panhandle county with its county offices in Chipley. Its Building Department, at 1331 South Blvd., Chipley, FL 32428 (phone 850-638-6195, hours Monday to Friday 8 to 4), issues building permits, reviews plans, performs electrical and building inspections, and maintains contractor licensing for the county.
Certified vs registered in Washington County
| License | Basis | Where it is good |
|---|---|---|
| State certified | State exams, including Business and Finance | Anywhere in Florida |
| State registered | A local certificate of competency registered with DBPR | Only where local requirements were met (F.S. 489.117) |
Washington County's forms show that the county tracks both. The 2025 Application for Building Permit has fields for the contractor's State License # and Competency Card, and the county's residential addition instructions say a permit submittal must include "a copy of the Contractor's license, proof of General Liability, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and a county competency card." Contact the Building Department to confirm how a state certified contractor obtains or registers for the county card before your first job.
Before you can request a permit
The Building Department lists steps that come before the permit application:
- an approved Land Use Application through the Planning Department; and
- a valid address through the E-911 Addressing Department.
The department says it can process applications, accept payment and issue permits remotely, so you do not have to leave the office or take time off to get a permit.
What the county expects in a permit packet
From the county's residential addition instructions:
- Two complete sets of plans drawn to scale, including a site plan. One set stays on file. Some residential plans need engineering.
- Contractor's license, general liability and workers' comp proof, and the county competency card. If a homeowner is doing the work, builder's risk insurance is required instead.
- All electrical, plumbing, mechanical and roofing subcontractors must buy their own permits.
- Documents must be left for review for at least 24 hours, and partial submittals are not accepted.
- A Notice of Commencement must be recorded at the Washington County Courthouse before the second inspection, with a certified copy to the Building Department and a copy posted at the job site.
- Inspections must be requested at least 24 hours in advance, with the permit number and inspection type.
The 2025 permit application notes the code in effect is the 8th Edition Florida Building Code.
Business tax
We could not confirm from an official Washington County source whether a county business tax receipt is required. Ask the Washington County Tax Collector and, for a business inside Chipley or another town, the municipality.
State license pages
For homes and additions: residential contractor or general contractor. For the trades that must pull their own permits here: roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical.
FAQ
Can my general contractor's permit cover the electrician and plumber? No. The county says electrical, plumbing, mechanical and roofing subcontractors must purchase their own permits.
What do I need before applying for a building permit? An approved Land Use Application from Planning and a valid E-911 address.
Which edition of the Florida Building Code applies? The county's 2025 permit application states the 8th Edition.
Next step
A state certified license is recognized in Washington County and statewide. Every CILB license requires the B&F exam: Florida Business & Finance Exam Prep.