Bolthole Index

Union County, Florida

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Union County, Florida

63Index Score / 100
#31 of 67 in Florida

Unincorporated Union County, Florida requires building permits for homes and other covered work, with applications through Cloudpermit12. County zoning covers unincorporated land; Lake Butler sets its own zoning34. Septic permits and inspections come from the Florida Department of Health in Union County, including inside Lake Butler56. Ask Planning & Development about private residential RV use or a tiny home before buying; we could not confirm either general occupancy rule7.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction, alteration, repair, demolition and other covered work1
Zoning
County zoning regulations cover the entire unincorporated county3
Septic permits
Handled locally by the Florida Department of Health in Union County5
Owner-builder
Available for qualifying owner-supervised projects, including a home for the owner's use8
RV living
Private residential occupancy is unconfirmed; special rules apply in campgrounds and flood-hazard areas910
Farm buildings
Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings are exempt from building-code and local code or fee requirements, but not floodplain rules11
Water wells
A permit is required from the water management district or its delegated authority; ask which office serves the parcel12

Who to call

Building permits

Union County Building Department

Union County building-permit applications and inspections through Cloudpermit

(386) 496-2676

15 NE 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Union County Planning & Development

Union County zoning and land-development questions

(386) 496-2676

15 NE 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32341

Roads & driveways

Union County Road Department

Questions about county roads

(386) 496-2180

15285 SW 84th Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054

Septic permits

Florida Department of Health in Union County, Environmental Public Health

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal system permits and inspections in Union County

386-496-3211

healthyunion@flhealth.gov

495 E Main St., Lake Butler, FL 32054

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Union County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Union County, Florida?

In unincorporated Union County, an owner or authorized agent must obtain a building permit before construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, an occupancy change or covered electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing or impact-resistant-covering work, subject to code exceptions1. The Florida Building Code applies in Union County, while local authorities retain land-use, setback, site-development and subdivision requirements13. Union County's owner-builder exemption lets qualifying owners act as their own contractor for a home for their own use, with direct onsite supervision; building-code and zoning compliance still apply8. A sale or lease within 1 year after completion creates a presumption that the home was built for sale or lease8.

Who issues building permits in Union County, Florida?

The Union County Building Department handles building-permit applications through Cloudpermit at 15 NE 1st Street in Lake Butler; call (386) 496-267614. Planning & Development uses the same phone number for zoning and development questions7. Cloudpermit lets Union County applicants track building-permit and inspection status, schedule or cancel inspections, submit changes and pay by credit card2. Building Official review may take 7–10 business days; a building permit needing no review may take up to 2 business days to issue2. We could not confirm current building-permit fee totals or the complete inspection and closeout sequence; ask the Building Department what your project requires14.

Does Union County, Florida have zoning?

Union County's zoning regulations and Official Zoning Atlas apply throughout unincorporated Union County, excluding incorporated municipalities3. Inside Lake Butler, the city sets zoning; septic permits and inspections remain with the Florida Department of Health in Union County46. Use the county Zoning Atlas to identify an unincorporated parcel's district15. The cited residential districts generally cap structures at 35 feet, subject to exceptions16. The 20-acre minimum applies to airplane landing fields approved by special exception in RSF/MH-1, while the 40% coverage cap applies to neighborhood commercial uses1718. We could not confirm general residential lot-size or setback standards; ask Planning & Development for the parcel's requirements7. Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings on bona fide agricultural land are exempt from building-code and local code or fee requirements, with urban agriculture excluded and floodplain rules still applicable11.

How do septic and well permits work in Union County?

The Florida Department of Health in Union County handles local septic permits and inspections5. Union County requires a septic permit for onsite sewage systems; ask Environmental Public Health whether the proposed treatment system also requires an operating permit19. Septic construction and final inspections are required, and owners or contractors with owner authorization may hire a private inspection provider20. Only 3.1% of Union County soils are rated 'not limited' for a conventional drain field, so arrange a site evaluation before choosing the house location; the rating does not mean septic is impossible21. Water-well construction, repair or abandonment requires a permit from the appropriate water management district or delegated authority; ask Environmental Public Health which office serves the parcel12.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Union County?

Union County's general rule for living in an RV on private land could not be confirmed, nor could a general tiny-home occupancy rule7. Ask Planning & Development about the parcel's district, proposed duration, utility connections and whether a primary dwelling is required. Two narrower rules are confirmed for unincorporated Union County: travel-trailer parks or campgrounds in Agricultural-1 through Agricultural-4 districts require a special exception, with each site at least 1,200 square feet and each unit at least 25 feet from a lot line9. In flood-hazard areas, temporary placement must be for fewer than 180 consecutive days or the RV must remain fully licensed and highway-ready; units outside those limits must meet the manufactured-home provisions10. Those campground and flood-hazard rules do not by themselves authorize residential RV living on an ordinary parcel910.

What are the steps to build a home in Union County?

  1. Ask Planning & Development to identify the unincorporated parcel's zoning district and applicable residential standards315.
  1. Arrange a septic permit or Health Department letter, or obtain the City of Lake Butler sewer-and-water tap receipt when that service applies22.
  1. For state-road access, obtain the Florida Department of Transportation culvert permit or letter saying one is not required23.
  1. Assemble the survey/legal description, address, assessment-payment proof, plans, notice of commencement and applicable utility, access and flood documents for the residential building application24.
  1. Submit through Cloudpermit; an owner-builder must personally sign the application, directly supervise qualifying work and complete the disclosure and identity/signature verification28.
  1. Ask the Building Department for the project's building-inspection and closeout requirements, and arrange required septic inspections with Environmental Public Health or an authorized private provider1420.

What should you check before buying land in Union County?

For unincorporated Union County land in a flood zone, a residential building application requires base flood elevation and a Flood Elevation Certification showing first-floor elevation; the Building Department supplies the Letter of Compliance/Flood Data for $7525. In the regulatory floodway of the Suwannee River system, including the Santa Fe River, New River and Olustee Creek, habitable structures must be elevated at least 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation without fill26. Union County regulates subdivisions, with paved or stabilized road requirements depending on lot count and acreage; the cited road policies exclude existing county-maintained roads outside new subdivisions or planned residential developments27. Ask Planning & Development which road standard applies before dividing land7. A residential application requires a new tax parcel number after a lot split28.

Watch-outs

  • Union County owner-builders must personally sign the building application, directly supervise work not done by licensed contractors and complete disclosure and identity/signature verification before permit issuance8.
  • Union County's residential RV, tiny-home, general residential minimum-lot-size and setback rules could not be confirmed; ask Planning & Development for a parcel-specific determination before purchase7.
  • For a Letter of Compliance/Flood Data inside municipal limits, Union County's residential application directs applicants to the Town of Raiford, City of Lake Butler or Town of Worthington Springs25.

Sources

  1. Building Codes and Standards – FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Department – Union County Board of County Commissioners, quoted and re-checked
  3. Union County Land Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Lake Butler: Lake Butler Code Sec. 18-79 (Union County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Sewage Disposal – Florida Department of Health in Union County, quoted and re-checked
  6. Lake Butler: Onsite Sewage Disposal - Florida Department of Health in Union County (Union County), quoted and re-checked
  7. Union County Planning & Development (unioncounty-fl.gov)
  8. 2023 Florida Statutes, Section 489.103—Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  9. Union County Land Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  10. Union County Land Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Florida Statutes § 604.50, Nonresidential farm buildings; farm fences; farm signs (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Water Well Contractor Licensing and Permitting (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Codes and Standards – FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  14. Union County Building Department (unioncounty-fl.gov)
  15. Planning & Development – Union County Board of County Commissioners, quoted and re-checked
  16. Union County Land Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Ordinance No. 20-04, quoted and re-checked
  18. Union County Comprehensive Plan, quoted and re-checked
  19. Onsite Sewage Disposal – Florida Department of Health in Union County, quoted and re-checked
  20. Onsite Sewage Disposal – Florida Department of Health in Union County, quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Union County Building Department Residential House Application, quoted and re-checked
  23. Union County Building Department Residential House Application, quoted and re-checked
  24. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  25. Union County Building Department Residential House Application, quoted and re-checked
  26. Union County Comprehensive Plan, quoted and re-checked
  27. Planning & Development – Union County Board of County Commissioners, quoted and re-checked
  28. Building Department, quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Union County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleUnion CountyBradford CountyBaker CountyColumbia CountyAlachua CountyClay CountyGilchrist County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsFL Dept. of Health in Union CountyFL Dept. of Health in Bradford CountyFL Dept. of Health in Baker CountyFL Dept. of Health in Columbia CountyFL Dept. of Health in Alachua CountyFL Dept. of Health in Clay CountyFL Dept. of Health in Gilchrist County

County locator

Union County in Florida

63
County map
Union County highlighted among the Florida counties · colored by Index score

How Union County scores

Seclusion31100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability75100% ev.
Property Autonomy91100% ev.
Carry Cost8394% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$272kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$4,651Land / acre
52"Annual rain
8.5% of yrsSevere drought
6.1 / yr (+5.8)Mid-century 100°F days
14.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.37" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.14×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
120,017People within 30 min
3,788,379People within 2 hr
58,646Radius comparison (15 mi)
63.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
3.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
4,731 acWorkable land screen
77.8%Wooded land
35.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
69°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Union County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Town of Raiford · Town of Worthington Springs

Answers from the rulebook for Union County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Union County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Union County zoning regulations and the Official Zoning Atlas in the entire unincorporated area of Union County, Florida.

    • The Land Development Regulations expressly apply to the entire unincorporated area of the County.
    • The regulations, districts, and Official Zoning Atlas are implementation tools for and must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
    • The published LDR compilation lists amendments through June 15, 2020, by Ordinance No. 20-04.
    • Incorporated municipalities are outside the geographic scope of this county regulation.
    “These land development regulations shall apply to the entire unincorporated area of the County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Union County local zoning and land-use controls.

    • The County page identifies county zoning regulations and a zoning atlas; parcel-specific district requirements must be checked before development.
    “AN ORDINANCE OF UNION COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 95-04, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED THE UNION COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Union County zoning districts and atlas materials.

    • The County planning page links to a Zoning Atlas and Zoning Regulations.
    • The ordinance identifies RSF/MH-1, RSF/MH-2, and RSF/MH-3 districts and provides district-specific special-exception rules.
    “Comprehensive Plan | Land Development Regulations | Zoning Atlas |”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Airplane landing fields allowed by special exception in the RSF/MH-1 zoning district.

    • This is a use-specific minimum, not a countywide minimum lot size.
    • The use is listed as a special exception in the RSF/MH-1 district.

    minimum lot size: >= 20 acres (Applies to airplane landing fields in RSF/MH-1.)

    “RSF/MH-1 district. 1. Airplane landing fields with a minimum lot size of twenty (20) acres.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — At least one Union County zoning district and use.
      “Airplane landing fields with a minimum lot size of twenty (20) acres.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Neighborhood commercial uses in Union County.

    • The 40-percent cap applies to buildings in neighborhood commercial uses; it is not a universal countywide lot-coverage limit.

    maximum building lot coverage: <= 40 percent of site (Neighborhood commercial uses.)

    “Neighborhood commercial uses shall be limited to a maximum lot coverage for buildings not to exceed 40 percent of the site.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Structures in Union County zoning districts.

    • The cited residential districts generally limit structures to 35 feet.
    • The cited section incorporates exceptions in Section 4.2.

    maximum structure height: <= 35 feet (Section 4.2 exceptions)

    “MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF STRUCTURES: NO PORTION SHALL EXCEED: (See also Section 4.2 for exceptions) 35 feet”
  • Living in an RVAllowed (with conditions)

    Travel trailer parks or campgrounds, including day camps, hunting or fishing camps, and similar recreational uses in Union County Agricultural-1 through Agricultural-4 zoning districts.

    • Requires approval as a special exception in the Agricultural-1 through Agricultural-4 districts.
    • Sites must be occupied primarily by travel trailers, pickup coaches, tents, camping trailers, and other vehicular accommodations.
    • Each travel trailer park or campground site must be at least 1,200 square feet.
    • No part of a travel trailer or other unit may be closer than 25 feet to any lot line.
    • The regulations apply to the unincorporated area of Union County; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.

    minimum campground site area: >= 1200 square feet · minimum setback from lot line: >= 25 feet (Applies to any travel trailer or other unit placed on a travel trailer or campground site)

    “travel trailer parks or campgrounds, including day camps; hunting or fishing camps;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary or permanent placement of recreational vehicles and park trailers in Union County flood hazard areas.
      “Be on the site for fewer than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days;”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in Union County.

    • The local county health department handles septic permitting and inspections.
    • Florida DEP enforces Florida laws and rules governing OSTDS.
    “If you live outside these 16 counties, your local county health department will still handle septic system permitting and inspections. Since July 1, 2021, the DEP has been in charge of enforcing Florida laws and rules about Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — Onsite sewage permitting and inspections in Union County.
      “If you live outside these 16 counties, your local county health department will still handle septic system permitting and inspections.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    OSTDS installation and applicable operating permits in Union County.

    • The local county health department handles septic permitting.
    • Operating permits are required for aerobic treatment units, performance-based treatment systems, commercial septic systems, and industrial or manufacturing zoned or equivalent septic systems.
    “The OSTDS program ensures that the OSTDS is properly designed, constructed, and maintained through permitting and inspection”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — OSTDS permitting in Union County.
      “The OSTDS program ensures that the OSTDS is properly designed, constructed, and maintained through permitting and inspection and contributes to safe ground water, which provides 90% of Florida’s drinking water.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    OSTDS construction and final inspections in Union County.

    • The local county health department handles septic inspections.
    • Beginning July 1, 2022, owners or contractors with owner authorization may hire a private provider to perform OSTDS inspections.
    “Starting July 1, 2022, owners or contractors with owner authorization, have the option to hire a private provider to perform inspections of OSTDS.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — OSTDS inspections in Union County.
      “Starting July 1, 2022, owners or contractors with owner authorization, have the option to hire a private provider to perform inspections of OSTDS.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential building or addition permit applications in Union County.

    • The application requires either a septic tank permit or letter from the Health Department, or a sewer and water tap-in receipt from the City of Lake Butler.
    • The source does not establish that all properties must connect to public water or sewer.
    “Septic tank permit/letter from Health Dept. OR sewer & water tap-in receipt from City of Lake Butler”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats and new subdivisions in Union County.

    • The County planning page provides a Subdivision Plat Application.
    • For new subdivisions, the Comprehensive Plan requires paved roads when more than eight lots include lots of ten acres or less, and stabilized roads when eight or fewer lots include lots of ten acres or less.
    • The cited road policies do not apply to an existing County-maintained road outside a new subdivision, Planned Residential Development, or Planned Rural Residential Development.

    lot-count threshold: > 8 lots (For subdivisions with more than eight lots, applicable lots are ten acres or less.)

    “The County's land development regulations shall contain specific and detailed provisions to manage future growth and development to implement the Comprehensive Plan which shall contain minimum provisions to: 1. Regulate the subdivision of land;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and plat-related development in Union County.
      “Subdivision Plat Application Application For Amendment To Union County Comp Plan Or FLUM Special Exception”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Culvert or driveway-access documentation associated with Union County residential building permits.

    • A Florida DOT culvert permit or letter of non-permit requirement is required when the property is on a state road.
    • The source does not establish a countywide driveway permit requirement for every property.
    “Culvert Permit (or letter of non-permit requirement) Florida DOT if on a state road”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development and utility installation in Union County flood hazard areas and the 100-year floodplain.

    • The County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
    • Development and utilities in flood hazard areas must conform to program requirements.
    • In applicable floodplain areas, habitable structures must be elevated at least one foot above the 100-year flood elevation without fill in the regulatory floodway.
    • The County Comprehensive Plan also requires floodplain structures to be clustered on the non-floodprone portion where possible; other elevation and floodproofing rules apply to structures in floodplains.

    minimum elevation above 100-year flood elevation: >= 1 foot (Habitable structures in the regulatory floodway; no fill materials.)

    “The County shall require all habitable structures be elevated no less than 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation without the use of fill materials in the regulatory floodway of the Suwannee River system, including the Santa Fe River, the New River and Olustee Creek,.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Union County building-permit application and review process.

    • Applications may be submitted online through Cloudpermit.
    • The county page states that necessary permit or plan reviews may take 7–10 business days.
    • If no reviews are necessary, permits may take up to 2 business days to issue.
    • The residential application lists required documents including survey/legal description, 911 address, special-assessment payment proof, septic or utility documentation, culvert documentation when applicable, flood documentation when applicable, plans, notice of commencement, fees, and contractor licensing approvals.

    building-official review time: 7-10 business days (necessary reviews on permits or submitted plans) · permit issuance time without necessary reviews: <= 2 business days

    “Please allow 7-10 business days for the Building Official to complete any necessary reviews on permits or submitted plans. Building permits may take up to 2 business days to be issued if no reviews are necessary from the Building Official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Union County building-permit application and review process.
      “Please allow 7-10 business days for the Building Official to complete any necessary reviews on permits or submitted plans. Building permits may take up to 2 business days to be issued if no reviews are necessary from the Building Official.”

Florida rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, or impact-resistant-covering work in Union County.

    • The quoted rule includes exceptions in Florida Building Code sections 105.1.1 through 105.1.3 and section 105.2.
    • Application must be made to the building official and the required permit obtained before the work.
    “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any impact resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy change, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, or impact-resistant-covering work in Union County.
      “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure [...] shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner-builders constructing or improving a one-family or two-family residence, farm outbuilding, or qualifying commercial building in Union County.

    • The building or residence must be for the owner's own use or occupancy.
    • A commercial building is limited to costs not exceeding $75,000.
    • The owner must provide direct, onsite supervision.
    • The owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application, subject to the electronic solar-project exception.
    • The owner may not build or substantially improve the residence for sale or lease; sale or lease within one year creates a presumption of that purpose.
    • The owner must complete and sign the disclosure statement and provide required identity or notarization verification before permit issuance.
    • Construction must comply with applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations.

    commercial building cost ceiling: <= 75000 USD (The statute's disclosure statement describes this ceiling.) · presumed sale or lease period: 1 year (Sale or lease within one year after completion creates a presumption of construction for sale or lease.)

    “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Owners acting as their own contractors in Union County under Florida Statutes section 489.103(7).
      “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors:”
    • Conditional — An owner acting as the owner's own contractor for construction, improvement, maintenance, repair, alteration, or addition to a one-family or two-family residence in Florida for the owner's own use and occupancy.
      “one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    The Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), as amended and updated by the Florida Building Commission, as the building code for the State of Florida.

    • The current rule incorporates updates approved through December 9, 2025.
    • Local authorities having jurisdiction may adopt local amendments as permitted by Florida law; those amendments do not replace the statewide base code.
    • The Florida Building Commission website identifies December 31, 2023 as the effective date of the 8th Edition (2023).

    code edition: 8th Edition (2023) (as updated by the Florida Building Commission) · latest listed rule effective date: 2026-03-18 · base code effective date: 2023-12-31

    “The Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), as updated by the Florida Building Commission on June 20, 2023, April 16, 2024, August 13, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, April 15, 2025, and December 9, 2025, and incorporated herein by reference is hereby adopted as the building code for the State of Florida.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Florida Building Code requirements applicable in Union County.
      “The Florida Building Code is adopted and updated triennially by the Florida Building Commission.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Florida Building Code requirements applicable in Union County.
      “The Florida Building Code is adopted and updated triennially by the Florida Building Commission.”
    • Adopted — The Florida Building Code for public and private buildings, including residential construction, throughout Florida.
      “The initial adoption of, and any subsequent update or amendment to, the Florida Building Code by the commission is deemed adopted for use statewide without adoptions by local government.”
    • Adopted — The Florida Building Code for public and private buildings and structures, including residential construction, throughout Florida.
      “is deemed adopted for use statewide without adoptions by local government.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New construction, or repair or restoration that modifies the structural system or structural loading, of a Florida threshold building.

    • The enforcing agency must require a special inspector to perform structural inspections pursuant to a structural inspection plan prepared by the engineer or architect of record.
    • The structural inspection plan must be submitted to and approved by the enforcing agency before issuance of the building permit.
    • The fee owner selects and pays the special inspector, who must be an engineer or architect qualified under the cited statutes.
    • This threshold-building requirement is in addition to minimum inspections required by the Florida Building Code.
    “shall require a special inspector to perform structural inspections on a threshold building”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Projects using Florida’s private-provider building-code inspection process after completion of required inspections.

    • The applicant must submit a request for a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion, the private provider’s certificate of compliance, all other government approvals required by law, and outstanding fees.
    • The local building official must issue the certificate or identify incomplete forms or documents within 10 business days, or within 2 business days for a permit relating to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
    • If the official does not provide timely notice of incomplete forms or documents, the request is automatically granted and deemed issued on the next business day; the written certificate must then be provided within 10 days.

    local official response deadline: 10 business days (2 business days for a permit relating to a single-family or two-family dwelling) · automatic issuance timing after missed deadline: next business day · written certificate after automatic issuance: 10 days

    “the local building official shall issue the certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Habitable attics in residential dwellings governed by the Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023).

    • The cited provision concerns habitable attics and requires compliance with the applicable ceiling-height requirement in Section R305.
    • The occupiable space must be enclosed by the roof assembly above, knee walls if applicable, on the sides, and the floor-ceiling assembly below.

    minimum occupiable floor area: >= 70 square feet

    “The occupiable floor area is not less than 70 square feet, in accordance with Section R304.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping conducted as a recreational camp regulated under Florida Statutes Chapter 513.

    • The operator must obtain a Florida Department of Health permit before establishing or maintaining the recreational camp.
    • The camp must satisfy statutory and Department of Health requirements and inspection standards.
    • This claim does not resolve camping on private land outside a regulated recreational camp.

    permit renewal: annually · permit fee per space: 3.50-6.50 USD (Until rules setting fees are adopted, the fee is $3.50 per space.) · total permit fee: 50-600 USD (A recreational camp fee is based on an equivalency rate for which two camp occupants equal one space.)

    “recreational camp in this state without first obtaining a permit from the department.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    An off-site-constructed residential dwelling, including a manufactured home constructed in whole or in part off site and treated as real property, in a zoning district where single-family detached dwellings are allowed.

    • The dwelling must be permitted as of right in a district where single-family detached dwellings are allowed.
    • Local governments may apply generally applicable architectural, aesthetic, design, setback, height, or bulk standards only when those standards are applied uniformly to all single-family dwellings in the same district.
    • Compatibility or design standards must be reasonable, may not exclude off-site-constructed residential dwellings, and must apply equally to single-family site-built dwellings.
    • The statute does not authorize occupancy without compliance with applicable building, permitting, installation, health, utility, or other generally applicable requirements.
    “An off-site constructed residential dwelling must be permitted as of right in any zoning district where single-family detached dwellings are allowed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of a manufactured/mobile home installed in Florida.
      “each mobile home shall be issued a certificate of occupancy if the mobile home complies with department rules regarding the installation of mobile homes.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units in Florida areas zoned for single-family residential use, where the applicable county or municipality adopts an ordinance allowing them.

    • Florida law authorizes but does not itself require every county or municipality to allow accessory dwelling units under this section.
    • The unit must be an ancillary or secondary living unit with a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, within the same structure or on the same lot as the primary dwelling.
    • A building permit application must include an affidavit that the unit will be rented at an affordable rate to an extremely-low-income, very-low-income, low-income, or moderate-income person or persons.

    affordable rent and utilities: <= not more than 30 percent of applicable median adjusted gross annual income

    “A local government may adopt an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in any area zoned for single-family residential use.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction, repair, or abandonment of drinking-water wells in Florida.

    • The five water management districts typically oversee drinking-water well construction, repair, and abandonment.
    • Some water management districts delegate well permitting to county health departments or other local agencies.
    • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection establishes statewide water-well construction requirements through section 373.309 and Chapter 62-532, F.A.C.
    • County health departments delegated to perform well permitting include Baker, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Miami-Dade, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Putnam, St. Lucie, Sarasota, and Volusia.
    • Well-contractor licensure is distinct from any construction permit requirement; licensed water-well contractors are required for persons engaging in the business of constructing, repairing, or abandoning wells.
    “The construction, repair, or abandonment of drinking water wells is typically overseen by the five water management districts. Some of these districts have delegated authority to county health departments or other local agencies.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells in Florida.
      “Additionally, a permit must be obtained from the appropriate WMD or its delegated permitting authority prior to the construction, repair or abandonment of any water well.”
    • Required — Construction, repair, or abandonment of any water well statewide.
      “Additionally, a permit must be obtained from the appropriate WMD or its delegated permitting authority prior to the construction, repair or abandonment of any water well.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Nonresidential farm buildings, farm fences, and farm signs located on lands used for bona fide agricultural purposes in Florida.

    • The land must be used for bona fide agricultural purposes.
    • The exemption does not apply to lands used for urban agriculture.
    • The exemption is from the Florida Building Code and county or municipal code or fee.
    • Floodplain-management code provisions remain applicable, including local, state, or federal provisions.
    • A farm sign on a public road remains subject to the standards listed in Florida Statutes § 479.11(4), (5)(a), and (6)-(8).
    • A nonresidential farm building is not intended to be used as a residential dwelling.
    • The statutory definition includes temporary or permanent buildings or support structures used primarily for agricultural purposes and located on land integral to a farm operation or classified as agricultural land under § 193.461; examples include a barn, greenhouse, shade house, farm office, storage building, or poultry house.
    “any nonresidential farm building [...] is exempt from the Florida Building Code and any county or municipal code or fee”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Nonresidential farm buildings, farm fences, and farm signs located on lands used for bona fide agricultural purposes statewide in Florida.
      “any nonresidential farm building, farm fence, or farm sign [...] is exempt from the Florida Building Code and any county or municipal code or fee”
    • Available (with conditions) — Nonresidential farm buildings, farm fences, and farm signs located on lands used for bona fide agricultural purposes in Florida.
      “any nonresidential farm building, farm fence, or farm sign [...] is exempt [...] except for code provisions implementing local, state, or federal floodplain management regulations.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Vacation rentals in Florida.

    • A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate their duration or frequency.
    • The preemption does not apply to local laws, ordinances, or regulations adopted on or before June 1, 2011.
    • The preemption does not apply to a local law, ordinance, or regulation exclusively relating to property valuation as a criterion for vacation rental when approval by the state land planning agency is required under an area of critical state concern designation.
    • Local governments retain authority to inspect public lodging establishments for Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance.

    grandfather date: June 1, 2011 (local law, ordinance, or regulation adopted on or before this date)

    “A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals. This paragraph does not apply to any local law, ordinance, or regulation adopted on or before June 1, 2011.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building permits throughout Florida; the enforcing agency adopts the applicable reasonable fee.

    • The opening exception is 'Unless otherwise provided by law.'
    • Fees are adopted by the appropriate enforcing agency, which may be a state or local enforcing agency.
    • The permit requirement applies before construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of a building.
    “upon the payment of such reasonable fees adopted by the enforcing agency.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles as transient accommodations in Florida recreational vehicle parks and recreational camps regulated by Chapter 513.

    • The park or camp must obtain a permit from the Florida Department of Health before establishment or operation.
    • The permit must be renewed annually.
    • This claim does not establish statewide private-land zoning permission outside regulated parks or camps.

    park/camp permit renewal: annually

    “a recreational vehicle park that rents to transient guests”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Florida counties' authority to establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning, including zoning of unincorporated county areas, subject to general and special law.

    • The county power is subject to general or special law.
    • The zoning and business regulations may not include the prohibitions in Florida Statutes § 377.8161.
    • This statewide authority grant does not identify a population threshold, named-county limitation, lake, military-base, reservoir, or similar geographic limitation.
    “Establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning and such business regulations as are necessary for the protection of the public”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Florida counties adopting and enforcing zoning regulations for county territory, including unincorporated areas.
      “Establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning and such business regulations as are necessary for the protection of the public, to the extent such zoning and business regulations do not include the prohibitions in s. 377.8161.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Florida counties requiring building permits and enforcing the Florida Building Code for residential and other construction within county territory outside incorporated municipalities.

    • The board of county commissioners may enforce the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code and may adopt local technical amendments at its discretion.
    • The authority described in § 125.56(1) applies within county territory outside the corporate limits of any municipality.
    • After adoption of the applicable code or amendment, construction, erection, alteration, repair, securing, or demolition requires a permit from the appropriate county authority, subject to reasonable fees.
    • An adopted amendment remains in force throughout the county's unincorporated area until otherwise notified by the Florida Building Commission or State Fire Marshal.
    • A county may provide a schedule of reasonable inspection fees and employ building-code inspectors and other necessary personnel.
    “The board of county commissioners of each of the several counties of the state may enforce the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as provided in ss. 553.80, 633.206, and 633.208 and, at its discretion, adopt local technical amendments to the Florida Building Code as provided in s. 553.73(4) and local technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code as provided in s. 633.202 to provide for the safe construction, erection, alteration, repair, securing, and demolition of any building within its territory outside the corporate limits of any municipality.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Union County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Union County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Union County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Union County, Florida

Is Union County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Union County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 120,017 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Union County, Florida?

Union County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Florida Department of Health in Union County (Environmental Public Health Program), under the Florida DEP Onsite Sewage Program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Union County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Union County is limited to specific cases: Temporary or permanent placement of recreational vehicles and park trailers in Union County flood hazard areas. Temporary placement must satisfy at least one of two alternatives: fewer than 180 consecutive days on the site, or full licensing and readiness for highway use. Highway-ready status requires the recreational vehicle or park model to be on wheels or a jacking system, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and without permanent attachments such as additions, rooms, stairs, decks, or porches. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Union County, Florida?

Land in Union County runs about $4,651 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Union County?

Union County gets about 52" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.5% of years.

How remote is Union County?

A representative private-land location has about 120,017 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,788,379 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Union compares in Florida

Compare side-by-side →See all 67 Florida counties ranked →