Jacksonville Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Jacksonville, FL. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
949,611
Total Zone Types
22
Planning Department
City of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Duval County
Metro Area
Jacksonville-Ponte Vedra Beach
Jacksonville Zoning System
The Jacksonville zoning system includes 22 total zone classifications: 11 residential zones (RR, RR-Acre, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, and others) and 5 commercial zones (CN, CRO, CG, CCG-1, and others), as well as 3 mixed-use zones (MU-L, MU-M, MU-H) and 3 industrial zones (IL, IM, IH). Jacksonville operates under a consolidated city-county government — the City of Jacksonville and Duval County are one government entity, a result of Consolidation in 1968. The city's zoning is governed by the Jacksonville Zoning Code (Part 4 of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code), administered by the Planning and Development Department. Jacksonville uses a residential zone system ranging from RR (Rural Residential) to high-density RHD zones. The consolidated government structure means Jacksonville is both the city and county government for Duval County. Florida HB 1339 (2024) preempts local ADU restrictions statewide, requiring ministerial approval for qualifying ADUs. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Jacksonville Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Jacksonville Building Department (City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (904) 255-8500 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the City of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department at (904) 255-7800. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Planning Department
City of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department
(904) 255-7800
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Jacksonville property?
Yes. Florida HB 1339 (2024) requires Jacksonville to permit ADUs by-right with ministerial (non-discretionary) approval for ADUs meeting objective standards. Owner-occupancy requirements were eliminated statewide. Impact fees are capped at the single-family rate. Contact Jacksonville Planning and Development for specific size and setback requirements for your zone.
What makes Jacksonville unique as a city government?
Jacksonville operates under a consolidated city-county government, combining the City of Jacksonville and Duval County into one government entity since 1968. This makes Jacksonville one of the largest cities by land area in the contiguous US (874 square miles). All city and county services — building permits, zoning, utilities (JEA) — are handled by the consolidated government.
Who provides utilities in Jacksonville?
JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority) is the community-owned utility providing electricity, water, and wastewater service to most of Jacksonville and parts of surrounding counties. JEA handles both electric interconnection for solar systems and water/sewer connections for new dwelling units. JEA is one of the largest community-owned utilities in the US.
Are short-term rentals (Airbnb) allowed in Jacksonville?
Yes, with licensing. A Florida DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) Vacation Rental License is required statewide. Jacksonville also requires a Local Business Tax Receipt. Florida Tourist Development Tax (6%) and Duval County Tourist Development Tax must be collected on all STR stays. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit these taxes.
Is my Jacksonville property in a flood zone?
Many Jacksonville properties are in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) due to the St. Johns River and coastal proximity. Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) to check your specific parcel. Properties in SFHAs require flood insurance with federally-backed mortgages. Jacksonville also participates in FEMA's Community Rating System, which can discount flood insurance premiums.
Does Jacksonville have historic district restrictions?
Yes. Jacksonville has 6 locally designated historic districts including Riverside-Avondale (one of Florida's largest historic districts) and Springfield. If your property is in a historic district or is a designated landmark, exterior alterations require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before building permits can be issued. Contact Jacksonville Planning and Development for historic overlay status.
Source: Jacksonville Ordinance Code Part 4 (Zoning) Section 656.409; Florida Statutes 166.0451 (HB 1339, 2024). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source