city · Nassau County · Florida

Fernandina Beach, Florida Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

5.3

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

35 days

5 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$9,500

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$7,600

per lot

Permit Fee

$1,400

residential

Plan Review Fee

$500

per application

Delay Risk

22%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application
✓ Engineered site plan
✓ Nassau County impact fees
✓ SJRWMD stormwater permit
✓ Historic preservation review (downtown and historic districts)
✓ Tree survey and mitigation plan
✓ Stormwater management plan
✓ Fire department review
✓ Coastal construction permit (barrier island properties)
✓ FEMA flood zone compliance
✓ Wind load compliance (coastal areas 120+ mph)
✓ Utility connection permits
✓ Florida Building Code 8th Edition compliance

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

Charming coastal historic district with preservation requirements. Amelia Island location means coastal construction standards. Small-town feel but growing residential demand from Jacksonville metro expansion.

Recent Changes

Nassau County impact fees adjusted 6% Jan 2026. Updated historic district guidelines adopted Q4 2025. New coastal dune protection requirements. Enhanced sea level rise adaptation planning required for coastal new construction.

Rezone Probability

72%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(904) 277-7305

Official Website

https://www.fbfl.us/departments/building

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