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Building Division

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1. Are drawings required and do they need to be drawn by an architect or engineer?

Yes. Drawings are required and must be signed and sealed by an architect or engineer, or you may also use high wind standards (FBC-R 301.1.1). If you choose this method, we suggest you meet with the building official prior to submitting your plans.

2. Can I, as an owner, act as my own contractor?

In accordance with Florida Statutes 489.103.7 if the property you are building / improving is for your own personal use and occupancy, an owner can act as their own contractor. You may also build or improve a commercial building, provided your cost does not exceed $75,000.

3. How long is a building permit valid?

You have two years from date of issuance to complete a project as long as work is continuous. If the project is dormant for six months, the permit is void.

4. I have an Okaloosa County Business Tax Receipt; do I also need one for the City of Destin?

If your business or business activity is located within the corporate limits of the city, then yes, you do need a receipt.

5. Is a permit required for a fence?

Yes, a permit is required for a fence. Call (850) 654-1119 to obtain more information.

6. What building code are you currently under?

The City of Destin is currently under the 2010 Florida Building Code and the 2008 National Electrical Code.

7. What is required to be shown on a site plan?

All structures showing setbacks, driveways, walkways and sidewalks are required to be shown on a site plan.

8. When are foundation and as-built surveys required?

In accordance with LDC 20.06.01, for all building projects which require construction of a foundation of 100 square feet or more. A foundation survey shall be submitted to the permit clerk for review by the Planning Division prior to a dry-in inspection. The survey shall show the finished floor elevation of the lowest slab, the crown of the nearest road and all setbacks. For all building projects requiring a foundation survey, an as-built survey shall be submitted to the permit clerk prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

9. When is a Notice of Commencement required and where does it get filed?

In accordance with Florida Statutes 713, for any improvement to any real property that exceeds $2,500 including materials and labor, a notice of commencement must be filed before commencing work. The notice of commencement must be filed with the Clerk of Court.

Exception: Mechanical work that exceeds $7,500 must file a notice of commencement.

10. When is a permit required?

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of the building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any required impact resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the Florida Building Code. This includes uninhabitable structures: accessory buildings, driveways, walkways, fences, retaining walls, bulkheads, seawalls, marine docks / piers, boardwalks, beach dune walkovers, clearing and grading, etc.

In many cases, a permit is needed for repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows / doors / siding. A plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit maybe needed for any addition or changes to a building's existing system; for example, replacing air conditioner, water heater change out, moving or adding electrical receptacles and switches. To determine if your project needs a permit, call (850) 654-1119.

11. When is a permit required for concrete and/or pavers?

Because the installation of concrete and/or pavers changes the impervious surface, a permit is always required.

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City of Destin

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1. Does the city require a permit for a beach wedding?

All groups of 20 or more wishing to gather or hold an event of any nature on city-owned property are required to secure a Park Event Permit through the Destin Parks & Recreation Department. Examples include, but are not limited to; weddings, anniversary parties, family reunions, company picnics, sporting events and private parties. Learn more about beach weddings and park permits

2. Where can I get a marriage license?

For marriage licenses, call the Okaloosa County Courthouse at (850) 651-7200 or visit the Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts webpage.

3. Can I take my dog on the beach?

Dogs are NOT ALLOWED on the beaches in Destin/Okaloosa County. We encourage you to visit the City of Destin's Dog Park located at 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. Destin Dog Park

4. Are bonfires allowed on the beach?

Destin is in Okaloosa County and according to County Ordinance 79-41 bonfires are illegal on the beach between the water’s edge and mean high water mark or vegetation line, whichever is further.

5. Are fireworks allowed on the beach?

Fireworks are NOT ALLOWED on the beaches in Destin.

6. Can I camp overnight on the beach?

Overnight camping is NOT ALLOWED on the beaches in Destin.

7. Does Destin have a public tennis court?

There are two public tennis courts located at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive. They are open daily from 9 a.m. until dusk. For more information, call the Destin Parks & Recreation Department at (850) 650-1241 or (850) 654-5184. Buck Destin Park

8. How do I report an aggressive animal?

The City of Destin contracts with PAWS for animal control. To report an aggressive animal, call (850) 244-0196 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nights and weekends, call (850) 685-6003. More contact information for PAWS

9. Can I drive my golf cart on Hwy. 98 or any streets in Destin?

Golf carts cannot be operated on any public street or pedestrian facility (sidewalk). A properly modified Low Speed Vehicle that complies with conditions set forth in Florida Statute 316.2122 “Operation of a Low Speed Vehicle on certain roadways” may be driven on streets that are designated as Low Speed Vehicle accessible.

10. Where can I take my recyclables?

There are two public recycling centers close to Destin. One is at the Miramar Fire Station located at 217 N. Geronimo Street and the second one is in Ft. Walton Beach at the Landing, 131 Brooks Street SE. If these locations are not convenient, you can call Okaloosa County Recycling at (850)689-5774 for additional information. All single-family residential homes in the City of Destin receive curbside single stream recycling pickup through the city's contracted solid waste provider.

11. Where can I park my RV?

There are several RV sites around the Panhandle area. The following website is for Henderson Beach State Park which is inside the city limits of Destin. Henderson Beach State Park

12. Where can I launch my boat?

The Joe’s Bayou public boat launch is located at 800 Beach Drive in Destin and is open daily, from dawn to dusk. There is a $10 daily launch fee. Joe's Bayou Boat Launch

13. Am I allowed to take a pop up tent on the beach?

The City of Destin does not prohibit the placement of a pop up canopy on beaches within the city limits. Please note that leaving canopies on the beaches overnight may interfere with the beach cleaning services or may impede possible turtle nesting activities.

14. Who do I contact regarding mosquito problems?

For mosquito-related issues, please contact Okaloosa County Mosquito Control District at (850) 651-7394 or (850) 689-5774. Okaloosa County Mosquito Control District

15. What are the regulations for political signs in the city?

Political signs follow the same rules and regulations for all signs set forth in the City's Land Development Code, Article 16.

A. Signs are prohibited from being placed in the city's rights-of-way or medians.
B. Signs must be located on private property.
C. Placement of signs on utility poles, trees or fences is prohibited.
D. Signs must not obstruct the visibility of pedestrians, cyclists or motorists traveling or entering public streets.
E. Signs must not block the visibility triangle of intersections.
* Signs in violation of these provisions can be collected by the Code Enforcement Division and may be disposed of.
Destin Land Development Code, Article 16

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Code Enforcement

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1. During my morning walks, I see dogs roaming around the neighborhood and tearing up people's trash. What should I do?

It is not advised to approach any animal that you are not familiar with. The best thing to do is to not make eye contact with the animal and to leave the area. When able, contact Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and give a description of the animal and the area last seen. PAWS enforces the City's animal ordinances, which prohibits animals to run "at large." The animal ordinance also prohibits excessive and untimely barking, animals on public property and requires animal owners to maintain rabies vaccinations. Regulations governing animals in the City of Destin are found in Article 4 of the Destin Code of Ordinances. Link to Code of Ordinances, Articel 4

2. I have received a notice from the City's Code Enforcement Officer for violating one of the City's codes. I need more time to correct the problem, what should I do?

Before the deadline expires, call the Code Enforcement Division at 850-337-3123 and speak with the officer or set up an appointment. Based on the circumstances and your good faith effort, the deadline may be extended.

3. What happens when a person who was cited for violating a City ordinance fails to comply?

If the person in charge of the property has been cited for a violation and has made no effort to comply with the ordinance, the case will be presented to the City's Code Enforcement Board. An Administrative Fee and a fine of up to $250.00 per day may be assessed to the property owner for non-compliance.

4. A house in my neighborhood has a lot of cars, boats and an RV in the front yard. How many vehicles and boats can you have in your yard?

City code does not regulate the number of vehicles or boats allowed on someone's property, but the City does regulate their condition. All vehicles not located in an enclosed building must be in operating condition with a current license plate. Also, vehicles and boats can not be parked in a manner which would impede the vision of motorist at an intersection.

5. Where do I call to report a noise complaint?

A Code Enforcement Officer is on call 24 hours a day and will respond to noise complaints located within the City at anytime. During working hours,call the Code Enforcement Division at 850-337-3123. After hours report the complaint to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department at 850-651-7400, who will contact the Code Enforcement Officer on-call. The Officer will go to the location and record the sound level with a sound level meter. Two readings are taken each from the property line in the direction of the complaint. If the sound level exceeds what is allowed by ordinance, the establishment will be issued a code violation and required to reduce the noise level to be in compliance with the ordinance.

6. I worked in my yard this weekend and have placed a lot of lawn debris out at the curb. Who will pick it up and when?

Waste Management (WM) collects lawn debris on Wednesdays. The lawn debris must be cut into four-foot (4') lengths, bundled or bagged. If it is not in this condition, a "special pickup" can be arranged by contacting Waste Management at 850-862-7141.

7. I purchased a new appliance and want to get rid of the old one. How do I do that?

Waste Management (WM) will dispose of your old appliance for a fee. Appliances may also be brought to the Public Works Department during regular business hours. Before placing appliances at the curb, Florida Statutes requires that you remove the door or secure it so that it cannot be opened. Okaloosa County Transfer Facility can also be contacted for disposal of appliances, tires and hazardous waste.

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Library

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1. Where is the Destin Library?

The library is located on the extreme West end of Destin at 150 Sibert Avenue. If you are driving from the East, take Highway 98 heading West, turn right on Calhoun Avenue at the foot of the Marler Bridge, and bear right onto Sibert Avenue. If you are driving from the West, take Highway 98 heading East, turn left at the foot of the Marler Bridge onto Calhoun Avenue, and bear right onto Sibert Avenue. We are located on the right. Map it!

2. How do I access Ancestry.com or Heritage Quest Online?

You must use one of the library’s public access computers and have a valid Okaloosa County library card to access Ancestry.com. You may, however, access Heritage Quest online and use your library card number to access the site from home. Heritage Quest Online

3. How do I access ePrep?

To access ePrep, an online college entrance exam preparation course, a valid Okaloosa County library card is required. You may sign up at the Destin Library and access ePrep from home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A user name and password will be provided upon registration. You may log in now if you are already registered. ePrep

4. How do I access my account online?

You can access your account online by using our services. You will need your barcode and a personal identification number(PIN). If you have not requested a PIN from library staff, you may enter the default PIN which is “CHANGEME.” Go to your account and reset your PIN. Online Access

5. How do I get a library card?

Okaloosa County residents may obtain a library card free of charge. A picture ID and proof of permanent residency (i.e. property record search, utility bill) are required. Out-of-county residents may obtain a library card for an annual fee of $36. A picture ID is required. Seasonal visitors may purchase a temporary six-month card for $26, entitling you to full library privileges. See policies and membership information

6. How do I place a "hold" on library materials

To place a hold, please log into your account. Locate the material you would like to request and select “Place Hold,” which is underlined and in blue type. Be sure to select your “Pick-Up” library so your materials will be delivered to the library of your choice.

7. How do I renew my library materials?

To renew your materials, simply log into your account, select “My Account” on the upper toolbar and click “Renew My Materials.” If your materials are overdue, you will need to contact the respective library to renew them. New materials and DVDs cannot be renewed except in rare emergency situations. Please contact the respective library if such a situation occurs.

8. How do I request an interlibrary loan?

To request materials from one of the other five libraries in the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative, you may access your account online and search “All Libraries.” To request materials from other libraries in the state of Florida, please contact Sandee Kelly at (850) 837-8572.

9. How do I sign up for computer classes?

Computer classes are offered in the spring and fall. Please check our calendar for dates and times. Check the calendar

10. How can I support the Destin Library?

The Destin Library accepts monetary donations through the City of Destin and they may be made in person at the library. We also accept books and other materials (except textbooks) that are in good condition if they have been stored in a climate-controlled location.

The Friends of the Destin Library is a non-profit organization established to support the library. You may join the Friends for an annual fee of $10 or make a one-time donation. Donations are used to provide the library with equipment, books, DVDs and much more.

11. How do I reserve a meeting/study room

Meeting rooms are provided for nonprofit groups and cultural and educational programs. Please contact the library at (850) 837-8572 for more information.

For people needing a private space to study or work, we have study carrels in the main library and one room that may be reserved depending on availability. Please contact the library in advance to book the room.

12. How do I use the library's computer services?

The library has 21 public access computers as well as wi-fi. A valid Okaloosa County library card is required to use the public access computers on a regular basis. Guest passes are available on a limited basis depending on availability; a picture ID is required. Wi-fi is available with or without a library card.

13. Can I volunteer at the Destin Library?

YES! To volunteer at the library, please contact Will Rogers at (850) 837-8572. Bright Futures hours and internships are available to students. Adult volunteers can assist with computer classes, shelving, children’s programs and much more.

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Planning Division

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1. How Do I Get A Commercial or Multi-Family Development Permit?

These permits must be issued in compliance with the Destin Comprehensive Plan and related Land Development Regulations. Commercial or Multi-family development projects require a Development Order to be issued prior to the issuance of any building permits. This development order is issued by the Planning Division.

2. When do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree?

Anytime you remove a protected tree. What is a protected tree? Any tree between 12 and 24 inches in diameter (diameter is calculated by measuring the circumference and then dividing that number by 3.14) at a point four and one-half feet above ground level.

3. When do I Need a Permit to Clear Land?

Anytime you use heavy machinery to clear a parcel of land for construction or for any other purpose (grade and fill, harvest timber, bushog, etc). For a list of what’s required for a Land Clearing permit please refer to Article 2.05.02 (F) of the Destin Land Development Code (LDC) Link to Land Development Code, Article 2

4. Where Can I Get a Copies of the City of Destin's Development Regulations?

There are three documents available online at the Municode Online Library:

1. Destin Code of Ordinances

2. Destin Land Development Code

3. Destin Comprehensive Plan

Link to Municode Library - Destin

5. What does "Grandfathered" mean?

Grandfathered is another way to describe something that is considered existing and non-conforming. Grandfathered or existing non-conforming is a term used to describe a situation that existed prior to the adoption of a new ordinance or law. For example: A resident has a forty-eight (48") inch high fence in their front yard which was constructed ten (10) years ago. The neighbor desires to construct the same fence in their front yard, but a new ordinance was passed three (3) years ago which still permits a fence in the front yard, but only thirty-six (36") inch high. The forty-eight (48") inch high fence is "grandfathered" because it existed prior to the adoption of the new height limitation.

6. Can I open a business out of my home?

The City of Destin does permit businesses to be based out of a residence however, certain conditions apply. These businesses must comply with City Code, which limit the type of businesses that can be operated out of your home. Permitted home businesses typically involve office use without employee's, inventory or storage. Please refer to Land Development Code Home Occupations Standards: Article 9.06.06. Link to Land Development Code, Article 9

7. What are building setbacks?

Building setbacks are minimum distances by which any building or structure must be separated from a property line or another building/structure. These setbacks assure the adequate distance to provide for supply of light and air, fire protection and more generally to assure the health safety and general welfare of property owners.

8. How can I find out the building setbacks for my lot?

Follow the link below to the City of Destin Zoning Map. The Zoning Districts are depicted in various colors. Once you know the Zoning District of your parcel, you can consult the Zoning District Factsheet for that district to determine what are the allowable uses, as well as setback and desity. Factsheet links are found in the Zoning section of the Planning Division page. Link to Destin Zoning Map

9. I would like to add an accessory structure (swimming pool, detached garage, deck, etc.) to my property. What are the limitations for such structures?

The City has minimum zoning standards concerning accessory structures (size restrictions, height, location and setback requirements). For more information concerning these standards please contact the City's Planning Division at 850-337-3123. To obtain a Building Permit application or for submittal procedures please contact the Building Division at 850-654-1119.

10. I would like to place an off-premise sign advertising my business, service or organization, along city streets or on other property. What are the City’s requirements concerning this type of signage?

This type of signage is prohibited by the City of Destin. Off-premise signs are defined as signs which advertise products or businesses which are not located on the same lot or parcel as the sign. An owner's permission to place a sign on property does not allow having the use of the sign. For more information on Signs, please refer to the Destin Land Development Code Article 16.
Link to Land Development Code, Article 16

11. What are the guidelines for fencing?

The City Code regulates the location, height and material of a fence. Any fence or portion of a fence that is leaning, sagging, or missing supports or pickets requires replacement or repair. Fence regulations are found in Article 9.06.05 of the Land Development Code. A fence permit is required for all new fencing and must be submitted to the Building Division. To obtain a Building Permit application or for submittal procedures please contact the Building Division at 850-654-1119. Link to Land Development Code, Article 9

12. What is the Zoning of my parcel?

Follow the link below to the City of Destin Zoning Map. The Zoning Districts are depicted in various colors. Once you know the Zoning District of your parcel, you can consult the Zoning District Factsheet for that district to determine what are the allowable uses, as well as setback and desity. Factsheet links are found in the Zoning section of the Planning Division page. Link to Destin Zoning Map