Access Control Permit Requirements in Duval County, Florida

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Duval County (Jacksonville) typically require low voltage electrical permits under the Florida Building Code. Permits must be submitted online through JAXEPICS. Contractors must hold a valid Florida alarm system contractor license (EG or EF) or Certified Limited Energy Systems Specialty license issued by DBPR.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control?

Per Florida Building Code Section 105.1, a permit must be obtained prior to the commencement of any electrical installation regulated by the code. This includes low voltage systems such as access control.

Permits Generally Required For

• Commercial access control system installations
• New construction access control integration
• Card reader and biometric access systems
• Electric lock installations (maglocks, strikes)
• Gate access control systems
• Systems integrated with fire alarm or life safety

Potential Exemptions

Florida Statutes 489.503 provides limited exemptions for certain telecommunications work. Additionally, property owners may qualify for exemptions when:

• Work is on a single-family or duplex residence for their own use and occupancy
• The property is not intended for sale
• The owner supervises and does the work themselves

Contact the Jacksonville Building Inspection Division at (904) 255-8541 to verify exemption eligibility for your specific project.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida requires state-level licensing for access control work. Contractors must be certified by DBPR through the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board.

License Options for Access Control

License Type	Scope	Code
EG - Alarm System Contractor II	All alarm systems except fire	Includes access control, burglar alarm
EF - Alarm System Contractor I	All alarm systems including fire	Full-service alarm contractor
ES - Limited Energy Specialty	Systems not exceeding 77 volts	Includes keyless access controls
EC - Electrical Contractor	All electrical work	Unlimited scope

Employee Certification (BASA)

Employees installing access control under an EG contractor must obtain Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) certification:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• 14 hours of board-approved training
• FDLE fingerprint and background check
• 6 hours CE every two years

For complete Florida licensing information, see our Florida Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for an Access Control Permit

Step 1: Verify Permit Requirements

Contact Building Inspection Division to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit. Commercial work generally requires permits.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

For permitted work, prepare:

• Access control system plans and specifications
• Door hardware schedules
• Wiring diagrams
• Equipment cut sheets
• Copy of contractor license

Step 3: Submit Online Through JAXEPICS

Jacksonville requires online (electronic) permit submission for all permit types through JAXEPICS. Paper applications are not accepted.

Step 4: Pay Fees

Low voltage permits in Florida are capped at $40 per project under state law. Pay fees through the JAXEPICS system upon approval.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

After installation, schedule your inspection through JAXEPICS to obtain final approval.

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Building Inspection Division	(904) 255-8541
JAXEPICS Portal	jaxepics.coj.net
Permit Assistance	Sandy Rosenblatt: (904) 255-8515
Email	SRosen@coj.net
Address	214 N. Hogan St., 2nd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Alarm Registration Requirement

If the access control system includes burglar alarm features with central station monitoring, it must be registered with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO).

• Registration fee: $10 for new systems
• Renewal: $0
• Register: jaxsheriff.org/alarm-registration

Each alarm site receives a unique Alarm Permit Number for law enforcement dispatch purposes.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost
Low Voltage Permit Fee	Up to $40 (state cap)
Alarm Registration (if applicable)	$10
Re-inspection Fee	Varies

Timeline Expectations

Stage	Typical Duration
Permit Issuance (simple)	1-3 business days
Plan Review (commercial)	5-10 business days
Inspection Scheduling	2-5 business days

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Owner-installed systems in single-family homes may be exempt from permits
• Smart locks and basic keypad systems for personal use
• Contractor-installed systems generally require permits
• Multi-family residential (apartments, condos) requires permits

Commercial Access Control

• All commercial installations require permits through JAXEPICS
• Plans must comply with Florida Building Code
• ADA compliance required for access control at public entrances
• Coordination with fire alarm for door hold-open devices
• Integration with emergency egress requirements

Common Access Control Project Types

Typical access control work in Duval County includes:

• Card Reader Systems: Proximity, smart card, and mobile credentials
• Biometric Access: Fingerprint, facial recognition systems
• Video Intercom: Door stations with two-way communication
• Electric Locks: Maglocks, electric strikes, motorized locks
• Gate Access: Vehicle and pedestrian gate control
• Elevator Control: Floor access restriction systems
• Visitor Management: Lobby kiosks and credentialing systems

Pro Tips for Duval County Access Control Permits

Based on contractor experience in Jacksonville:

• Use JAXEPICS exclusively: All permits must be submitted online—paper applications are not accepted
• Verify exemptions carefully: Contact Building Inspection before assuming work is exempt
• Coordinate with fire systems: Access control interfacing with fire alarm requires additional coordination
• Register alarms with JSO: If your system includes monitored intrusion detection, register with the Sheriff's Office
• Maintain BASA certification: Ensure all technicians have current Burglar Alarm System Agent cards
• Plan for ADA: Commercial projects must address accessibility at controlled entrances
• Contact Sandy Rosenblatt: For permit assistance, reach out to (904) 255-8515

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Duval County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Florida and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Resources

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• More Permit Guides