Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Jacksonville, Florida

Installing structured cabling systems in Jacksonville requires understanding local permit requirements and Florida contractor licensing. This guide covers everything low voltage contractors need to know about permits for network cabling, fiber optics, and data infrastructure in Jacksonville and Duval County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, in most commercial cases. The Florida Building Commission determined that permits are required for the installation of low-voltage electrical systems including data transmission, telephone systems, and computer network wiring under Sections 553.73 Florida Statutes and Florida Building Code 101.4.1.

When Permits Are Required

• New commercial construction - All structured cabling in new buildings requires permits
• Major tenant improvements - Large-scale network infrastructure buildouts
• Data center installations - Server room and data center cabling projects
• Fiber optic installations - Both indoor and building-to-building fiber runs
• Projects involving penetrations - Core drilling through fire-rated assemblies

When Permits May Not Be Required

• Minor residential installations - Some residential low-voltage work under certain thresholds
• Standalone wireless systems - Network equipment not requiring new cabling
• Minor additions to existing systems - Adding a few drops to existing infrastructure (verify with AHJ)

Important: Even when permits may not be required, Florida state law requires contractors to hold valid licenses to perform low-voltage work.

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida low-voltage companies are required to be licensed by the state and must pull permits in all requiring jurisdictions when performing this type of work.

License Types for Structured Cabling

License Type	Code	Scope
Limited Energy Specialty	ES	Low voltage systems up to 77 volts including data, fiber, networks
Electrical Contractor	EC	Full electrical including all low voltage work
Alarm System Contractor I	EF	Alarm systems and related low voltage
Alarm System Contractor II	EG	Alarm systems (excluding fire) and related low voltage

For complete licensing requirements and application procedures, see our Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Jacksonville Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

• Completed permit application
• Valid Florida contractor license number (ES, EC, EF, or EG)
• Project scope description including cable types and quantities
• Building address and owner/tenant information
• Floor plans showing cable pathways (for larger projects)

Step 2: Submit Online Application

All permit application packages must be submitted online through JAXEPICS (Jacksonville Electronic Plan Information and Customer Service).

Log into the portal, attach PDFs, and pay the calculated fees. Your status will change to "In Review" once payment posts.

Step 3: Plan Review

The Building Inspection Division (BID), Fire Marshal, Public Health, and Development Services review simultaneously. If a reviewer issues comments, the file shifts to "Return for Corrections." Upload revisions promptly to keep your project moving.

Average review time: 25-30 business days for first review (as of May 2025).

Step 4: Inspection and Final Approval

Schedule inspection upon completion through JAXEPICS or by calling (904) 255-8500.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost/Time
Low Voltage Permit Fee	$40 maximum (state cap)
Plan Review (if required)	Additional fees based on project
First Review Time	25-30 business days
Inspection Scheduling	24-48 hours advance notice

What Qualifies as Low Voltage

Low voltage electrical systems operate at 50 volts or less and include:

• Computer network wiring (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A)
• Fiber optic cabling (single-mode and multi-mode)
• Telephone and VoIP systems
• Cable television and coaxial systems
• Audio/video distribution systems
• Paging and speaker systems

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Structured Cabling

• Single-family homes may have fewer permit requirements
• Pre-wire for new construction typically included under general permit
• Retrofit installations may qualify for simplified process
• Multi-dwelling units follow commercial requirements

Commercial Structured Cabling

• New construction requires permits as part of overall building permit
• Tenant improvements may require separate low voltage permit
• Data center buildouts typically require permits and inspections
• Must pass final inspection before system can be used

Industry Standards

Structured cabling installations in Jacksonville should comply with:

• ANSI/TIA-568 - Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
• ANSI/TIA-606 - Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure
• BICSI standards - Best practices for cabling installation
• Florida Building Code - 8th Edition (2023)
• NEC Article 800 - Communications circuits

Inspection Requirements

When permits are required, inspectors will verify:

• Proper cable support and pathway installation
• Correct separation from electrical conductors
• Plenum-rated cable used in air handling spaces
• Fire stopping at penetrations through rated assemblies
• Proper labeling and documentation
• Work matches approved permit scope

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Submit early: With 25-30 day review times, factor permit processing into project schedules
• Use JAXEPICS: All permits must be submitted electronically - paper submissions are not accepted
• Document everything: Keep detailed records of cable runs, test results, and as-built drawings
• Use plenum cable when required: Air handling spaces require plenum-rated cable per code
• Respond to corrections promptly: Upload revisions quickly to avoid delays

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Building Inspection Division	(904) 255-8500
Online Permits (JAXEPICS)	jaxepics.coj.net
Permit Support	SRosen@coj.net or (904) 255-8515
Florida DBPR (Licensing)	(850) 487-1395

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when structured cabling projects hit permits in Jacksonville 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 Permit Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Jacksonville Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Jacksonville Access Control Permit Requirements
• Tampa Structured Cabling Permit Requirements