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Growth Management

Okaloosa County Houses
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**NOTICE**

 Changes to Final Plats

Please be advised that Senate Bill 784 was signed by Governor DeSantis on June 26, 2025 which requires the administrative approval of plats and replats as opposed to Board of County Commissioners approval. Starting July 1, 2025, all plats and replats shall include the following signatory line; which replaces the current Board of County Commissioners signatures:

 

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL

 

_<>_____________________

Name:____________________________

Okaloosa County

Title:____________________________

Date:_____________________________

 

 Please Note:  As of 2/2/25 the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) administers on-site septic system permitting.  For further assistance with this permitting process please contact FDEP at 850-245-4070.

 

**NOTICE**

Inspection requests may be emailed to gminspections@myokaloosa.com.  Inspections may also be requested by phone at 850-651-7180 or 850-689-5080, or in person at our offices.

Our Mission is to successfully and consistently implement the Okaloosa County Comprehensive Plan, Okaloosa County Land Development Code, the Building Codes, and other Board of County Commissioners goals. This includes:

 

  • Implementing the Board's policies and objectives through review of applications for development and building permits.
  • Ensuring orderly growth and development.
  • Providing inspections and oversight to the building industry and providing code enforcement.
  • Administering the Community Development Block Grant Program and other State and Federal grant programs.

 

Florida Building Code Changes (effective Dec. 31, 2023)

The Department of Growth Management is organized into four Divisions; the Planning Division the Building Inspection Division, the Code Enforcement Division, and an Administrative Services Section serving across functions.

 

Department Leadership:

Kristen Shell | Director

Randy Woodruff | Deputy Director

Purl Adams | Chief Building Official

Lisa Payton | Code Enforcement Supervisor

 

The Planning Division has the lead responsibility for the implementation of the County's Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Code, the National Flood Insurance Program, the Community Development Block Grant Program, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Planning Division provides support to the Board of Adjustments and the Planning Commission.

 

The Building Division is made up of four sections: Permitting and Licensing, Construction Plans Review, Inspection, and Code Enforcement. The staff of the Building Inspection Division provides direct staff support to the Code Enforcement Board, the Fire Code Advisory Board, and the County Contractor Licensing Boards (Construction, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals. The Inspection Section also provides permitting and inspection services to the municipalities of Niceville, Mary Esther, Cinco Bayou, and Shalimar.

 

The Code Enforcement Division enforces all Okaloosa County adopted rules and regulations as set forth in the Code of Ordinances for the unincorporated areas of the county ranging from land development and zoning regulations to rules governing such things as noise, junk, debris, and other similar nuisances to include all building codes.

 

QUICK LINKS

Kristen Shell

Kristen Shell

Director | Growth Management

1250 N Eglin Pkwy, Suite 301

Shalimar, FL 32579

850-651-7180