Direct answer

A certificate of occupancy is issued by the applicable local authority after required inspections indicate the home can be occupied. It is a central piece of evidence that the property is complete and legally ready for residential use.

The lender, title parties, insurer, and closing team may need the certificate and other completion evidence before funding. A scheduled walkthrough or projected completion date is not the same as issued approval.

What does this mean for a Northeast Florida buyer?

The issuing authority depends on the property location. A home in Jacksonville, unincorporated St. Johns County, St. Augustine, Clay County, Nassau County, Flagler County, or Palm Coast follows the applicable local building process. The closing team needs the final documents for that jurisdiction and transaction.

Primary sources

Where can you verify the framework?

  1. Appraisal of Improvements and New ConstructionFannie Mae Selling Guide · Accessed August 13, 2026
  2. Closing Disclosure explainerConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · Accessed August 13, 2026