Putnam County RV Rules Explained: When Permits Are Not Required

Written By Evan & Chloe

Putnam County allows limited, temporary RV use in specific situations. However, RVs are never permitted as permanent housing, and the rules vary depending on zoning, duration of stay, and purpose of use.

This page explains, in plain language, when RVs may be used without a permit, when a temporary use permit is required, and what is never allowed under the Putnam County Land Development Code (LDC).

This information is specific to Putnam County, Florida.

The most important rule to understand first

Under no circumstances is an RV allowed to serve as a permanent dwelling in Putnam County.

An RV:

  • Cannot be used as permanent housing

  • Cannot be attached to a permanent foundation

  • Cannot have permanent utility connections

  • Cannot replace a primary residence

This applies regardless of zoning.

RV use WITHOUT a permit in Putnam County

Putnam County allows RV use without a temporary use permit in limited, clearly defined situations.

1. Religious facilities (no permit required)

RVs may be used temporarily in connection with a lawfully established religious facility without a permit when all conditions are met.

Conditions include:

  • Use is temporary and non-fee based

  • The religious facility is permitted in the zoning district

  • RVs are self-contained or properly connected to utilities

  • Stay does not exceed:

    • 14 consecutive days, or

    • 120 non-consecutive days per calendar year

  • Property is at least one acre

  • No more than one RV per acre

  • Maximum of ten RVs on-site at any time

This allowance applies only when the RV use is directly related to the religious facility.

2. Residential zoning districts (temporary visits only)

In residential zoning districts (RE, R-1, R-1A, R-1HA, R-2, R-2HA, RMH), RVs may be used without a permit under all of the following conditions:

  • Non-fee basis only

  • Used by the property owner or their family or friends

  • RV must be self-contained

  • Stay does not exceed:

    • 14 consecutive days, or

    • 120 non-consecutive days per calendar year

  • RV must be parked outside required setbacks

  • Only one RV allowed on the property at a time

This allowance is for temporary visits only, not living arrangements.

3. Agricultural (AG) and Agricultural Estate (AE) zoning — no permit required

In AG and AE zoning districts, RVs may be used without a permit for temporary visits if the following conditions are met:

  • Non-fee basis

  • Used by the property owner or their family or friends

  • RV is self-contained or properly connected to electric, well, and septic

  • Stay does not exceed:

    • 90 consecutive days, or

    • 180 non-consecutive days per calendar year

  • RV must be parked outside required setbacks

  • One RV per acre, up to a maximum of ten total RVs

Important clarification:

  • AG or AE properties less than one acre, or

  • Properties under five acres in a vested subdivision

are regulated under the residential zoning rules, not AG/AE rules.

RV use that DOES require a permit in Putnam County

Certain temporary RV uses require a Temporary Use Permit (TUP).

1. Land clearing

A temporary RV may be allowed with a permit for land clearing when:

  • Maximum duration is 60 days

  • RV is self-contained

  • No permanent utility connections

  • Waste is disposed of at a licensed facility

2. During home construction

An RV may be allowed during active home construction with a permit if:

  • All building permits are secured

  • Construction begins within 90 days

  • TUP is valid for 6 months

  • One-time extension allowed up to 12 months if construction is progressing

  • Use ends within 30 days of final inspection

  • Additional permit fees may apply for utility hookups

3. Extreme hardship

A temporary RV permit may be issued for:

  • Medical emergencies

  • Destruction of a primary dwelling

  • Other verified hardship situations

Conditions:

  • Maximum duration of six months

  • RV may be self-contained or legally connected to utilities

  • Approval is discretionary

What is never allowed

Regardless of zoning or permits:

  • Permanent RV living is not allowed

  • RVs cannot be placed on foundations

  • Permanent utility connections are prohibited

  • RVs cannot be rented for stays on a fee basis

  • RVs cannot replace a primary dwelling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live in an RV on my own property in Putnam County?

No. Under no circumstances is an RV allowed as a permanent residence.

Can a family member live in an RV on my property?

No permanent use is allowed. A temporary use permit may be issued for up to six months only in cases of extreme hardship.

Can I store an RV on my property?

Yes, as long as it is not being used as living quarters.

Can I rent out an RV on my property?

No. RV use must be non-fee based.

Official source and verification

This information is based on:

  • Section LDC 45-131 of the Putnam County Land Development Code

  • Putnam County Planning and Development Services

For official confirmation or site-specific questions:

This page is informational only and does not constitute permit approval.

This information is based on direct county guidance and our experience completing 200+ Florida land transactions at Paradise Parcels.

Paradise Parcels has personal experience completing and owner financing over 100+ Florida land transactions, as well as Hawaii land transactions.

Evan & Chloe https://www.paradiseparcels.com
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