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About Building & Licensing:
 
The Building Division provides services for the following:

• Building Permits

• Electrical Permits

• Plumbing Permits

• Mechanical Permits

• Inspections for all permitted work

A permit is required for all new construction, alterations, repairs, to include, but not limited to:

• Doors
• Fence
• Windows
• Roof
• Driveway
• Shed

Permits are also required for demolition or additions to a structure. Permits can be obtained through the Building Division.

All residential or commercial projects must have a site plan/survey; foundation plan and a floor plan included with the permit application. If property is located in a flood hazard area, a flood elevation certificate is also required. If there is ever a doubt as to whether one needs a permit, the Permit Specialist can assist with questions or concerns at (863) 291-5695.

Note:  The Building Division does not issue permits or take payments after 3:00 p.m.

Items required when applying for a residential permit in the City of Winter Haven

Type of permit being requested:  Driveway

Items to submit:

• City of Winter Haven Permit Application.
• If cost over $2,500, recorded notice of commencement.  City building staff can notarize the filled out application prior to taking it to the Clerk of Courts for recording.
• Owner Builder Statement/Affidavit (if applicable)
• Two (2) copies of site plan or lot line survey.
• Driveway connection form

Type of permit being requested:  Fence

Items to submit:

• City of Winter Haven Permit Application.
• If cost over $2,500, recorded notice of commencement.  City building staff can notarize the filled out application prior to taking it to the Clerk of Courts for recording.
• Owner Builder Statement/Affidavit (if applicable)
• Two (2) copies of site plan or lot line survey.

Type of permit being requested: Roof

Items to submit:

• City of Winter Haven Permit Application.
• If cost over $2,500, recorded notice of commencement.  City building staff can notarize the filled out application prior to taking it to the Clerk of Courts for recording.
• Owner Builder Statement/Affidavit (if applicable)

Type of permit being requested:  Shed

Items to submit:

• City of Winter Haven Permit Application.
• If cost over $2,500, recorded notice of commencement.  City building staff can notarize the filled out application prior to taking it to the Clerk of Courts for recording.
• Owner Builder Statement/Affidavit (if applicable)
• Two (2) copies of site plan or lot line survey.
• Two (2) sets of sealed drawings or product approval sheets from manufacturer (if applicable)

All of the appropriate forms are available at the Building Division at 490 Third Street, NW or by clicking the link.  If you have any questions, please contact the Building Division at 863-291-5695.  The typical time frame for issuing a permit is 7-10 working days.

Documents & Downloads:

For Permit Applications and Instructions, please click here to access our online documents.

Permitting-Inspection Information:

For Permitting Information:
Call (863) 291-5695.

To Request an Inspection:
Call (863) 298-7598

Leave:
1.) Permit Number;
2.) Address;
3.) Contractor and
4.) Type of Inspection Desired.

This is the only number you can call to request an inspection. It is answered by voicemail 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All requests for inspections must be made by 4 p.m. the day before the inspection is desired.

All required documentation (approved plans, truss engineering, permit placard, etc.) must be on the jobsite, accessible to the inspector and protected from the weather. Any deviation may result in work delays and/or re-inspection fees imposed.


The City of Winter Haven Uses the Florida Department of Community Affairs:

Florida Building Code, 2007 Edition
Florida Plumbing Code, 2007 Edition
Florida Mechanical Code, 2007 Edition
National Electric Code, 2008 Edition

Building Web Links:

Attorney General Opinions
http://legal.firn.edu/opinions/index.html

Building Officials Association of Florida
http://www.boaf.net/

Chapter 468 Part XII
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index

Chapter 489
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index

Chapter 553
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index

Construction Industry Licensing Board
http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/cilb_index.shtml

DBPR License Search Menu
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/Default.asp

Electrical Contractors Licensing Board
http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/elboard/elec_index.shtml

Florida Building Code Information System - BCIS
http://www.floridabuilding.org/c/default.aspx

Florida Building Commission
http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fbc/

Florida Department of Community Affairs
http://www.floridabuilding.org/

ICC International Code Council
http://www.iccsafe.org/

NFPA Building Code
http://buildingcode.nfpa.org/

Corporation Information
http://sunbiz.org/