Seminole County combines small-town feel with big growth, making it one of Central Florida's busiest construction areas. Located north of Orlando, the county is seeing everything from new residential communities to large-scale commercial projects. But before breaking ground, every project needs the right Seminole County building permit.
This guide covers Seminole County's permit process from start to finish. You'll learn which projects need permits, costs, required documents, and how to keep your project on schedule.
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What requires a building permit in Seminole County?
You’ll need a Seminole County building permit for nearly all construction, remodel, or repair projects that involve structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing changes.
Here's a breakdown of work that typically requires permitting:
- Any work under the Florida Building Code, including construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy of buildings or structures
- Repairs, renovations, or additions to existing buildings, such as moving walls, extending structures, or altering structural components, also require permits
- Owner-builder projects (where the homeowner acts as contractor) require permits if the work is above thresholds and come with strict conditions, such as personal supervision and restrictions if the property is sold or leased within a year
What doesn’t require a building permit?
According to Seminole County Code, Chapter 40 (Building and Construction), Appendix A, exemptions typically include:
- Above-ground water tanks supported directly on grade
- Nonresidential farm buildings on farms
- Temporary buildings or sheds used exclusively for construction purposes
- Temporary offices (mobile/modular), except structural, electrical or utility tie-ins need permits
- Electric utility structures involved in power generation/transmission
- Temporary sets or structures for film and TV production
- “Chickees” (open-sided huts with thatched roofs used by Miccosukee or Seminole tribes) without utilities
- Prefabricated family mausoleums up to 250 sq ft
- Temporary housing for state prisoners
- Private hunting structures under 1,000 sq ft, unconnected to utilities, not in flood zones, and without rental or use as a primary residence
Seminole County building permit fees
Permit fees in Seminole County are based on project type, size, and valuation. Below are estimated fees:
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Additional building-related fees
To get more information, refer to the county’s fee resolutions page.
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Seminole County permit portal and permit search
All permit applications and inspections are handled through the Seminole County Permit Portal, also known as Click2Gov.
Through the portal, you can:
- Apply for a permit
- Search existing permits
- Schedule inspections
- Check status of plan reviews
- Pay permit fees online
Need to find an older permit? Use the Seminole County building permit search tool to look up historical data by address or permit number.
Seminole County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Required for all new installations, system alterations, water heater replacements, and more.
Electrical permits
Cover new electrical systems, panel upgrades, generators, and solar systems.
HVAC permits
Required for all new installations, system replacements, and ductwork changes.
Specialty permits
Projects like reroofs, fences, and pools may need their own permits.
How to get a building permit in Seminole County
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
Depending on the project type, you may need:
- Seminole County building permit form
- Site plan or survey
- Scaled construction drawings (digitally signed/sealed as needed)
- Product approvals (e.g., for windows, doors, roofing)
- Energy compliance forms for new homes
- Licensed contractor information – must be current in Seminole’s database
- Owner-builder affidavit, if you're self-performing the work
Check one of the guidelines to see additional information:
Step 2: Submit your application online
Go to Building Permits Online and find the Click2Gov Building Permit system. On the Click2Gov portal, select the option to "Request Application Number" to begin the application process. Upload the required documents via the ePlan ProjectDox system, sorted into proper folders (Application Documents, Drawings, etc.), within 7 calendar days of requesting the application number.
Note: You’ll need a current contractor license or visit the office with government ID if owner-builder.
Step 3: Plan review
County departments (building, zoning, fire, and public works) will review the submission. You’ll be notified if corrections are needed.
Step 4: Final payment and issuance
Once your permit is approved, log in to the portal to:
- Pay final permit fees
- Print your permit card and inspection instructions
Step 5: Start work and schedule inspections
Construction can begin as soon as the permit is granted. Schedule inspections via Building Permits Online (part of the Click2Gov system). Inspections must be scheduled by 11:30 PM for the next business day.
Seminole County permitting resources
- Building Division Website
- Online Permit Portal (Click2Gov)
- Permit Search Tool
- Phone: (407) 665-7050
- Email: building@seminolecountyfl.gov
- Office Address: 1101 E. First Street, Sanford, FL 32771
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Guidelines:
- Seminole County building permit form
- Fee resolutions
- Seminole County Code, Chapter 40 (Building and Construction)
- Permitting links
- Forms and applications
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