Highlands County, FL Permit Fees (2026)

Building permit fees for unincorporated Highlands County, with a free permit fee calculator. Inside city limits? Pick your city below; incorporated cities have their own fee schedules.

Highlands County adopted a new Schedule of Fees (Resolution 25-26-196, September 15, 2026) that takes effect October 1, 2026. The estimates on this page use the new schedule: building fees move from valuation tables to per-square-foot pricing, and roofing, mechanical and electrical fees change. Permits issued through September 30, 2026 are charged under the prior FY 2025-26 schedule. See the official notice

Building Permit

$154.16

200 sq ft remodel area

Open in calculator

Roofing Permit

$94.00

2,000 sq ft (20-square) roof

In Unincorporated Highlands County, a building permit for a remodel runs $154.16 in permit fees, a re-roof $94.00, an HVAC change-out $94.00, an electrical panel upgrade or rewire $94.00, and a whole-house repipe $79.00. Totals include the documented surcharges and minimum fees; where the schedule prices by unit, figures assume a 200 sq ft remodel area, a 2,000 sq ft (20-square) roof, a 3-ton system, 200 A service, and a 15-fixture scope. Each figure is that single permit only: a job that combines trades, like a kitchen remodel with electrical and plumbing work, pays each applicable permit. Pick a project to load it in the calculator below.

Jump to Permit Fee Calculator

Source

Highlands County Schedule of Fees, Effective October 01, 2026 (FY 26-27), Resolution 25-26-196 Exhibit A, Building Division (BCC agenda packet, September 15, 2026)

Covers building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, and roofing permits.

Official Fee Schedule

Apply online at the Unincorporated Highlands County permit portal, or call (863) 402-6643.

Schedule effective October 1, 2026. Last verified: September 26, 2026

Schedule adopted under Florida's HB 803 permit fee rules (effective July 2026). What HB 803 changed

Jurisdictions in Highlands County

Jobs inside city limits are permitted by the city, not the county. Across Highlands County's 4 covered jurisdictions, a building permit for a $50,000 remodel runs from $154.16 (Unincorporated Highlands County) to $322.19 (Sebring).

Unincorporated Highlands CountyAvon Park Lake Placid Sebring

Unincorporated Highlands County Permit Fee Schedule

Every documented rule for each permit type, straight from the official schedule.

Building Permit Fees in Unincorporated Highlands County

Residential (1–2 family): New one and two family

$0.19 per sq ft of floor area

Residential (1–2 family): Mobile home (parking/set-up)

$100.00 flat

Commercial / 3+ units: New commercial or multifamily

$0.26 per sq ft of floor area

Level 2 Alteration (up to 50% of the building)

$140.00 base, plus $0.02 per sq ft of total building area

Addition

$0.25 per sq ft of floor area

Level 1 Alteration (replacement of elements)

$115.00 flat

Level 2 Alteration, building envelope only

$90.00 flat

Level 3 Alteration (over 50% of the building)

$140.00 base, plus $0.03 per sq ft of total building area

Window and door replacement

$75.00 for the first 5 window or door unit, plus $3.00 per window or door unit

Commercial Plan Review Fee (All Other Building Occupancies) (select fee rules only)

$0.10 per sq ft of floor area

Fire Construction Plans Review (Initial) (select fee rules only)

$400.00 to $1,300.00 by sq ft of floor area‡

Highlands County Fire Prevention Bureau initial construction plans review on commercial construction; above 90,000 sq ft the printed $10 per additional 5,000 sq ft is not included

Up to 10,000 sq ft

$400.00

Over 10,000, up to 20,000 sq ft

$500.00

Over 20,000, up to 30,000 sq ft

$600.00

Over 30,000, up to 40,000 sq ft

$700.00

Over 40,000, up to 50,000 sq ft

$800.00

Over 50,000, up to 60,000 sq ft

$900.00

Over 60,000, up to 70,000 sq ft

$1,000.00

Over 70,000, up to 80,000 sq ft

$1,100.00

Over 80,000, up to 90,000 sq ft

$1,200.00

Over 90,000 sq ft

$1,300.00

Fire Final (Certificate of Occupancy) Inspection (new construction)

$70.00 to $470.00 by sq ft of floor area‡

Highlands County Fire Prevention Bureau fire final inspection on commercial new construction; above 30,000 sq ft the printed $10 per additional 5,000 sq ft is not included

Up to 5,000 sq ft

$70.00

Over 5,000, up to 10,000 sq ft

$135.00

Over 10,000, up to 15,000 sq ft

$202.00

Over 15,000, up to 20,000 sq ft

$269.00

Over 20,000, up to 25,000 sq ft

$337.00

Over 25,000, up to 30,000 sq ft

$403.00

Over 30,000 sq ft

$470.00

Permit Review Fee (New Structures) (new construction)

$75.00‡

Plan Review Fee (Level 2 and 3 Alterations) (select fee rules only)

tiered by sq ft of total building area

Up to 10,000 sq ft

$0.03 per sq ft

Over 10,000 sq ft

$225.00 plus $0.02 per additional sq ft

Plan Review Fee (Mobile Homes) (select fee rules only)

$10.00

Residential Plan Review Fee (select fee rules only)

$0.08 per sq ft (heated or gross)

State Building Code Administrators Surcharge (F.S. 468.631)

1.5% of the permit fee, minimum $2.00

State Building Permit Surcharge (F.S. 553.721)

1% of the permit fee, minimum $2.00

Private Provider Inspections Fee Reduction

may reduce the permit fee by 25%

Private Provider Plan Review Waiver

may reduce designated fees by 100%

100% of the building plan review fees, per the printed 'Private Provider reviewed plans No Charge'

Certificate of Completion Fee (if applicable)

$10.00

Certificate of Occupancy Fee (if applicable)

$10.00

Change in Contractor Fee (if applicable)

$130.00

Environmental Clearance Exemption Fee (Commercial/Industrial) (new construction) (if applicable)

$500.00

Environmental Clearance Exemption Fee (Residential) (new construction) (if applicable)

$200.00

Environmental Clearance Report Processing Fee (if applicable)

$425.00

Move Structure Fee (if applicable)

$140.00

Permit Re-Issuance Fee (Additions, Alterations, Accessory Structures) (if applicable)

$75.00

Permit Re-Issuance Fee (Commercial, 1&2 Family, Mobile Homes) (if applicable)

$175.00

Pool Cage and Screen Enclosure Plan Review Fee (if applicable)

$20.00

Pre-Move Fee (Mobile Homes) (if applicable)

$75.00

Re-Inspection Fee (First Occurrence) (if applicable)

$75.00

Re-Inspection Fee (Second Occurrence) (if applicable)

$150.00

Re-Inspection Fee (Third and Subsequent Occurrences) (if applicable)

$225.00

Repetitious Plan Submittal Fee (if applicable)

$75.00

Special Flood Hazard Area Elevation Certificate Review Fee (if applicable)

$250.00

‡ Awaiting confirmation from the jurisdiction.

Electrical Permit Fees in Unincorporated Highlands County

Residential (1–2 family): Mobile home

$30.00 flat

120/208-240V, stand-alone (not attached to a master permit)

tiered rates by amps

Up to 400 amps

$90.00

Over 400, up to 800 amps

$110.00

Over 800 amps

$140.00

120/208-240V, attached to a master (building) permit

tiered rates by amps

Up to 200 amps

$115.00

Over 200, up to 400 amps

$140.00

Over 400, up to 800 amps

$200.00

Over 800, up to 1,200 amps

$225.00

Over 1,200, up to 1,600 amps

$260.00

Over 1,600, up to 2,500 amps

$375.00

Over 2,500 amps

$560.00

277/480V, stand-alone (not attached to a master permit)

tiered rates by amps

Up to 400 amps

$110.00

Over 400, up to 800 amps

$130.00

Over 800 amps

$150.00

277/480V, attached to a master (building) permit

tiered rates by amps

Up to 400 amps

$165.00

Over 400, up to 800 amps

$225.00

Over 800, up to 1,200 amps

$280.00

Over 1,200, up to 1,600 amps

$330.00

Over 1,600, up to 2,500 amps

$450.00

Over 2,500 amps

$630.00

State Building Code Administrators Surcharge (F.S. 468.631)

1.5% of the permit fee, minimum $2.00

State Building Permit Surcharge (F.S. 553.721)

1% of the permit fee, minimum $2.00

Private Provider Inspections Fee Reduction

may reduce the permit fee by 25%

Private Provider Plan Review Waiver

may reduce designated fees by 100%

100% of the building plan review fees, per the printed 'Private Provider reviewed plans No Charge'

Change in Contractor Fee (if applicable)

$130.00

Electrical Utility Reconnect Fee (if applicable)

$75.00

Plan Review Fee (Solar/Stand-alone Electrical) (if applicable)

$30.00

Re-Inspection Fee (First Occurrence) (if applicable)

$75.00

Re-Inspection Fee (Second Occurrence) (if applicable)

$150.00

Re-Inspection Fee (Third and Subsequent Occurrences) (if applicable)

$225.00

Temporary Electrical Service or E-TUG Fee (if applicable)

$35.00

Sponsor This Page

Be the Featured Electrician in Unincorporated Highlands County

Homeowners and contractors planning a project check Unincorporated Highlands County electrical permit fees here first. One sponsor per trade, flat monthly rate.

Advertise on This Page

Unincorporated Highlands County Permit Fee Calculator

Pick a permit type and adjust the job value. Total updates instantly, itemized below.

Permit type

Project type

Kind of work

Job type

3 documented rates for this permit type; pick the one that matches your job.

Using a private provider?

Applies the jurisdiction's printed fee reduction (F.S. 553.791). How it works

Service size (amps)

amps

60400 amps

Estimated electrical permit fee

$94.00

Included in this total

Electrical Permit Fee$90.00

$90.00 flat for up to 400 amps (see the fee table above)

State Building Code Administrators Surcharge (F.S. 468.631)$2.00

State Building Permit Surcharge (F.S. 553.721)$2.00

Total Estimate$94.00

Estimate only. Confirm with the Unincorporated Highlands County building department before applying. Apply online. Phone: (863) 402-6643. Permit fees only; excludes impact fees, utility connection charges, and other non-permit charges.

Sponsor This Page

Be the Featured Electrician in Unincorporated Highlands County

Homeowners and contractors planning a project check Unincorporated Highlands County electrical permit fees here first. One sponsor per trade, flat monthly rate.

Advertise on This Page

How to Apply for a Permit in Unincorporated Highlands County

Highlands County's Building Division issues building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and roofing permits for unincorporated Highlands County. Apply online through the eTRAKiT Self-Service Portal. Licensed contractors use a Contractor Account and owners use a Public User Account. You can also apply in person at the Building Division, 501 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870. Fees are paid in eTRAKiT, online through the county payment page, or in person by cash, check or card. Request inspections and check permit status in eTRAKiT.

Source: Unincorporated Highlands County application instructions

Apply online: Unincorporated Highlands County permit portal

Building Department Contact

Phone: (863) 402-6643
Email: plans@highlandsfl.gov
Address: 501 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Source: Official contact page

Unincorporated Highlands County Permit Fee FAQs

How Much Does a Building Permit Cost in Unincorporated Highlands County?

The building permit for a residential remodel runs $154.16, assuming a 200 sq ft remodel area (the schedule prices per unit), including the documented surcharges and minimum fees. The estimate is built from Unincorporated Highlands County's sourced fee schedule, and it covers the building permit alone; a job that combines trades pays each applicable permit. Calculate your job's value for an itemized total.

How Much Does a Roofing Permit Cost in Unincorporated Highlands County?

The roofing permit for a residential re-roof runs $94.00, assuming a 2,000 sq ft (20-square) roof (the schedule prices per unit), based on Unincorporated Highlands County's sourced fee schedule.

How Are Permit Fees Calculated in Unincorporated Highlands County?

A residential building permit is $140.00 base, plus $0.02 per sq ft of total building area. Electrical permits are priced per amp; Plumbing permits are priced per fixture; Mechanical / HVAC permits are priced per ton; Roofing permits are priced per square. New construction is priced separately from remodel and alteration work; the calculator asks which kind of job yours is. Every rate comes straight from the sourced fee schedule above. Enter your job's details for an itemized total.

What Surcharges Are Added to Permits in Unincorporated Highlands County?

On top of the base permit fee, the sourced schedule adds State Building Code Administrators Surcharge (F.S. 468.631) (1.5% of the permit fee, minimum $2.00) and State Building Permit Surcharge (F.S. 553.721) (1% of the permit fee, minimum $2.00). These are included in every estimate on this page.

Do I Need a Permit for a Small Residential Job in Unincorporated Highlands County?

Florida's HB 803 (effective July 2026) exempts certain single-family work under $7,500 from permitting statewide, excluding electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work. Confirm with the building department whether your job qualifies before skipping a permit. Read what HB 803 changed and what it saves.

Where Do These Fees Come From?

Every figure on this page is sourced from Highlands County Schedule of Fees, Effective October 01, 2026 (FY 26-27), Resolution 25-26-196 Exhibit A, Building Division (BCC agenda packet, September 15, 2026). See the official schedule. Last verified September 26, 2026.

New to Florida permit fees? Read our Florida permit fee guide: how schedules are set, the statutory surcharges, and what HB 803 changed in 2026. Pulling a commercial permit or a small residential job? See what HB 803 lets you save. Wondering whether fees changed this year? See which Florida fee schedules are new.

Highlands County, FL Permit Fees (2026)

Jurisdictions in Highlands County

Unincorporated Highlands County Permit Fee Schedule

Building Permit Fees in Unincorporated Highlands County

Electrical Permit Fees in Unincorporated Highlands County

Plumbing Permit Fees in Unincorporated Highlands County

Mechanical / HVAC Permit Fees in Unincorporated Highlands County

Roofing Permit Fees in Unincorporated Highlands County

Unincorporated Highlands County Permit Fee Calculator

How to Apply for a Permit in Unincorporated Highlands County

Unincorporated Highlands County Permit Fee FAQs

How Much Does a Building Permit Cost in Unincorporated Highlands County?

How Much Does a Roofing Permit Cost in Unincorporated Highlands County?

How Are Permit Fees Calculated in Unincorporated Highlands County?

What Surcharges Are Added to Permits in Unincorporated Highlands County?

Do I Need a Permit for a Small Residential Job in Unincorporated Highlands County?

Where Do These Fees Come From?

Get in Touch