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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clewiston
All new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, service-equipment change-outs, and construction generally cannot begin until a plan of the proposed work is submitted to the Building Official and a permit is issued. This includes fences, swimming pools, parking lots, driveways, and similar work.
Redecorating
Minor repair jobs
Replacing cabinets
Replacing floor covering
Painting and decorating
Repairing drywall under 10 square feet (if plumbing system is not altered)
Replacing plumbing fixtures (if plumbing system is not altered)
Replacing light fixtures and appliances (if wiring is not altered or replaced)
- Exempt Redecorating
- Exempt Minor repair jobs
- Exempt Replacing cabinets
- Exempt Replacing floor covering
- Exempt Painting and decorating
- Exempt Repairing drywall under 10 square feet (if plumbing system is not altered)
- Exempt Replacing plumbing fixtures (if plumbing system is not altered)
- Exempt Replacing light fixtures and appliances (if wiring is not altered or replaced)
Note: Call if uncertain because other scopes of work do require permits, and zoning or occupancy approvals may still apply.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plans and drawings as needed by project scope
- Site plan
- Florida product approvals or Miami-Dade NOAs
- Owner-builder affidavit (where applicable)
- Notice of Commencement
- Private-provider forms (if used)
- Permit-specific checklist materials
- Building code
- Florida Building Code is mandatory statewide. The Building Official reviews applications for compliance with the Florida Building Codes as mandated by the Florida Legislature. The 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Codes and the 2020 National Electrical Code became effective on December 31, 2023.
- Permit validity
- Building permits are valid for 180 days. Construction must commence within that 180-day period, and at least one inspection must be passed by an inspector.
- Owner-builder
- An owner may perform work on a home the owner owns and occupies, but the property cannot be offered for sale or lease for one year after final completion. The office provides an owner-builder affidavit with the permit application.
- Contractor requirements
- The city requires proof of licensure and insurance from contractors who pull permits within the city.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Allow about 1 to 2 weeks for minimal plan review and 3 to 4 weeks for extensive plan review.
- 01 Confirm the property is inside Clewiston city limits.
- 02 File through the GovWell citizen portal or contact Community Development for the correct application package.
- 03 Submit the permit application and supporting documents. Plans meeting Florida Building Code requirements are submitted for review.
- 04 Depending on project scope, the package may include site plan, building elevations, mechanical plan, signage plan, structural plan, electrical plan, foundation plan, landscaping plan, and grading/drainage plan.
- 05 Provide contractor licensure and insurance information, or complete owner-builder affidavit if applying as a qualifying owner-occupant.
- 06 Provide Florida product approvals or Miami-Dade NOAs where applicable.
- 07 Record a Notice of Commencement when the work value exceeds $5,000 and post it before the first inspection.
- 08 Respond to plan-review comments, pay fees, obtain permit issuance, and then schedule inspections through the portal, by phone, or by email.
- 09 Obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy where required.
Typical processing time: Allow about 1 to 2 weeks for minimal plan review and 3 to 4 weeks for extensive plan review.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective July 15, 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fees vary and are based on project value. Uses revised square-foot construction-cost tables by occupancy and construction type for permit-fee calculations.
Portal users can request, cancel, reschedule inspections, and pay associated fees from a mobile device.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 15, 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- GovWell citizen portal (online)
- 863-983-1500 (phone)
- permitting@clewiston-fl.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Clewiston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Clewiston, FL? ▸
All new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, service-equipment change-outs, and construction generally cannot begin until a plan of the proposed work is submitted to the Building Official and a permit is issued. This includes fences, swimming pools, parking lots, driveways, and similar work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Clewiston, FL? ▸
Building permit fees in Clewiston, FL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees vary and are based on project value. Uses revised square-foot construction-cost tables by occupancy and construction type for permit-fee calculations..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Clewiston, FL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Clewiston, FL, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property is inside Clewiston city limits. 2. File through the GovWell citizen portal or contact Community Development for the correct application package. 3. Submit the permit application and supporting documents. Plans meeting Florida Building Code requirements are submitted for review. 4. Depending on project scope, the package may include site plan, building elevations, mechanical plan, signage plan, structural plan, electrical plan, foundation plan, landscaping plan, and grading/drainage plan. 5. Provide contractor licensure and insurance information, or complete owner-builder affidavit if applying as a qualifying owner-occupant. 6. Provide Florida product approvals or Miami-Dade NOAs where applicable. 7. Record a Notice of Commencement when the work value exceeds $5,000 and post it before the first inspection. 8. Respond to plan-review comments, pay fees, obtain permit issuance, and then schedule inspections through the portal, by phone, or by email. 9. Obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy where required.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Clewiston, FL? ▸
Building permit processing times in Clewiston, FL typically run Allow about 1 to 2 weeks for minimal plan review and 3 to 4 weeks for extensive plan review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Clewiston, FL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Clewiston, FL. The following work is generally exempt: Redecorating; Minor repair jobs; Replacing cabinets; Replacing floor covering; Painting and decorating; Repairing drywall under 10 square feet (if plumbing system is not altered); Replacing plumbing fixtures (if plumbing system is not altered); Replacing light fixtures and appliances (if wiring is not altered or replaced). Note: Call if uncertain because other scopes of work do require permits, and zoning or occupancy approvals may still apply. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Clewiston, FL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Clewiston, FL via: GovWell citizen portal, 863-983-1500, permitting@clewiston-fl.gov.
last verified April 2026
source City of Clewiston Community Development ↗
entry id permits/florida/glades/clewiston
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Clewiston Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.