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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clewiston
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, service-equipment changeouts, and construction in general, including fences, swimming pools, parking lots, and driveways.
Redecorating and minor repair jobs
Replacing cabinets
Installing floor coverings
Painting and decorating
Drywall repair under 10 square feet
Replacing plumbing fixtures without altering the plumbing system
Replacing light fixtures and appliances without altering or replacing wiring
- Exempt Redecorating and minor repair jobs
- Exempt Replacing cabinets
- Exempt Installing floor coverings
- Exempt Painting and decorating
- Exempt Drywall repair under 10 square feet
- Exempt Replacing plumbing fixtures without altering the plumbing system
- Exempt Replacing light fixtures and appliances without altering or replacing wiring
Note: If the city is uncertain whether work is exempt, applicants should call Community Development before starting work.
Required documents
- Permit application forms by permit type
- Plan sets
- Owner-builder affidavit (if applicable)
- Notice of Commencement (when applicable)
- Contractor licensure and insurance
- Product approvals
- Project-specific plans
- Building code
- 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023
- Permit validity
- Building permits are valid for 180 days. Construction must commence within that window, and at least one inspection must be passed by an inspector.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may perform work on a home they own and occupy, but it cannot be offered for sale or lease for one year after final completion. An owner-builder affidavit is required.
- Contractor requirements
- Proof of licensure and insurance is required from contractors pulling permits in the city.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1 to 2 weeks for minimal plan review; 3 to 4 weeks for extensive plan review.
- 01 Confirm the property is inside Clewiston city limits.
- 02 Use the GovWell citizen portal or email the application package to permitting@clewiston-fl.gov.
- 03 Submit plans and supporting documents required for the project (e.g., site plan, building elevations, mechanical plan, signage plan, structural plan, electrical plan, foundation plan, landscaping plan, grading/drainage plan).
- 04 Provide contractor licensure and insurance. Contractors pulling permits within the city must provide proof of licensure and insurance.
- 05 Record a Notice of Commencement when project value exceeds $5,000.
- 06 Respond to plan review comments, pay fees, and receive permit issuance.
- 07 Schedule inspections by portal, phone, or email.
- 08 Obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy when required before occupancy or business use.
Typical processing time: 1 to 2 weeks for minimal plan review; 3 to 4 weeks for extensive plan review.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- GovWell 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.
Applicants can log in to the citizen portal to request, cancel, reschedule, and pay associated fees for inspections from a mobile device.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Clewiston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Clewiston, FL? ▸
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, service-equipment changeouts, and construction in general, including fences, swimming pools, parking lots, and driveways.
02 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. Use the GovWell citizen portal or email the application package to permitting@clewiston-fl.gov. 3. Submit plans and supporting documents required for the project (e.g., site plan, building elevations, mechanical plan, signage plan, structural plan, electrical plan, foundation plan, landscaping plan, grading/drainage plan). 4. Provide contractor licensure and insurance. Contractors pulling permits within the city must provide proof of licensure and insurance. 5. Record a Notice of Commencement when project value exceeds $5,000. 6. Respond to plan review comments, pay fees, and receive permit issuance. 7. Schedule inspections by portal, phone, or email. 8. Obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy when required before occupancy or business use.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Clewiston, FL? ▸
Building permit processing times in Clewiston, FL typically run 1 to 2 weeks for minimal plan review; 3 to 4 weeks for extensive plan review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 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 and minor repair jobs; Replacing cabinets; Installing floor coverings; Painting and decorating; Drywall repair under 10 square feet; Replacing plumbing fixtures without altering the plumbing system; Replacing light fixtures and appliances without altering or replacing wiring. Note: If the city is uncertain whether work is exempt, applicants should call Community Development before starting work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 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 Portal, 863-983-1500, permitting@clewiston-fl.gov.
last verified April 2026
source City of Clewiston Community Development ↗
entry id permits/florida/hendry/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.