Town of Lake Placid

Most new structures and site work within the Town of Lake Placid require town zoning approval and county permit issuance.

Note: Even if work may be permit-exempt under the Florida Building Code, applicants should still confirm whether Lake Placid requires town planning, engineering, sign, access, or commercial review approval.

Building code

Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)

Permit validity

Follows Highlands County permit validity rules after county issuance.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder work may proceed but is subject to all permitting and inspection requirements.

Contractor requirements

Follows Highlands County requirements. Separate permits must be secured for electrical work, plumbing, and other listed trade work.

Source: Town of Lake Placid Planning Department / Highlands County Building Department ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the parcel is inside the Town of Lake Placid.
2. 02
   For most new structures and site work, obtain zoning approval from town planning staff first.
3. 03
   Use the county permit forms linked by the town for permits such as houses, additions, porches, fences, sheds, pools / pool cages, docks / boat houses, and other structures. The town states these permits are ultimately issued by Highlands County Building Department after town zoning approval.
4. 04
   If the project is a sign, apply separately for the town sign permit. The town's permit procedures page states two sign permits are usually required: one from the town planning department for zoning approval and one from Highlands County Building Division for code and contractor-licensing compliance.
5. 05
   If the project is a driveway on a town-maintained road, obtain the town engineering driveway permit for the roadway connection. If the driveway is on a county-maintained road, obtain approval from Highlands County Engineering Department instead.
6. 06
   Obtain the second permit for new driveways inside the lot lines through Highlands County Building Department after town planning approval.
7. 07
   Complete county review, fees, inspections, and final approval for the county-issued permit.

Typical processing time: Town planning approval typically available by appointment. County processing follows standard Highlands County timeline.

Source: Town of Lake Placid Planning Department / Highlands County Building Department ↗

• (863) 699-3747 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact town planning department during business hours. In-person appointments available by appointment only because of limited staffing.

Inspection hours

By appointment

Typical sequence: Town handles zoning / planning approval; Highlands County handles building inspections after permit issuance.

Source: Town of Lake Placid Planning Department / Highlands County Building Department ↗