City Building Permits

Clewiston, FL Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Clewiston, Florida. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Florida Glades County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Clewiston.

Department
City of Clewiston Community Development
Address
121 Central Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
Phone
863-983-1500
Website
https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/community-development

Online Permit Portal

Open GovWell Citizen Portal

Platform: GovWell • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  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.

Typical processing time: Allow about 1 to 2 weeks for minimal plan review and 3 to 4 weeks for extensive plan review.

Source: City of Clewiston Community Development

General Requirements

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.

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
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.
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.
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.

Fees

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.
Payment note
Portal users can request, cancel, reschedule inspections, and pay associated fees from a mobile device.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 15, 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • 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)

Important: Call if uncertain because other scopes of work do require permits, and zoning or occupancy approvals may still apply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Clewiston Community Development before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Clewiston can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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