Clewiston, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Properties inside the City of Clewiston city limits. For areas such as Harlem, Sky Valley, Montura/Montura Ranch, Flaghole, Pioneer, Hookers Point, and Tropical, applicants should contact Hendry County.

Department

City of Clewiston Community Development

Address

121 Central Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440

Phone

863-983-1500

Email

permitting@clewiston-fl.gov

Website

https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/community-development/page/permitting

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

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

Source: City of Clewiston Community Development

General Requirements

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.

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

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.

Building code

2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023

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.

Fees

Payment note

Permit fees vary based on project value and can be estimated from the fee schedule or by calling the Community Development Department at 863-983-1500 for current charges.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: If the city is uncertain whether work is exempt, applicants should call Community Development before starting work.

Inspections

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.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, effective December 31, 2023
• Verify contractor license: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• FAQs
• Forms & Informational Documents
• Florida Building Code Resources
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Hendry County