Sebring, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Sebring. Sebring operates its own municipal Building Department rather than routing standard building permits through Highlands County.

Department

City of Sebring Building Department

Address

368 S Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870

Phone

(863) 471-5102

Email

building@mysebring.com

Website

https://www.mysebring.com/174/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is inside Sebring city limits.
2. Download the applicable city permit application and supporting checklists from Sebring's Building page.
3. Email the application and supporting documents to building@mysebring.com. Sebring does not accept permit applications through an online portal.
4. For commercial or multi-family new construction, submit materials listed in the city's July 2025 requirements sheet, including a certificate of concurrency, four sets of sealed engineered plans, one thumb drive, one digital copy, 911 address sign-off from Highlands County E-911, boundary survey, floodplain application, list of subcontractors, construction waste form, product approvals, and utility or septic approvals as applicable.
5. If the project is residential specialty work, use the city-specific checklist. For example, the pool checklist requires the building permit application, owner-builder disclosure if applicable, site plan, septic approval when on septic, sealed plans, and a separate electrical permit.
6. Submit a recorded Notice of Commencement when required before the first inspection.
7. Coordinate inspections with the Building Department. Roofing photo inspection materials indicate photos can be emailed to building@mysebring.com and final inspections can be requested by email or by phone at (863) 471-5102.
8. Obtain final inspection approvals and any certificate of occupancy or completion fees before project closeout.

Typical processing time: Varies; city staff will provide timeline upon receipt of complete application.

Source: City of Sebring Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Sebring.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction plans
• Contractor registration paperwork
• Current state license
• General liability insurance naming the City of Sebring as certificate holder
• Workers' compensation certificate or exemption
• Photo ID
• Notarized authorization letter for agents if applicable

Permit validity

Applicants should confirm with city staff.

Building code

Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)

Owner-builder

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

Contractor requirements

Sebring requires contractor registration paperwork before permits are issued. Separate permits must be pulled by each subcontractor. Each subcontractor must provide a current state license, general liability insurance naming the City of Sebring as certificate holder, workers' compensation certificate or exemption, photo ID, and a notarized authorization letter if applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50.00

Plan check fee

$0.10 per square foot (for residential one- and two-family dwellings, pool cages, garages, screen rooms, additions, accessory structures)

Permit fee formula

Up to $1,000 valuation: $50.00; $1,001 and up: $50.00 plus $5.00 per thousand

Trade permit fee

$50.00 minimum for mechanical and plumbing; plumbing includes itemized fixture charges

Reinspection fee

$40.00

Penalty (no permit)

Double the permit fee or $100.00, whichever is greater, for work commenced without a permit (in addition to the permit fee)

Payment note

Other fees: Permit renewal per 6 months ($50.00), Certificate of Occupancy ($10.00), Change in contractor ($175.00). Specialty fees apply (e.g., tent permit $30.00 per tent, enclosed tent fire inspection $27.00, electrical permit $54.00 minimum). Posted fee schedule is labeled FY 14-15; applicants should confirm current amounts with the city before filing.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY 14-15 (posted schedule; fees subject to change)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Sebring Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• building@mysebring.com (email)
• (863) 471-5102 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests via email or phone during business hours.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday

Sebring's September 2024 roofing photo inspection checklist allows contractors to email roofing inspection photos to building@mysebring.com.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)
• Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR License Search
• Contractor Registration Form
• Roofing Permit Application
• Roofing Photo Inspection Checklist
• In-ground Pool Checklist
• Commercial / Multi-Family New Construction Requirements
• Private Provider Audit Procedure
• Private Provider Procedure
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Highlands County