Tavares, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Tavares administers its own permitting, fees, and inspections within city limits.

Department

City of Tavares Community Development / Building Department

Address

201 E. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

Phone

352-742-6213

Email

permits@tavares.org

Website

https://www.tavaresfl.gov/478/Community-Development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is within Tavares city limits.
2. Download the applicable permit application and forms from the city's building permit forms page.
3. Submit the permit application and plans by email to the city permitting address; submit contractor or subcontractor registration updates the same way.
4. Respond to any city review comments and pay permit fees and any applicable impact fees.
5. Obtain the permit by email before starting regulated work.
6. Submit inspection requests by email and observe the city cutoff times.
7. Complete all required inspections and obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy/completion before use or occupancy.

Typical processing time: Varies; initial review typically 1-2 weeks.

Source: City of Tavares Community Development / Building Department

General Requirements

Permits are required for regulated building activity and city review.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Plans
• Subcontractor list
• Contractor registration
• Owner-builder affidavit (if applicable)
• Project-specific forms

Permit validity

Some city forms state a six-month approval life; Florida's 180-day permit activity rule generally applies to building permits unless otherwise extended.

Building code

Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) mandatory statewide

Owner-builder

The city publishes an owner-builder affidavit and owner-contractor disclosure materials for owner-builder situations.

Contractor requirements

Tavares publishes a contractor registration form requiring state license, business tax receipt, workers compensation insurance or exemption, and general liability insurance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25

Plan check fee

0.5% of valuation (for permits requiring plan examination)

Permit fee formula

Application fee for work valued at $2,500 or less is $25; permit fee for work above $2,500 is 1% of valuation

Payment note

Online payment available for permits and fees less than $3,000; initial building inspection fees are included in the permit fee.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-03).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Tavares Community Development / Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Email inspection requests to city's inspection request address (email)

Scheduling deadline

4:00 p.m. the day before for most inspections; 3:00 p.m. for utilities inspections

Typical inspection sequence: City demolition materials also require an onsite inspection by the building inspector before demolition starts after utilities are disconnected.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) mandatory statewide
• Verify contractor license: Florida Contractor License Lookup
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Lake County