Building in the heart of Florida, Polk County, comes with big opportunities…but also plenty of red tape. Sitting between Tampa and Orlando, Polk County is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. Whether you’re working on a subdivision, a multifamily community, or a custom home, securing your Polk County building permit is the first step toward breaking ground.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from which projects require permits, to fees, applications, inspections, and trade-specific rules so you can keep your timeline moving.
Simplify permitting in Polk County with PermitFlow. Learn how.
All roofing, including reroofs and insulated coverings
Fences and walls: masonry walls with pilasters or solid fences over 8 feet
Retaining walls (structural/erosion control)
Docks, piers, sea walls, boathouses, bulkheads, and boat ramps
Tree houses (unless a tiny, no‑roof/no‑utility type under 32 ft²)
Flagpoles over 50 feet tall
Replacement or installation of windows, doors, skylights, siding, soffit, security bars, ramps (handicap), plumbing systems, HVAC change‑outs, and solar systems
Foundation remediation (requires engineer)
What doesn’t require a permit?
Some minor projects don't require a permit. These include:
Minor roof repairs (< 25% coverage)
Replacing screening with like materials
Interior remodels/repairs on ANSI units or RVs
Minor repairs to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems (no extensions)
Chain link fences of any height; stockade fences up to 8 feet
Small prefabricated storage sheds (“closet” use only): max 5 ft height, 50 ft² area, 250 ft³ volume, no utilities
Polk County building permit fees are based on the total valuation of the project plus additional fees for trade permits. Here’s what you should know.
Residential fees
Permit type
Fee
Roofing Permit – Base
$50
Roofing Permit – Additional per $1,000 construction value
$5
Carport
$50
Screen Enclosure
$75
Utility Building
$50
Accessory Structure – Misc.
$50
Commercial fees
Valuation range
Fee
Up to $12,000
$102.00
$12,001 – $13,000
$108.90
$13,001 – $14,000
$115.66
$14,001 – $15,000
$123.76
$15,001 – $16,000
$129.34
$16,001 – $17,000
$136.26
$17,001 – $18,000
$143.10
$18,001 – $19,000
$150.76
$19,001 – $20,000
$157.60
… continues in ~$6.7 increments per $1,000 …
$49,001 – $50,000
$361.62
$50,001 – $100,000
$361.62 + $6.94 per $1,000 over $50,000
$100,001 – $500,000
$708.40 + $4.96 per $1,000 over $100,000
$500,001 – $1,000,000
$2,695.60 + $2.70 per $1,000 over $500,000
$1,000,001 and up
$4,041.10 + $1.44 per $1,000 over $1,000,000
Note: Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, gas, irrigation, etc.) are separate fees and not included in building permit costs, except in the special Single Family Residential Combined Permit.
Polk County trade permits
Electrical permits
Required to install or modify electrical systems, from panel upgrades to low-voltage and solar installs.
Type
Fee
Residential electric permit
$85.00
Commercial electric permit
$85.00 for the first $1,000 in contract value
$1.25 per $1,000 in contract value over first $1,000
Elevator
$12.00
Solar Voltaic (Residential)
$85.00
Solar Voltaic (Commercial)
$102.00
Plumbing permits
Needed for plumbing system work, such as drains, fixtures, gas lines, water heaters, etc.
Type
Fee
Residential plumbing permit
$85.00
Commercial plumbing permit
$85.00 for the first $1,000 in contract value
$1.50 per $1,000 in contract value over first $1,000
Connect moved building
$85.00
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for any HVAC work, including ductwork and system replacements.
Type
Fee
Residential
$85.00
Commercial – Base
$85.00 + contract value per mechanical fee
Commercial – New HVAC, Refrigeration, Boilers – first $1,000
$24.00 for first $1,000 of value
$2.25 for each $1,000 over first $1,000
Commercial mechanical alterations, additions, and repairs
$12.00 up to $500 valuation
$17.00 + $2.25 per $1,000 (over $500)
Miscellaneous
Permits required for exterior structural work, including roofing, decks, accessory buildings, pool installs, and substantial fencing.
Simplify permitting in Polk County with PermitFlow Save time, reduce errors, and keep projects on schedule with expert permitting support. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Polk County
Step 1: Confirm permit requirements
Check whether your project requires a permit, based on Florida Building Code regulations or Polk County criteria. If unsure, contact the permit office or speak with a plans examiner at (863) 534‑6080.
Step 2: Prepare your documentation
Gather and prepare:
Owner information, property address, parcel ID, and job valuation
Site/lot plan, floor plans, structural drawings, and other project documents
Trade-related documents if applicable (e.g., electrical, plumbing)
These are uploaded via the Access Portal during application
Step 3: Submit your application
Register or log in to the Polk County Access Portal (Accela Citizen Access). Complete the Polk County building permit form and upload all required documents.
Step 4: Review & approvals
County staff will review your submission. They may ask for revisions or additional materials to ensure code compliance.
Step 5: Pay fees & issue permit
Once approved, you can pay applicable fees through the portal. After payment, the building permit is officially issued, often electronically.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
Use the Access Portal to schedule your required inspections. Virtual or on-site inspections are available through tools like VuSpex and can be arranged online.
Simplify permitting in Polk County with PermitFlow
Polk County’s permitting process can feel like a maze, especially when you’re juggling projects across the busy Tampa and Orlando markets. Instead of losing valuable hours to paperwork and back-and-forth reviews, let PermitFlow take the burden off your plate.
PermitFlow is purpose-built permit management software that manages your entire permitting journey. From preparing and filing applications to monitoring approvals, we handle your Polk County permits alongside every other jurisdiction where you build.
Contractors choose PermitFlow because we deliver:
Local expertise: Our team knows Polk County’s codes and requirements, so applications move through review faster.
Complete oversight: Track and manage all your permits in one centralized platform.
Error-free submissions: We prepare flawless applications that pass reviewers without costly delays.
Ready to simplify Polk County permitting and keep your projects on schedule? Get in touch with us to learn how.
Building in the heart of Florida, Polk County, comes with big opportunities…but also plenty of red tape. Sitting between Tampa and Orlando, Polk County is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. Whether you’re working on a subdivision, a multifamily community, or a custom home, securing your Polk County building permit is the first step toward breaking ground.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from which projects require permits, to fees, applications, inspections, and trade-specific rules so you can keep your timeline moving.
Simplify permitting in Polk County with PermitFlow. Learn how.
All roofing, including reroofs and insulated coverings
Fences and walls: masonry walls with pilasters or solid fences over 8 feet
Retaining walls (structural/erosion control)
Docks, piers, sea walls, boathouses, bulkheads, and boat ramps
Tree houses (unless a tiny, no‑roof/no‑utility type under 32 ft²)
Flagpoles over 50 feet tall
Replacement or installation of windows, doors, skylights, siding, soffit, security bars, ramps (handicap), plumbing systems, HVAC change‑outs, and solar systems
Foundation remediation (requires engineer)
What doesn’t require a permit?
Some minor projects don't require a permit. These include:
Minor roof repairs (< 25% coverage)
Replacing screening with like materials
Interior remodels/repairs on ANSI units or RVs
Minor repairs to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems (no extensions)
Chain link fences of any height; stockade fences up to 8 feet
Small prefabricated storage sheds (“closet” use only): max 5 ft height, 50 ft² area, 250 ft³ volume, no utilities
Polk County building permit fees are based on the total valuation of the project plus additional fees for trade permits. Here’s what you should know.
Residential fees
Permit type
Fee
Roofing Permit – Base
$50
Roofing Permit – Additional per $1,000 construction value
$5
Carport
$50
Screen Enclosure
$75
Utility Building
$50
Accessory Structure – Misc.
$50
Commercial fees
Valuation range
Fee
Up to $12,000
$102.00
$12,001 – $13,000
$108.90
$13,001 – $14,000
$115.66
$14,001 – $15,000
$123.76
$15,001 – $16,000
$129.34
$16,001 – $17,000
$136.26
$17,001 – $18,000
$143.10
$18,001 – $19,000
$150.76
$19,001 – $20,000
$157.60
… continues in ~$6.7 increments per $1,000 …
$49,001 – $50,000
$361.62
$50,001 – $100,000
$361.62 + $6.94 per $1,000 over $50,000
$100,001 – $500,000
$708.40 + $4.96 per $1,000 over $100,000
$500,001 – $1,000,000
$2,695.60 + $2.70 per $1,000 over $500,000
$1,000,001 and up
$4,041.10 + $1.44 per $1,000 over $1,000,000
Note: Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, gas, irrigation, etc.) are separate fees and not included in building permit costs, except in the special Single Family Residential Combined Permit.
Polk County trade permits
Electrical permits
Required to install or modify electrical systems, from panel upgrades to low-voltage and solar installs.
Type
Fee
Residential electric permit
$85.00
Commercial electric permit
$85.00 for the first $1,000 in contract value
$1.25 per $1,000 in contract value over first $1,000
Elevator
$12.00
Solar Voltaic (Residential)
$85.00
Solar Voltaic (Commercial)
$102.00
Plumbing permits
Needed for plumbing system work, such as drains, fixtures, gas lines, water heaters, etc.
Type
Fee
Residential plumbing permit
$85.00
Commercial plumbing permit
$85.00 for the first $1,000 in contract value
$1.50 per $1,000 in contract value over first $1,000
Connect moved building
$85.00
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for any HVAC work, including ductwork and system replacements.
Type
Fee
Residential
$85.00
Commercial – Base
$85.00 + contract value per mechanical fee
Commercial – New HVAC, Refrigeration, Boilers – first $1,000
$24.00 for first $1,000 of value
$2.25 for each $1,000 over first $1,000
Commercial mechanical alterations, additions, and repairs
$12.00 up to $500 valuation
$17.00 + $2.25 per $1,000 (over $500)
Miscellaneous
Permits required for exterior structural work, including roofing, decks, accessory buildings, pool installs, and substantial fencing.
Simplify permitting in Polk County with PermitFlow Save time, reduce errors, and keep projects on schedule with expert permitting support. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Polk County
Step 1: Confirm permit requirements
Check whether your project requires a permit, based on Florida Building Code regulations or Polk County criteria. If unsure, contact the permit office or speak with a plans examiner at (863) 534‑6080.
Step 2: Prepare your documentation
Gather and prepare:
Owner information, property address, parcel ID, and job valuation
Site/lot plan, floor plans, structural drawings, and other project documents
Trade-related documents if applicable (e.g., electrical, plumbing)
These are uploaded via the Access Portal during application
Step 3: Submit your application
Register or log in to the Polk County Access Portal (Accela Citizen Access). Complete the Polk County building permit form and upload all required documents.
Step 4: Review & approvals
County staff will review your submission. They may ask for revisions or additional materials to ensure code compliance.
Step 5: Pay fees & issue permit
Once approved, you can pay applicable fees through the portal. After payment, the building permit is officially issued, often electronically.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
Use the Access Portal to schedule your required inspections. Virtual or on-site inspections are available through tools like VuSpex and can be arranged online.
Simplify permitting in Polk County with PermitFlow
Polk County’s permitting process can feel like a maze, especially when you’re juggling projects across the busy Tampa and Orlando markets. Instead of losing valuable hours to paperwork and back-and-forth reviews, let PermitFlow take the burden off your plate.
PermitFlow is purpose-built permit management software that manages your entire permitting journey. From preparing and filing applications to monitoring approvals, we handle your Polk County permits alongside every other jurisdiction where you build.
Contractors choose PermitFlow because we deliver:
Local expertise: Our team knows Polk County’s codes and requirements, so applications move through review faster.
Complete oversight: Track and manage all your permits in one centralized platform.
Error-free submissions: We prepare flawless applications that pass reviewers without costly delays.
Ready to simplify Polk County permitting and keep your projects on schedule? Get in touch with us to learn how.
