Frequently Asked Questions

Permits ensure work is being built to current codes and to verify the contractor is licensed and insured. The Florida Building Code (101.3) states that the “code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength… and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations”.

Only a licensed contractor or the legal property owner may obtain a building permit. State statute 489.103(7) allows the owner(s) of real property to act as their own contractor. This exemption may only be used if you own and occupy the home. As an owner builder, if you do not complete all the work yourself, you must supervise the work and hire licensed trade subcontractors (electrician, plumbing, a/c, and roof) in accordance with state law. Owners acting as their own contractor or listed as a subcontractor are required to personally appear in the building dept and sign the permit application and homeowner/builder affidavit per Florida Statute 489.103(7). Proof of ownership is required for all permits. Please see Florida Statute 489.103 for complete information.

Ask for and check references, request to see their state license(s)and insurance certificates. State law requires the license number to be on the business card and proposal. Check the number on the state website (www.myflorida.com) for any state complaints. If a contractor asks you to secure the permit, beware. They may not be licensed, which puts the homeowner totally at risk.

Yes, state regulations require a notice of commencement be recorded with Lake County Clerk of Courts for building projects which exceed $5,000 cost of construction ($15,000 for mechanical changeouts). A copy of the recorded NOC must be provided to the Building Department prior to the first inspection.

The Building Official and/or Code Enforcement will issue an advisory notice. Once a permit is obtained, the cost of the permit will be doubled for an After the Fact permit. Additionally, there may be fees for a third-party engineering analysis if areas of work are concealed. If no action is taken, a Notice of Violation will be issued and could result in fines being levied on the property owner.

Permits vary in price depending on the work being done, the size of the project, and the number of trades involved. The fee schedule is available on our web site.

Permit applications will be processed in the order received. Applications that require Site and Plan review require a minimum of 24 hours and at most 30 days once all requirements are satisfied. Simple permits such as: Re-roofing a house, Replacing an Air Conditioner, etc. can usually be done within minutes if submitted during normal business hours.

Unless otherwise noted, a building permit is valid for 180 days from date of issuance and 180 days from the last approved inspection date thereon. Permits expire and become null and void if work has not started or an approved inspection has not been done within 180 days from the issuance date of the permit. Lack of an approved inspection within this time will serve as validation that the job has been suspended or abandoned.

Yes. We require a site plan or survey that must show all property lines, existing structures, patios, and pavement with dimensions. It must also show the proposed location, dimensions of the new concrete, and show the distance to the property lines.

Yes. We require a site plan showing the location of the windows/ doors, the Florida Product Approval number, and installation specifications. If the size of the window or doors are changing, additional plans may be required.

Yes. A permit is required for any new or replacement of a fence.

A permit or arborist report is required prior to removing any canopy trees within the Town limits. If the property owner obtains an arborist report from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture that states the tree presents a danger to persons or property, then a permit is not required. We request a copy emailed to us at Building@ladylake.org

No permit is required; however, no signs may be placed anywhere other than the property where the sale is being held.

Yes, we require a Site Plan or survey that must show all property lines, existing structures, patios, and pavement with dimensions. It must also show the proposed location and dimensions of the shed, showing the distances to the property line. We will need construction plans or installation specifications, depending on the construction of the shed.

Visit our Submittal Requirements webpage for more information.

The Notice of Commencement is to be filed with the Lake County Clerk’s Office for any job value exceeding $5,000 ($15,000 for mechanical changeouts). The office is located at the Records Storage Facility, 313 South Bloxham Ave., Tavares, FL 32778 or can be reached at 352-253-2600.

Per Florida Building Code (105.1), Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

To register as a contractor in Lady Lake the applicant must provide the following:

•    State License

•    Lake County Competency Card (required if registered and not State certified)

•    General Liability Certificate (with “The Town of Lady Lake” as the certificate holder)

•    Workers Compensation Certificate (with “The Town of Lady Lake” as the certificate holder) or copy of Letter of Exemption

All in-ground swimming pools require a permit. Aboveground pools and spas that are more than 24” in height also require a permit. The child barrier and electric set up must meet all FBC standards.

This depends on several factors including the zoning of your property or if it is a corner lot, etc. Contact the Building Department for more information.

Yes, the forms are available for download on our website.