Effective May 26, 2022, mandatory structural inspections are required for condominium and cooperative association buildings three (3) habitable stories or taller. These “Milestone Inspections” are performed by a licensed architect or engineer, authorized to practice in the State of Florida.

IMPORTANT: Additional testing is required if substantial structural deterioration is identified.

Applicable buildings must have a Milestone Inspection once the building reaches the age of 30 years, then every 10 years thereafter. The building age is based on the issued date of the certificate of occupancy.  

• If a building reached 30 years of age before July 1, 2022, the building’s initial milestone inspection must be performed before December 31, 2024.
• If a building reaches 30 years of age on or after July 1, 2022, and before December 31, 2024, the building’s initial milestone inspection must be performed before December 31, 2025.

Please continue to visit this page for updates.

Additional Information

• Florida Statutes (553.899) (external)
• See the Document Library below for more information

Inquiries can be directed to milestoneinspection@scgov.net.

Now Available – Sarasota County Virtual Inspections

Sarasota County Planning and Development Services is now live with VuSpex Live Virtual Inspection software. This streamlined enhancement allows for easier scheduling, less wait time, and efficient inspections.  No more waiting for the inspector to arrive, schedule your time and the inspector can complete the inspection with the assistance of your staff virtually.

Eligible virtual inspections include:

• A/C changeout
• Plumbing sewer
• Plumbing water
• Dry in and flashing - Re-roof permits only
• Roof in progress - Re-roof permits only
• Storm Shutter (Panel or Fabric)
• Window or Door Replacement (1 opening only-size for size)

VuSpex is an industry leading software for virtual inspections. To get started, download the VuSpex Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, register your account and find your permit. The simple to use app will guide you through the process to complete your virtual inspection.

Video tutorial (external link). Walkthrough guides can be found in the Online Resources documentary library below.

Impact Fees

Please visit the Impact Fees page for more information.

Utility Capacity Fees

Effective January 1, 2022, the EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Units) Conversion Table Form is required to apply for a permit to connect to the utility system in unincorporated Sarasota County. The form is also used for estimating and assessing utility capacity and connection fees. Visit the Public Utilities webpage for details.

Please contact the Utility Connection Intake Unit at UtilitiesConnections@scgov.net or 941‑861‑6767 for more information or utility capacity fee estimates.

For information about requesting a county water meter, email the Utilities Connection Intake Unit at metersets@scgov.net.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 553.80(7)(b), Sarasota County has created this Building Permit and Inspection Utilization Report for the schedule of fees adopted under Resolution 2021-107, that remains in effect today. 

Note: the fiscal year for Sarasota County starts on October 1 and ends on September 30 the following calendar year (example: Fiscal Year 2020 includes October 1, 2019–September 30, 2020).

Fiscal Year 2022

1. Direct and indirect costs incurred by the local government to enforce the Florida Building Code, including costs related to:

a. Personnel service costs (including salary and related employee benefit costs): $6,819,329.40
b. Operating expenditures and expenses: $4,515,984.76

2. Permit and inspection utilization information, including:

a. # of building permit applications submitted¹: 34,575
b. # of building permits issued or approved: 42,766
c. # of building inspections and reinspections requested: 116,204
d. # of building inspections and reinspections conducted: 171,231
e. # of building inspections conducted by a private provider: 11,102
f. # of audits conducted by Sarasota County of private provider building inspections: 2
g. # of personnel dedicated by Sarasota County to enforce the Florida Building Code, issue building permits and conduct inspections: 89.00 FTEs
h. Other permissible activities for enforcing the Florida Building code as described in subparagraph (a)1.

i. Code Enforcement
ii. Unsafe Structures

3. Revenue information, including:

a. Revenue derived from fees pursuant to paragraph (a): $13,424,912.97
b. Revenue derived from fines pursuant to paragraph (a): $315,019.26
c. When applicable, investment earnings from Sarasota County’s investment of revenue derived from fees and fines pursuant to paragraph (a): $(1,389,368.72)
d. Balances carried forward by Sarasota County pursuant to paragraph (a): $7,682,729.09
e. Balances refunded by Sarasota County pursuant to paragraph (a): $0
f. Revenue derived from other sources, including local government general revenue: $3,701.00

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¹ This total will vary from the summation of external monthly reporting based on current folder status.