Electronic Payment Update
Starting November 24, 2025, Sarasota County will transition to a new payment processor. A surcharge will be charged for certain transactions. Please view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide for more information.
Accela Civic Application Refresh
The Accela Civic Application public portal will be getting a refreshed design to make navigation easier and the experience more user-friendly. All services will remain available — stay tuned for more updates!
New! Scheduling Appointments with PDS
Planning and Development Services is here to support you with any questions or issues related to your property. For general inquiries, see our full list of contacts.
You can now book an appointment with the following divisions/teams for personalized support on complex projects or property questions.
- Planning
- Zoning
- Impact Fees
Schedule an appointment.
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
- Roof in progress
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.
Click here for a video tutorial (external link). Walkthrough guides can be found in the Online Resources documentary library below.
SB812 - Expediting Permitting
Sarasota County is now offering Expedited Residential Permitting for Speculative Homes in accordance with recently adopted State Senate Bill 0812, and Unified Development Code Amendment No. 2024-6, adopted by the Board on 10/23/2024.
Per the adopted changes, up to 75 percent of Residential Building Permits for Speculative Homes may be issued after approval of a Preliminary Plat and Site Development Plan/Construction Plans for new subdivisions. The Applicant may not transfer ownership or obtain a Certificate of Occupancy until the Final Plat is recorded. The requirements to expedite Residential Building Permits in new subdivisions requires a valid performance bond for up to 130% of the necessary improvements, a hold harmless agreement with Sarasota County, and an approved Preliminary Plat and Site Development Plan /Construction Plans for the new development. To qualify or for additional information on the Expedited Residential Permitting process, please contact Land Development Services at landdev@scgov.net
Changes within the Accela online permitting platform have been made to allow applicants to apply for Speculative Homes, which is the terminology used within the Unified Development Code and Accela for Residential Building Permits applied for after Preliminary Plat and Site Development Plan approval, but before Final Plat Approval. After confirmation that the requirements for Expedited Residential Permitting have been met, for assistance applying within Accela for Speculative Homes, please contact our Permit Center at building@scgov.net.
The Sarasota County Hold Harmless Form can be found here.
Storm Related Expedited Permits
Click here if you're a private property owners seeking more information on disaster recovery.
Permits related to storm damage will be expedited.
Helpful tip: When applying for a permit in Accela, select "Storm Related" project type. For more information, please call 941-861-5000 or email building@scgov.net.
Fee Schedule Update
Effective April 1, 2024. We would like to inform you of the sunsetting of Resolution No. 2023-061 (Temporary Fee Reduction of Certain Building Fees in response for Covid-19 impacts). The Resolution has a sunset date of March 31, 2024, whereby beginning April 1, 2024, the permit fees will revert to their prior full rate. Please refer to Resolution No. 2021-107 for the complete fee schedule.
Building Code Update
Effective December 31, 2023, all building applications will be subject to the 8th Edition 2023 Florida Building Code and the National Electric Code 2020. See the significant changes (external).
All building applications that are in a temporary status prior to the effective date will be removed and will be required to be reapplied for under the new code.
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