Highlands County plan check and resubmittal guide
What we could verify about Highlands County’s permit office from government and permit portal pages, what Florida law says about plan check there, and how to answer a correction letter. Each fact links to its source.
Highlands County permit office
- Building department: (863) 402-6643 (highlandsfl.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
- Address: 501 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870 (highlandsfl.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
- eTRAKiT
- Building department page
Links and facts checked on October 30, 2026.
Codes its letters cite
Local amendments to the building code
None listed by the Florida Building Commission as of 2026-10-31. Local technical amendments lapse when the next edition takes effect (the 9th Edition on December 31, 2026).
Highlands County and Florida
Highlands County is in Florida.
Florida rules every plan check here follows
These come from Florida law and state agencies, so they apply in Highlands County as well. Each links to its source.
Building code in force
The Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), has been in effect since December 31, 2023.
Source: Florida Building Commission, checked October 31, 2026
Missing-information notice
Within 5 business days of getting your application, the local government must tell you in writing what, if anything, is still needed for the application to count as complete.
Source: Florida Statutes § 553.792, checked October 31, 2026
Review deadline for homes
For a residential unit under 7,500 square feet reviewed by the local government's own plans reviewer, the permit decision is due within 30 business days of a complete application.
Source: Florida Statutes § 553.792, checked October 31, 2026
Answering plan check comments
When the building department sends a written notice of code problems, you have 10 business days to send corrected plans; if you don't, the application will be denied.
Source: Florida Statutes § 553.792, checked October 31, 2026
Review of your corrections
If you resubmit on time, the department then has 10 business days to approve or deny the permit, unless you agree in writing to give it more time.
Source: Florida Statutes § 553.792, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to plan check corrections has
General guidance, not Highlands County’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other Florida city guides
How we help
Send us the whole correction letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to Highlands County yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not Highlands County and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
How do I respond to Highlands County’s plan check corrections?
In general, answer every comment in a response letter that says what changed and on which sheet, then resubmit the revised drawings the way Highlands County asks. Check its own instructions first.
What should a resubmittal to Highlands County include?
In general: a response letter answering each comment, the revised drawings with changes marked, and any new calculations or reports the comments ask for. Highlands County may ask for more, so check with it before you send.
Where do I send my resubmittal to Highlands County?
Highlands County’s online permit portal is eTRAKiT, linked on this page. Ask the building department how it wants resubmittals sent if its instructions don’t say.
How long does Highlands County take to review a resubmittal?
If you resubmit on time, the department then has 10 business days to approve or deny the permit, unless you agree in writing to give it more time. Ask Highlands County for its current review times.
Does Highlands County charge for another plan review?
This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask the building department at (863) 402-6643 before you resubmit.
How many rounds of corrections can Highlands County send?
This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask the building department at (863) 402-6643 if unsure.
Is Cleared to Build part of Highlands County?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with Highlands County or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.