Highlands County, FL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Highlands County Code § 12.16.304 makes clear that electrical work is permit-regulated: it is the duty of every contractor who makes contracts for the installation or repair of electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems for which a permit is required to comply with state or local licensing rules the BCC has adopted. The Highlands County Building Department, led by the Building Official, administers this permit system under Article 16 of the Land Development Regulations (chapter 12), the county's Standard Administrative Code. Before an electrical permit issues, the contractor must hold a valid state certificate of competency under F.S.

Ch. 489 or a county-issued certificate of competency, and specialty contractors must register with the Building Department under § 12.16.400. The Building Official reviews the application, may require drawings and specifications for the proposed work under § 12.16.302, and can deny a permit if the stated valuation looks underestimated unless the applicant produces detailed cost estimates under § 12.16.305. Once issued, a permit can be revoked under § 12.16.205 if the application contained a false statement or material misrepresentation, or if the work does not conform to the adopted technical codes.

The Building Official may also issue a stop-work order under § 12.16.204, in writing except in an emergency, ordering electrical work halted immediately when it is being done contrary to the building code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner. Violating the permit and licensing requirements of this chapter is prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony under F.S. § 489.127, with each day a violation continues charged as a separate offense.