Building Permit Portals

Esuite Portal

Access the Esuite Portal for: 

Public Building Permit Information Search  for permit history searches 2025 and older:

Accela Citizen Access

Registration & Accela Account Management for Permitting (PDF)

Access the Accela Portal:

1. Online Building Permits Applications
2. Plan Review and Application Status
3. Downloading Approved Permit Documents
4. Contractor registration
5. Scheduling Inspections 

Business Tax Receipts

The Building Division issues Business Tax Receipts to all businesses and organizations within the city limits of Winter Haven.

The Business Tax Receipt renewal fees are due October 1st every year.

Prior to starting a Business please check the following: 

• Zoning Requirements
• Fire Protection Requirements
• License / Certification Requirements

Please complete the application and submit it with all the supporting documents to the Business Tax Specialist. 

• Business Tax Receipt Checklist and Application (PDF)
• Peddlers Business Tax Receipt Application (PDF)

References for Business

• Polk County Business Tax Receipts
• Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Florida Division of Corporations
• Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants (Food Service)

Building Permit Inspection Requests

For 2025 and older permits: Email BuildingInspections@myWinterHaven.com and supply the following information in the BODY of the email:

1. Permit Number (Starts with the year) i.e. 25-
2.  Site Address
3. Type of Inspection
4. Contact Number
5. Date of inspection if not for the next day
6. Gate Codes

For 2026 permits and newer please use the Accela Portal to schedule inspections or text inspection requests to the phone number 888-513-8552.

Inspections Codes & Inspections

Text to Schedule Inspections

Requests must be made by 7 am for same day inspections.

For Fire Inspections, please allow 48 hours for inspection to be scheduled.

All required documentation (approved plans, truss engineering, permit placard, etc.) must be on the job site, accessible to the inspector, and protected from the weather. Any deviation may result in work delays and/or re-inspection fees imposed.

Information for Private Providers

For new projects please submit documents with the permit application or to the Permit Specialists. Email Inspection Reports and The Final Certificate of Compliance.

• Final Affidavit for Building Code Inspection Services (PDF)
• Final Affidavit re Duly Authorized Rep. and Employment (PDF)
• Registration Submittal Packet (PDF)
• Notice to Building Official (PDF)
• Plan Compliance Affidavit (PDF)

Residential Certificate of Occupancy Request

Request certificates of occupancy for new single family homes by submitting this form. Instructions are included on the form. For non-residential projects please contact our office staff. 

• Residential Certificate of Occupancy Request Form

Building Division Forms and Applications

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Residential Impact Fee Guide
• Demolition Permit Application (PDF)
• Dock Requirements
• Driveway Connection Approval Application
• Notice of Commencement
• Owner Disclosure Statement
• Re-Roof Affidavit
• Residential Swimming Pool Safety Requirements (PDF)
• Schedule of Permit Fees (PDF)
• Sign Permit Requirements (PDF)
• Submittal Requirements (PDF)
• Tent Application (PDF)

References

• Building Officials Association of Florida
• Florida Building Code Information System - BCIS
• Florida Building
• ICC International Code Council
• Florida Department of Motor Vehicles
• Florida Water Star Program Criteria

This site is no longer accepting new applications but can be used to access 2025 and older permits:
Eplans / Projectdox Portal