Permitting

Yes. Anyone wanting to access the online platform and use its services must create an account.

No. It is free to create an Accela account, but you will pay your application fees for permits through the Accela portal.

Accela is the most user-friendly on a desktop or laptop but can also be accessed from a smartphone or tablet.

Everything will be processed in the order it was received through Accela. Statuses will be available on ACA for the customer to stay updated.

Permit Lookup

Find more information relating to inspections. 

Fire inspections can be requested through the online portal and will be scheduled in accordance with the inspector. The requestee will be notified via email through Accela.

Learn how to submit a Code Enforcement Concern through ACA.

There is a way to be able to see your subcontractor's permits by adding delegates to a permit record. This allows the permit holder to assign permissions to whomever they want to gain access to the record. That person will have the ability to manage the record based on the permissions that have been granted by the record holder.

Learn how to add a delegate(PDF, 177KB)

For more resources on how to apply for or renew a North Port Business Tax Receipt, please visit NorthPortFL.gov/BTR.

After a major storm, many residents and businesses need to make urgent repairs. To support a safe and timely recovery, the City has developed a Hurricane and Tropical Storm Recovery Permitting Guide.

This guide explains:

• Which common repairs can be made without a permit
• Which permits are exempt from fees following a declared emergency
• Which projects still require permits and fees
• Local requirements for rebuilding after substantial damage or improvements

The guide will also be updated with storm-specific exemptions, waivers and deadlines as soon as practicable following the issuance of a state of emergency.

Effective July 1, 2026, the City of North Port is required by state law to exempt owners of single-family dwellings (and their contractors) from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work valued at less than $7,500.

Important exceptions

A permit IS still required for:

The following types of work are not eligible for this exemption, regardless of cost:

• Electrical work

• Plumbing work

• Mechanical work

• Gas work

• Structural work (Railings, guards, pool barrier/fences, windows and doors, siding, soffits, roofing, elevated decks, structural screen enclosures, and sheds, are all items with structural requirements and considered structural) detached sheds 50 SF or less

• Detached sheds with a floor area of 50 square feet or less do not require a building permit

• Any work on a property located partially or entirely within a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code

Prohibition on Project Splitting

 Construction projects may not be divided into smaller phases or separate contracts to evade the $7,500 exemption threshold. The exemption applies solely to complete single projects with a total valuation of less than $7,500.

How to request this exemption

To qualify, the property owner or contractor must submit a written exemption request to the City of North Port Building Department that includes:

• A copy of the written contract, or

• Other documentation demonstrating the nature and value of the work to be performed

Legal notice

The City of North Port has no legal duty to the owner, contractor, or their successors or assigns for any work performed under this exemption.

The City of North Port is also required by state law to exempt owners of eligible residential properties (and their contractors) from the permit requirement for the voluntary installation of temporary hurricane and flood protection walls or barriers, provided all of the conditions below are met.

Important: This exemption applies only to properties NOT located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If your property is located within a designated SFHA, permit requirements remain in effect. Please refer to the established guidelines published on this website or contact the Building Department for guidance.

All of the following conditions must be met:

1. The wall or barrier is non-load-bearing and non-habitable.
2. The wall or barrier is installed on the residential property of a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or townhouse.
3. The wall or barrier is constructed to mitigate or prevent storm surge or floodwaters from entering a structure or property.
4. The wall or barrier is installed by a contractor licensed under Part I of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.
5. The wall or barrier complies with all applicable local zoning, drainage, easement, and setback requirements.

All five conditions must be satisfied. If any condition is not met, a permit is required.

How to request this exemption

To qualify, the property owner or contractor must submit a written exemption request to the City of North Port Building Department that includes:

• A copy of the written contract, or
• Other documentation demonstrating the nature of the work to be performed

Legal notice

The City of North Port has no legal duty to the owner, contractor, or their successors or assigns for any work performed under this exemption.

View the policy.