This page helps users complete a permit search in Sarasota County, Florida and understand which official tools can help locate permit details, property information, and older records.

Sarasota County provides a public Permit Search page and the Accela Civic Application for online permitting, applications, inspections, and related records.

Use the county’s search Sarasota County permits page to look up permit information by property details or permit details.

Helpful search fields include:

  • Street number, street name, street type, and ZIP code
  • Parcel ID, such as the sample format 0209010001
  • Permit number, including older and newer permit formats
  • Start date, end date, and permit type

If you do not know the Parcel ID, the search page directs users to search by address so the system can locate it.

  • Enter the property address or Parcel ID.
  • Add permit details such as permit number, permit type, or a date range when available.
  • Submit the search to review matching permit records.

Accela Civic Application

The open the Sarasota County Citizen Access Portal link leads to Accela Civic Application, the county’s online platform for building permits, contractor licensing, inspections, code enforcement status, and other development services.

To search records in Accela, Sarasota County says users must have an account. After registering, select the correct module and use the available search criteria.

  • Building: residential and commercial building permits
  • Community Development: environmental, land development, planning, and zoning records
  • Public Works: right of way, small cell, utility construction, and related applications
  • Enforcement: code, land development, building, and environmental enforcement
  • Fire: fire construction, fire special events, fireworks display, and sparkler sales

Sarasota County notes that records for permits closed before August 18, 2023 can be searched through the older records option. Accela also includes public records search features.

Permit number formats matter. The county shows older permits in a format like BUP2005-00851 and newer permits in a format like 05 047102 00 B1.

Online permitting and inspections

Sarasota County’s review online permitting information page explains that Accela is used for applying for building permits, registering as a licensed contractor, and tracking code enforcement case status.

Online applications can be submitted 24/7. Permit Centers are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

Virtual inspections are available through VuSpex for eligible inspection types, including A/C changeout, plumbing sewer, plumbing water, re-roof dry in and flashing, roof in progress for re-roof permits, storm shutter inspections, and one-opening window or door replacement.

Payment and fee notes

Sarasota County states that electronic payment surcharges apply to certain payments made through Paymentus.

Payment type Surcharge
Non-utility payments, including permits and licenses 2.45% of the payment amount, with a $1 minimum
Utility payments $2.95 flat fee per transaction
eCheck/ACH payments, excluding Public Utilities payments 45 cents per transaction

The county also states that permit fees reverted to the prior full rate beginning April 1, 2024 after the sunset of Resolution No. 2023-061.

Sarasota County permit contacts

Use these contacts when a permit search result is unclear, a record request is needed, or an Accela issue needs staff help.

Common questions

Where can I search Sarasota County permit records online?

Use the county’s permit search tool for permit lookups by address, Parcel ID, permit number, date range, or permit type.

Do I need an Accela account to search permit records?

Yes. Sarasota County states that users must have an account to search records and permits in Accela.

What should I do if I do not know the Parcel ID?

Use the search by address option. The permit search page indicates that it can help locate the Parcel ID from the address search.

How do I search for permits closed before August 18, 2023?

Sarasota County directs users to the older records search option for permits closed before August 18, 2023.

Who can help with a building permit records request?

For building permit records requests, contact Sarasota County at [email protected].