If you are planning any kind of construction, renovation, addition, deck, fence, roof replacement, pool, or other building work in the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, you will need a building permit from the Highland Beach Building Department.
Many homeowners and contractors search for clear answers about how to apply for a building permit in Highland Beach, what the fees are in 2026, and how to check the status of their application quickly.
This guide explains the entire process in simple language so you can understand what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems that slow things down.
Whether you are a homeowner doing your own work or a contractor handling a larger job, the steps are the same and the goal is to get your permit approved smoothly and on time.
Highland Beach Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Address: 3616 S Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, FL 33487 (Town Hall)
- Phone: (561) 278-4540
- Email: building@highlandbeach.us
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Official Page: Highland Beach Building Department
Highland Beach Building Permit Search 2026
Official Portal: Highland Beach Customer Portal (MyGovernmentOnline – MGO)
- Go to the Highland Beach Customer Portal (public search available for registered users).
- Search by property address or permit number.
- View the current status, approved plans, fees paid, and inspection history.
How to Apply for Highland Beach Building Permits 2026
Here is the clear step-by-step process that most people follow to get their permit approved as smoothly as possible.
- Go to the Highland Beach Customer Portal (MGO) and create or log into your account. Contractors must register first.
- Start a new application and choose the right permit type for your project.
- Use the Universal County-Wide/Municipal Building Permit Application (January 2024 edition or later).
- Upload all required drawings, site plans, specifications, and supporting documents.
- Pay the required fees online and submit the complete application.
- Check your account regularly and reply quickly if the department asks for more information or corrections.
- Once approved, display the permit card at the job site before any work begins.
- Schedule your inspections through the portal.
Highland Beach Building Permit Fees 2026
- Official Fee Schedule Effective October 2025: Download Current Fee Schedule
- Building permit fees are calculated per each $1,000 of valuation or portion thereof.
- Minimum building permit fee is $100.
- Plan review fees, technology fees, and Palm Beach County impact fees are added separately.
- Note: Palm Beach County Impact Fees increase effective January 1, 2026 — check the latest notice.
- Separate fees apply for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other trade permits.
- Work started without a permit can result in double fees plus possible fines or a Stop Work Order.
Required Documents Checklist
- Completed Universal County-Wide/Municipal Building Permit Application
- Detailed construction drawings and specifications
- Site plan showing existing structures and proposed work
- Proof of contractor license and insurance
- Owner-Builder Affidavit if you are doing the work yourself
- Any required trade permit applications
How to Schedule Inspections in Highland Beach
Schedule inspections through the MGO Customer Portal. Have your approved plans and the permit card ready when the inspector arrives. Re-inspection fees may apply for failed or missed inspections.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder
Contractors must register in the MGO portal and hold valid Florida licenses. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders but must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety. All new submittals and revisions must be submitted online.
Local Insider Tips That Really Help
- All permit submittals and revisions must be done online through the MGO Customer Portal — no paper applications are accepted.
- Submit complete and clearly labeled drawings the first time to avoid delays in plan review.
- Check the Impact Fee Increase Notice for January 2026 before submitting larger projects.
- Schedule each inspection as soon as the work stage is finished so you do not lose time waiting.
- Review the latest Florida Building Code and Town amendments before starting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for existing building permits in Highland Beach?
Use the Highland Beach Customer Portal (MGO) by property address or permit number after logging in.
How to apply for a Highland Beach building permit?
Register in the MGO Customer Portal, complete the Universal County-Wide/Municipal Building Permit Application, upload documents, and submit everything online.
What are the Highland Beach building permit fees in 2026?
Fees are calculated per $1,000 of valuation with a minimum of $100. Plan review and Palm Beach County impact fees apply separately. Download the October 2025 fee schedule and check the January 2026 impact fee increase notice.
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in Highland Beach?
Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Highland Beach?
Simple projects can be approved in just a few days once the complete application is submitted. More complex jobs take longer depending on review needs.
Official Resources
- Highland Beach Customer Portal (MGO)
- Building Department Homepage
- Fee Schedule Effective October 2025
- Impact Fee Increase Notice January 2026
Updated April 2026 using only official Town of Highland Beach sources. All submittals must be done online through the MGO Customer Portal.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.