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PermitRoadmap

Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Glades County?

Permit required

Yes. In Florida, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and Unincorporated Glades County is no exception.

Florida has no statewide small-shed exemption. The widely repeated rule that a shed under 120 square feet needs no permit comes from the model International Codes, and Florida did not adopt it: section 105.2 of the Florida Building Code, Building exempts only specified gas, mechanical and plumbing work, with no category exempting detached accessory structures. Where a size threshold exists it is a local ordinance, and it genuinely differs, so ask your building department for the line that applies at your address. Any shed with electricity, plumbing or a permanent foundation needs a permit regardless of size, and zoning setbacks, flood zone rules and wind anchoring apply even when no building permit is required.

Get the checklist for your shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Glades County. A free check first, then a free printable Permit Prep Pack.

Local detail for Unincorporated Glades County: Glades County Building Division (within Community Development). Building Official: Judson Dulany; Director: Susan BuChans (sbuchans@myglades.com). Regulations apply within unincorporated Glades County only.

Florida and local notes for Unincorporated Glades County

Glades County's own permitting office is the Glades County Community Development - Building Division, reachable on (863) 946-6018 at https://www.myglades.com/departments/community_development/building_department/index.php. Its online permit portal is https://gladescounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/gladescounty. It issues permits for the unincorporated county. If your city does not run its own building department, and many smaller Florida municipalities do not, this is the office that will handle the job. Ask specifically about the size that triggers a permit and about setbacks, since those are set locally and are the two things people most often get wrong on a shed. Glades County Code Sec. 125-42 requires a permit before any building or structure is erected, and Sec. 109-142 requires accessory structures to meet the Florida Building Code, with prefabricated units bearing the Florida DBPR insignia, seal, or letter. Glades publishes no size-based shed exemption. Glades does not allow a shed or other accessory structure on a vacant lot; the principal use must be developed first on the same lot or a contiguous lot under the same ownership. The county's land development rules apply only in unincorporated Glades; City of Moore Haven properties go to City Hall at (863) 946-0711. In residential districts, Sec. 125-202 keeps accessory structures out of required front and side yards, allows them in the rear yard no closer than five feet to the rear lot line, and requires five feet between a separate accessory building and any other building. Sec. 125-42(b)(2) waives the boundary survey for sheds and carports anchored to the soil or an existing slab. In flood zones A/AE, Sec. 117-31(b) limits at-grade storage or parking structures to one story and 600 sq. ft. with flood openings and anchoring.

Documents you may need

  • Permit applicationLikely required
  • Site plan showing setbacksLikely required
  • Structure dimensions or manufacturer drawingsSometimes required
  • Anchoring or tie-down detailsSometimes required
  • Permit or zoning applicationLikely required
  • Site plan showing setbacks and distance to lot linesLikely required
  • Anchoring or tie-down details for wind loadSometimes required
  • Glades County Building Permit Application (notarized), submitted through the county's iWorQ permit portal or at Community DevelopmentLikely required
  • Site plan signed by the owner showing the boundary, the shed, existing structures, setbacks, and an aerialLikely required
  • DBPR insignia, seal, or letter for a prefabricated shedSometimes required
  • Floodplain Review Form (SFHA Building Permit Supplement, $50) in a Special Flood Hazard AreaSometimes required

Possible inspections

  • Foundation or slab inspection
  • Framing and anchoring inspection
  • Final inspection
  • Tie-down or foundation inspection

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Glades County?
Yes. In Florida, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and Unincorporated Glades County is no exception. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
Who issues the permit in Unincorporated Glades County?
The local building department for Unincorporated Glades County handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.

PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.