CASSELBERRY, Fla. – The city of Casselberry received backlash on Thursday after officials issued a post on Facebook following Hurricane Milton.
Just hours after Hurricane Milton left the state, the social media post reminded residents that they must apply for a permit before beginning storm repairs.
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“Building permits are required to be obtained for any fence repairs of TWO (2) or more panels and any home repairs due to the storm,” the post reads.
The post sparked a backlash from users in the comments, who argued that the timing was inappropriate. As of Friday evening, it garnered over 2,000 responses, mainly from those critical of the post.
“Why would you post about this as people are recovering?” Facebook user Carson Morris wrote. “This is extremely untimely and insensitive. A bad look for the City of Casselberry. Now is not the time. What a shame.”
Meanwhile, others rebuked the message by pointing out the steep costs associated with storm recovery.
“It’d be real cool if you waived the fees for any permits related to storm repairs, but that’s not good for business, so that wouldn’t happen,” Facebook user Patrick Lemkuil added. “Great job government.”
Still other people criticized the need for the building permits period.
“Thanks for protecting my neighbors from reckless DIY,” Facebook user Justin Smith said. “Next thing you know, we’ll need a permit to change the batteries in our smoke detectors.”
On Monday, the city released the following statement:
“As part of the Hurricane Milton recovery initiative, the City of Casselberry has issued an Emergency Order to waive permitting fees for a period of 90 days in order to expedite and ease the financial burden for residents who may be in need of making storm damage repairs. Building permits are required by Florida law; emergency exceptions are permitted under Florida’s Building Code Act under state statute 553, Chapter 553.7922, which addresses post natural disaster needs.
In general, the statute allows the expediting of permit issuance for repairs that do not require technical review, including, but not limited to, roof repairs, fence replacement, reroofing, electrical repairs, service changes, or the replacement of one window or one door.
We understand the frustration and emotions associated with what was a frightening storm. Our message was just one of numerous updates posted throughout the storm and was intended to encourage Casselberry residents to begin the state-required permitting process through the city’s online system rather than having to wait until the City reopened after the storm. Waiving of fees is the next step in that process and is now in effect. We apologize that the message inspired confusion about the process.
Casselberry’s first responders, employees and city commissioners worked throughout the storm event to ensure the public’s safety and the continuation of city operations such as water and sewer service during this difficult situation.”
City of Casselberry
According to the city’s website, building permits are required for most improvement projects, including new construction, additions, remodels, signs, and repairs and upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
A schedule of building permit fees for Casselberry is as follows:
| Permit Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single Family Residential Permit/100 SF 1 | $70 |
| Multi-Family Residential Permit/100 SF 1 | $70 |
| Mobile Home Permit/100 SF 1 | $70 |
| Residential Addition, Alteration/100 SF 1 | $70 |
| Commercial Permit/100 SF 1 | $75 |
| Commercial Addition, Alteration/100 SF 1 | $70 |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (meeting the FBC & FFPC requirements) | Permit Fee Shall be Paid in Full for a TCO |
| Plan Review Fee 2 | $100 |
| Inspection Fee 2 | $100 |
| Reinspection Fee | $50 (1st) & $100 (each additional >1st) |
| Revised Residential Plans/Plan Review | $50 |
| Revised Commercial Plans/Plan Review | $50 |
| Pool | $600 |
| Roof | $300.00 |
| HVAC/Electric/Plumbing/Gas | $200.00 |
| Temporary Electric Pole | $20 |
| Doors/Windows/Garage Doors | $100 |
| Fence | $100 |
| Sign (Permanent) | $100 |
| Sign (Portable/Trailer) | $25 |
| Sign/Banner (Temporary) | $4 |
| Demolition | $25 |
| Driveway | $100 |
| Shed | $100 |
| Temporary Structures 3 | $25 |
| Construction Trailer | $100 |
| Addressing Single Unit/Unit | $25 |
| Addressing Multiple Units/Unit | $10 |
| Street Name Change/Street | $150 |
| Occupational License Building Inspections | $10 |
| Change of Contractor | $20 |
| Change of Ownership | $10 |
A list of requirements to submit a permit application can be found here.
On Sunday, city officials posted on social media saying their original message was meant to “make Casselberry residents aware that they can immediately begin the permitting process online rather than wait for the city to reopen after the storm.”
Their full statement can be read below:
“UPDATE From the City of Casselberry
We understand the frustrations and emotions associated with the recent Hurricane Milton event. As a result of the storm, some Casselberry residents and businesses may be in need of significant repair work which may require a permit. The permitting process – which all municipalities use – is in place to ensure that work is performed properly and according to standards designed to protect residents’ property.
As allowed under Florida’s Building Code Act under Florida Statute 553, Chapter 553.7922, the City will waive building permit fees for a period of 90 days to ease the financial burden for residents who are in need of making storm damage repairs. In general, the statute allows expediting permit issuance for issues that do not require technical review, including, but not limited to, roof repairs, reroofing, electrical repairs, service changes, or the replacement of one window or one door.
The notification we posted earlier was intended only to make Casselberry residents aware that they can immediately begin the permitting process online rather than wait for the city to reopen after the storm. We apologize for any confusion.”
City of Casselberry
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