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.
Recommended Videos
“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.”
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.
News 6 has reached out to the city for a statement and is awaiting a response.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: