Highlands County Upgrades Permitting with New CentralSquare System

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners is making a meaningful shift toward efficiency with the rollout of its new CentralSquare permitting system—and if you’re building, investing, or developing in Highlands County, this is a bigger deal than it might sound at first.

Historically, permitting can be one of the most frustrating parts of any project. Delays, unclear timelines, and back-and-forth paperwork can slow things down and add unexpected costs. This new system is designed to fix a lot of that.

With CentralSquare, users can submit applications online, track progress in real time, upload documents, and communicate directly with staff—all in one place. That means fewer in-person visits, more transparency, and a clearer understanding of where your project stands at any given moment.

For builders and developers, this could translate into shorter approval timelines and better project planning. For homeowners, it makes smaller projects—like additions, remodels, or new construction—more manageable and less intimidating.

Zooming out, this move reflects something bigger: Highlands County is preparing for growth. As more people discover areas like Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid, the demand for housing and development continues to rise. Modernizing systems like permitting helps the county keep up with that demand without creating bottlenecks.

If you’ve been on the fence about starting a project, this kind of improvement removes one of the biggest friction points. It’s a strong signal that the county is not just growing—but actively working to make that growth smoother and more efficient.