Structural Engineer & Architect — Highlands County, Florida

The ASCE 7 design wind speed for Highlands County is 135 mph (3-second gust, Risk Category II). All new construction and substantial improvements in Highlands County must be designed for this wind speed. Pineland Engineering performs wind load analyses per ASCE 7 and the Florida Building Code for all project types — from single-family homes to commercial buildings. Use our WindCheck FL calculator to verify the design wind speed for your specific Highlands County address.

Highlands County has inland flood zones around Lake Okeechobee and numerous lakes. Sebring and Avon Park have some flood zone exposure. Pineland Engineering designs elevated foundations, flood-resistant construction details, and provides the engineering documentation required for FEMA flood zone compliance in Highlands County. We prepare Elevation Certificates, design pile foundations for AE and VE zones, and coordinate with the Highlands County Building Division on flood zone permit requirements. Use our FloodMark FL and ElevationCalc FL calculators to determine your Highlands County property's flood zone and required finished floor elevation.

Building permits in Highlands County are issued by the Highlands County Building Division. The permit process requires submission of construction documents prepared and sealed by Florida-licensed professionals. Pineland Engineering prepares complete permit packages — architectural drawings, structural drawings and calculations, energy code compliance documentation, and permit application forms — and manages the plan review process with the Highlands County Building Division. Typical plan review times in Highlands County range from 4–12 weeks depending on project type and current workload. Pineland Engineering has experience navigating the Highlands County Building Division's specific requirements and can advise on the most efficient path to permit issuance.

Unpermitted construction is common throughout Florida, and Highlands County is no exception. Pineland Engineering handles after-the-fact permits for unpermitted structures in Highlands County — including additions, garages, screen enclosures, lanais, and accessory structures. The process requires as-built drawings, structural calculations, and permit application submission to the Highlands County Building Division. Contact us at (239) 233-5133 for a free assessment of your unpermitted structure in Highlands County.

Pineland Engineering provides a full range of architectural and engineering services for Highlands County projects: structural engineering (PE 39202), architectural design (AR102594), complete permit sets, coastal and flood zone design, after-the-fact permits, and construction administration. We serve residential and commercial clients throughout Highlands County. Contact us at (239) 233-5133 or visit our website to request a free project assessment.