Q: What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?

An electronic signature as a method of signing a document in a virtual environment. Hillsborough County staff treat an electronic signature with the same authority as a handwritten or 'wet' signature. A digital signature differs from an electronic signature in that it carries the weight of a certificate authority that has verified the signer's identity, similar to how a notary would verify a signer's identity prior to certifying a signature. This allows a Digital Signature to act as a verified signature in a virtual environment. Documents prepared by design professionals, such as architects or engineers, are required to be signed and sealed using a digital signature. For additional information, view our Hillsborough County Guide to Electronic signatures .

Question 1

Site & Subdivision Development

Accepted Answer

For Site Development or Subdivision project submittal:

Complete the appropriate application.
Request a submittal appointment with the Site & Subdivision team
Ensure that you have all required files labeled with the Folio number and name of the project.
Files must be in pdf format and contained within a single .zip file. If you need assistance creating a .zip file, a visual guide is available.
- Files with digital signatures must follow Florida Statues Chapter 668 – Electronic Commerce and Florida Administrative Code for Engineers and Architects.
15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment, staff will email you a link to upload your files. This link will only be sent to the email address provided on the submittal appointment request form. A visual guide on creating a zip file and uploading your documents is available. Your upload link will expire 1 hour after your scheduled appointment time.
Our intake staff will review your submission and notify you if there are any missing/incorrect items.

For Site Development or Subdivision project resubmittal:

Request a submittal appointment with the Site & Subdivision team
Ensure that you have all required files labeled with the Project ID and name of the project.
- Files must be in pdf format and contained within a single .zip file. If you need assistance creating a .zip file, a visual guide is available.
- Files with digital signatures must follow Florida Statues Chapter 668 – Electronic Commerce and Florida Administrative Code for Engineers and Architects.
15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment, staff will email you a link to upload your files. This link will only be sent to the email address provided on the submittal appointment request form. A visual guide on creating a zip file and uploading your documents is available. Your upload link will expire 1 hour after your scheduled appointment time.
Our intake staff will review your submission and notify you if there are any missing/incorrect items.

Question 2

Natural Resources

Accepted Answer

To submit an application for a Tree Removal Permit:

Visit the HillsGovHub portal to apply for a tree removal permit.

Please Note: To submit a Dangerous Tree Report, select the box when applying that indicates the items falls under HB1159 and upload the Dangerous Tree Report prepared by a certified arborist to have the fee removed.

To submit an application for a Wetland Setback Administrative Waiver, Natural Resources - Grubbing, Natural Resources Agricultural Exemptions for land alterations activities or Wildlife Habitat Evaluation:

Please note: Your signature certifies your legal responsibilities associated with the submission of your application. A Natural Resources - Grubbing application requires approval prior to the commencing of the project.

Question 3

Zoning

Accepted Answer

To submit a zoning application:

Complete the appropriate application. Some applications are PDF fillable and some are print-out only. Fillable forms may not work with all browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.) - if you have issues with the form, do one of the following: Download the form to your computer, open it up with a PDF viewer, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, then fill it out and print it; or, Download the printable version of the form, print and fill out by hand; or, Try using the Internet Explorer browser to open the PDF.
Ensure that you have all required files labeled with the Folio number. Files must be in pdf format and minimum resolution of 300 dpi. If the total size of your files is under 25 MB, please email them to zoningintake-dsd@hcfl.gov.
If the total size of your files is greater than 25 MB or you are having difficulty sending them via email, please upload your documents. Highlight all files to be submitted and compress them into a single .zip file. Please ensure you label this file with the folio number. If you need assistance creating a .zip file. A visual guide on creating a zip file and uploading your documents is available.
For Applications requiring a public hearing - standard rezoning, planned development, major modification, personal appearance, special use – alcoholic beverage (waiver), variances, general special use: Once payment is received, you will receive your required letter of notice, HOA mailing list and instructions about how to proceed with mailing your notice. Mailing deadlines and delivery of electronic delivery of proof of mailing will also be provided.
For Administrative Applications (All other Applications): Once payment is received, it will be assigned to a planner for review.

To submit revised/additional information

The submittal must include a completed “Revised/Additional Information” sheet as a PDF
Ensure that you have all required files labeled with the application number, including the prefix. Files must be in pdf format and minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
If the total size of your files is under 25 MB, you may email them to zoningintake-dsd@hcfl.gov. Please ensure you include the application number including its prefix in the email subject. For example PD 20-1234. If the total size of your files is greater than 25 MB, please submit them to the appropriate Digital Drop-off folder. To submit revised/additional information, upload your documents. Highlight all files to be submitted and compress them into a single .zip file. Please ensure you label this file with the application number including its prefix. For example PD 20-1234. If you need assistance creating a .zip file or uploading your file, a visual guide is available.

General Site Plan Certification:

The submittal email must include a completed “General Site Plan Review/Certification Application” sheet as a PDF
Ensure that you have all required files labeled with the application number, including the prefix. Files must be in pdf format and minimum resolution of 300 dpi. If the total size of your files is under 25 MB, you may email them to zoningintake-dsd@hcfl.gov. Please ensure you include the application number including its prefix in the email subject. For example PD 20-1234.
If the total size of your files is greater than 25 MB, please submit them to the appropriate Digital Drop-off folder. To submit a General Site Plan Certification, upload your documents. Highlight all files to be submitted and compress them into a single .zip file. Please ensure you label this file with the application number including its prefix. For example PD 20-1234. If you need assistance creating a .zip file, a visual guide is available.

Question 4

Building Permitting & Inspections

Accepted Answer

Submissions and Revisions:

All submissions are now made using our online permitting system, HillsGovHub. Visit hcfl.gov//businesses/hillsgovhub for more information.
View available checklists and requirements for your project.

Question 5

How will I know my upload was successful?

Accepted Answer

When your document has uploaded, you will receive an on-screen confirmation prompt.You will NOT receive an automatic confirmation email. Our staff will review your submission and provide additional information as needed, generally within 5 business days.

Question 6

Are there any forms or applications that cannot be submitted electronically?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the following cannot be submitted electronically and will continue to be physically accepted.

Mylar copies of plats
Surety and warranty bonds for development
Checks (credit card payment may be used as an alternative)
Construction plan approval packages for site development and subdivision can be partially electronic. Only the actual plans must be submitted as paper copies. All other documents should be electronic.

Question 7

Are there any new checklists or additional documents needed to submit my plans electronically?

Accepted Answer

Please use the same checklists and applications that you have always used.

The only new requirements pertain to the electronic files themselves. Please follow the guidelines listed on this page. When you have everything ready, submit your package electronically following the appropriate steps.

Question 8

Where do I submit for sign permits?

Accepted Answer

Applications for sign permits can be submitted through HillsGovHub.

Question 9

What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?

Accepted Answer

An electronic signature as a method of signing a document in a virtual environment. Hillsborough County staff treat an electronic signature with the same authority as a handwritten or 'wet' signature. A digital signature differs from an electronic signature in that it carries the weight of a certificate authority that has verified the signer's identity, similar to how a notary would verify a signer's identity prior to certifying a signature. This allows a Digital Signature to act as a verified signature in a virtual environment. Documents prepared by design professionals, such as architects or engineers, are required to be signed and sealed using a digital signature.

For additional information, view our Hillsborough County Guide to Electronic signatures.

Digital Drop-Off

You can submit Development Services applications, documents and other development-related materials digitally

We've gone paperless!

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