City of Largo Building Division - Largo, Florida

Samantha Horridge

The City of Largo Building Divisions phones automated system is set up so you can’t talk to a person. That’s not helpful when I need assistance or have a question on getting something done asap. It’s taken me days to get registered with them because the only way they communicate is through email, and they are slow at responding. It’s a very frustrating process.

Luis Bedoya

I had one of the most frustrating experiences dealing with Taylor Kaupelis at the City of Largo Building Department. As a real estate agent checking in on a permit for the first time, I came in with a respectful and courteous attitude, hoping to get clarity on a situation that has dragged on for over a month and a half with little to no feedback. After assisting me briefly, Taylor quickly became dismissive. When I tried to explain the urgency—since my clients were set to close that day and were incurring additional costs by the day—her response was to brush me off, saying, “You just have to wait.”

It’s frustrating that the department fails to recognize that my clients inherited the unpermitted work with their property purchase and are not at fault for it. Instead, they seemed more interested in pointing fingers, making it clear that, in their view, the problem was entirely our fault.

I expressed my willingness to comply with their process, but I also explained how the lack of communication and delays were creating significant financial strain. All I asked was for someone to make our case a priority—or at least facilitate the process and give us honest guidance. Rather than empathizing or even providing a clear answer, Taylor abruptly stood up, closed her laptop, and left me sitting there in the middle of our conversation. She didn’t say, “This is the end of our discussion” or offer any next steps—she just walked away.

When I later tried to approach her to clarify that I meant no offense and still needed assistance, she ignored me and proceeded to eat her lunch in front of me, acting as though I wasn’t even there. Her co-workers defended her, telling me I had already received my response and that I just needed to leave and wait for an email. This felt dismissive and unprofessional, especially for city officials. I wasn’t being rude or aggressive, just frustrated by how I was being treated.

Fortunately, a more mature staff member named Matt eventually stepped in. While still somewhat condescending, Matt took the time to listen to my concerns. After reviewing the permit and understanding the situation, he provided me with his email and assured me he would personally follow up to resolve the issue. This was exactly the kind of response I was hoping for from the beginning. Matt also explained that the department is overwhelmed with permits, especially after the recent hurricanes, which I completely understand. I wasn’t asking for special treatment—just some transparency and help navigating the process.

The way Taylor handled the situation was beyond unprofessional. City employees are entrusted with a certain level of authority, and with that comes the responsibility to treat people respectfully, even in frustrating circumstances. Taylor’s decision to walk away mid-conversation and then sit in the office eating her Chick-fil-A while ignoring me shows a complete lack of professionalism and accountability. It highlights what happens when individuals with little life experience and no supervision are placed in positions of authority—they abuse it.

I hope the City of Largo will take a closer look at how its employees interact with the public. Professionalism and respect are the least we should expect from public officials.

Casson Benson

This is the worst and most difficult city to work with. They never answer the phones and take weeks to even look at a permit application and another 3 weeks to approve them. If you are a contractor please tell your customers it will take 6 weeks to pull a simple permit. I'm not sure why they even have a phone system as it always redirects you to "Please email us at..." and you never hear back from them. I have been working in the Tampa bay area for over ten years and the city of Largo is by far the worst and most incompetent group of people I have ever met.

Jonathan Parris

I'm frustrated about the process of getting permits approved. It always takes a long time and feels like a hassle. Despite seeing office staff at their desks, things still move slowly. It's even more frustrating when the revision department and inspectors don't seem to work together to ensure everything meets their requirements. After getting a revision approved, I realized I was missing something on the plans, so now I have to go through another round of revisions. unreal.

Stephen Christian Arnold

Good luck trying to get a permit in a timely manner; you’re better off watching your nails grow.

I’m pretty sure they are trying to kill the local economy like it’s their mission in life.

If you are a small business move to Clearwater or Seminole save yourself the headache, just ask PODS! They started here then left because of the insane hoops you have to jump through.

Наталья Голованова

Very hard and complicated permitting process.
Their system is glitchy, just wondering why they don't copy the city of Clearwater clear & simple permitting portal!
Takes forever to get a permit!
I wish I can do 0.
Pity, no one cares in the city of Largo!

James Dunn

What a terrible building department. Refuse to answer the phone 7 days a week. No in person over the counter permits. Everything is online only which takes 2 weeks. Terrible city I hate Largo.

Greg Chizh

No professionals at building department. Cannot build your dream home. Way too much hoops to jump. Bureaucracy at high level. Note government: Save money, fire half of bureaucrats so the people start working! That may bring some investors to City!