ORLANDO, Fla. — The development of Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe theme park marks the largest single construction undertaking in Orange County history, underscoring a groundbreaking collaboration between local government and the private sector.
Spanning 750 acres, the project has transformed from vision to reality through a monumental joint effort. Orange County issued over 1,150 permits and conducted nearly 34,000 inspections to support the multi-billion-dollar theme park, now hailed as a model for public-private cooperation.
Universal executives and county officials commemorated the achievement, describing it as a redefinition of what is possible in theme park development.
“This has been, and continues to be, a true partnership with the amazing Orange County employees,” said Michael Denny, Vice President of Development and External Affairs at Universal. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to those who helped us successfully navigate the permitting process for Epic Universe.”
Alan Plante, Manager of Orange County’s Division of Building Safety, called his involvement in the project “a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” citing the extraordinary opportunity to assist in constructing an entire theme park from the ground up.
To expedite the massive project and ensure efficient oversight, the county established a satellite office adjacent to the construction site. Staffed by personnel from the Division of Building Safety and the Office of the Fire Marshal, the location provided rapid-response service and on-the-ground coordination, allowing inspections to proceed without delays.
“Opening that satellite office was a game-changer,” said Chief Code Inspector Larry Wildermuth. “Having a central hub near the site meant we could address issues immediately and keep the project on track.”
The county’s proactive approach reflects Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ Customer-First Initiative, which aims to streamline development processes and enhance service delivery.
To match the unprecedented scale of the project, the county also implemented new operational systems. These included a dedicated escrow account to facilitate swift fee processing, fast-tracked plan reviews with 15-day initial turnaround times, and same-week revisions. The initiative also required Universal to submit plans electronically and refrain from using private providers, ensuring consistency and accountability.
Further, the Board of County Commissioners designated Epic Universe as part of the Major Economic Development Plan—a classification reserved for projects exceeding $1 billion in value and encompassing more than 500 acres of previously undeveloped land.
The results have been significant. The project has generated $12.6 million in permitting fee revenue for the county’s Building Safety Division, with an estimated construction job value of $1.6 billion. In its first year alone, Epic Universe is projected to inject $2 billion into Florida’s economy and generate more than 17,500 new jobs.
“This wouldn’t have happened without the great work of our Building Division,” said Mayor Demings. “We appreciate our staff, and we appreciate the wonderful economic opportunity that Universal has created for our community.”
Officials emphasized that Epic Universe is more than an entertainment venture—it represents a blueprint for future large-scale developments. Through efficient communication, streamlined processes, and mutual commitment, Orange County and Universal Orlando Resort have established a new standard for collaborative success.
The partnership, they said, stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when government and industry unite behind a shared vision.
