How much does a building permit cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

The minimum permit fee is Variable. Fees are calculated as: Based on construction valuation. Plan check fee: Percentage of building permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

1. Determine permit type and applicability (walk-through vs. complex). 2. Private-provider projects require prior Assistant Building Official approval before submission. 3. Submit permit application through LauderBuild online system. 4. Attach construction plans and site documentation. 5. City reviews for completeness and code compliance. 6. Respond to plan-review comments if needed. 7. Pay permit fees. 8. Schedule inspections and manage permit through LauderBuild. 9. Obtain final approval and permit close-out.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Typical processing time is Varies by permit complexity; check with city.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: LauderBuild portal. Submit through portal.

City Building Permits

Fort Lauderdale, FL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Florida Broward County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Fort Lauderdale.

Department: Development Services, Building Services
Address: 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Phone: 954-828-6520
Email: jtravers@fortlauderdale.gov
Website: https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-a-h/development-services/building-services/building-permit-general-info

Online Permit Portal

Open LauderBuild

Platform: Accela / LauderBuild • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

Determine permit type and applicability (walk-through vs. complex).
Private-provider projects require prior Assistant Building Official approval before submission.
Submit permit application through LauderBuild online system.
Attach construction plans and site documentation.
City reviews for completeness and code compliance.
Respond to plan-review comments if needed.
Pay permit fees.
Schedule inspections and manage permit through LauderBuild.
Obtain final approval and permit close-out.

Typical processing time: Varies by permit complexity; check with city

Source: Development Services, Building Services

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction and alterations in Fort Lauderdale.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Construction plans meeting city standards
Site plans
Structural calculations (if required)
Professional design certification (if required)

Permit validity: Permits issued after December 31, 2023 reviewed under Florida Building Code 2023 8th Edition
Building code: Florida Building Code 2023 8th Edition (for applications submitted after December 31, 2023); Broward County Administrative Provisions
Owner-builder: Owner-builders must comply with city requirements
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold valid Florida construction licenses. Private-provider projects require prior Assistant Building Official approval.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Variable
Plan check fee: Percentage of building permit fee
Permit fee formula: Based on construction valuation
Reinspection fee: Applied if required
Payment note: Payment through LauderBuild online portal

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Check city website for current schedule).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Development Services, Building Services to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

LauderBuild portal (online)

Scheduling deadline: Submit through portal
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, standard business hours
Time windows: Confirm with city

Typical inspection sequence: Standard Florida Building Code inspection sequence

Confirm with city if available

Additional Resources

Building code: Florida Building Code 2023 8th Edition (for applications submitted after December 31, 2023); Broward County Administrative Provisions
Verify contractor license: Florida Construction License Verification
License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Development Services, Building Services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL?: A building permit is required for all construction and alterations in Fort Lauderdale.
How much does a building permit cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL?: The minimum permit fee is Variable. Fees are calculated as: Based on construction valuation. Plan check fee: Percentage of building permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL?: 1. Determine permit type and applicability (walk-through vs. complex). 2. Private-provider projects require prior Assistant Building Official approval before submission. 3. Submit permit application through LauderBuild online system. 4. Attach construction plans and site documentation. 5. City reviews for completeness and code compliance. 6. Respond to plan-review comments if needed. 7. Pay permit fees. 8. Schedule inspections and manage permit through LauderBuild. 9. Obtain final approval and permit close-out.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL?: Typical processing time is Varies by permit complexity; check with city.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Lauderdale, FL?: Inspections can be scheduled via: LauderBuild portal. Submit through portal.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Fort Lauderdale can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.