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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fort Lauderdale
A building permit is required for all construction and alterations in Fort Lauderdale.
Note: Confirm exemptions with city Building Services; walk-through permit types may have expedited review
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans meeting city standards
- Site plans
- Structural calculations (if required)
- Professional design certification (if required)
- Building code
- Florida Building Code 2023 8th Edition (for applications submitted after December 31, 2023); Broward County Administrative Provisions
- Permit validity
- Permits issued after December 31, 2023 reviewed under Florida Building Code 2023 8th Edition
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by permit complexity; check with city
- 01 Determine permit type and applicability (walk-through vs. complex).
- 02 Private-provider projects require prior Assistant Building Official approval before submission.
- 03 Submit permit application through LauderBuild online system.
- 04 Attach construction plans and site documentation.
- 05 City reviews for completeness and code compliance.
- 06 Respond to plan-review comments if needed.
- 07 Pay permit fees.
- 08 Schedule inspections and manage permit through LauderBuild.
- 09 Obtain final approval and permit close-out.
Typical processing time: Varies by permit complexity; check with city
Fee schedule
Effective Check city website for current schedule
Payment through LauderBuild online portal
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Check city website for current schedule) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- LauderBuild portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Submit through portal
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, standard business hours
- Time windows
- Confirm with city
Typical sequence: Standard Florida Building Code inspection sequence
Confirm with city if available
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fort Lauderdale permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development Services, Building Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.