Building And Planning Department | Permits, Inspections & Official Contact

by

If you are planning any kind of construction, renovation, addition, deck, fence, roof replacement, pool, solar installation, or development project in the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you will need permits from the City of Fort Lauderdale Building and Planning Department (part of Development Services).

Many homeowners and contractors search for clear answers about how to apply for a building permit in Fort Lauderdale, what the fees are in 2026, and how to check the status of their application quickly using the LauderBuild online portal while also handling planning and zoning requirements.

This guide explains the entire process in simple language so you can understand what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems that slow things down.

Whether you are a homeowner doing your own work or a contractor handling a larger job, the steps are the same and the goal is to get your permit approved smoothly and on time while meeting both building and planning standards.

Fort Lauderdale Building and Planning Department Contact Information 2026

  • Address: 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
  • Phone: (954) 828-6520
  • Email: PermitSolutions@fortlauderdale.gov
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Customer Service until 3:30 PM for many inquiries)

Official Page: Building Services | Urban Design and Planning

700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Official Portal: LauderBuild – Fort Lauderdale Accela Citizen Access Portal

  1. Go to the LauderBuild portal (public search available without login for basic records).
  2. Search by property address, record number, or owner.
  3. View the current status, approved plans, fees paid, and inspection history for building and related planning permits.

How to Apply for Fort Lauderdale Building and Planning Permits 2026

Here is the clear step-by-step process that most people follow to get their permit approved as smoothly as possible.

  1. Go to the LauderBuild Accela portal and create or log into your free account.
  2. Start a new application and choose the right permit type for your project (building, right-of-way/engineering, or planning/UDP).
  3. Enter the full project address and your best estimate of the total construction valuation.
  4. Upload all required drawings, site plans, specifications, and supporting documents through the LauderBuild Plan Room (LPR).
  5. Pay the required fees online and submit the complete application.
  6. Check your account regularly and reply quickly if the department asks for more information or corrections during plan review.
  7. Once approved, display the permit card at the job site before any work begins.
  8. Schedule your inspections through the LauderBuild portal.

Fort Lauderdale Building and Planning Permit Fees 2026

  • Official Fee Schedules: Download the latest Permitting Fee Schedule, Engineering/ROW Fee Schedule, and other Development Services Department (DSD) fee schedules from the City website.
  • Fees are based on the type, size, complexity, and valuation of the project using current Florida Building Code tables and local rates.
  • Plan review and building permit fees vary by project type; new construction and larger projects have higher base and valuation-based charges.
  • Separate fees apply for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other trade permits, as well as planning and zoning applications.
  • Additional charges include technology fees, impact fees, and right-of-way permits where applicable.
  • Work started without a permit can result in double fees plus possible fines or a Stop Work Order.

Required Documents Checklist

  • Completed online permit application via LauderBuild
  • Detailed construction drawings and specifications
  • Site plan showing existing structures and proposed work
  • Proof of contractor license and insurance
  • Owner-Builder Affidavit if you are doing the work yourself
  • Any required trade permit applications or planning/zoning documents

How to Schedule Inspections in Fort Lauderdale

Schedule inspections through the LauderBuild portal. Have your approved plans and the permit card ready when the inspector arrives. Re-inspection fees may apply for failed or missed inspections.

Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder

Contractors must hold valid Florida licenses and register in the LauderBuild system. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders but must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety. Non-licensed contractors may register for minor work under updated rules effective September 2025.

Local Insider Tips That Really Help

  • Use the LauderBuild Accela portal (aca-prod.accela.com/FTL) for fully digital submissions through the LauderBuild Plan Room (LPR) – paper applications are no longer accepted for new submissions.
  • Submit complete and clearly labeled drawings the first time to avoid delays in plan review and extra revision fees.
  • Register for a free account to access full features including tracking plan reviews remotely and responding to comments online.
  • Call (954) 828-6520 during business hours for questions or status checks when lines are less busy.
  • Review the latest DSD Fee Schedules before submitting to budget accurately for permitting, engineering, impact fees, and planning requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I search for existing building permits in Fort Lauderdale?

Use the LauderBuild Accela portal by property address or record number. Basic searches are available without login.

How to apply for a Fort Lauderdale building and planning permit?

Create an account on the LauderBuild portal, select the right permit type (building or planning/UDP), upload your drawings and documents through the Plan Room, pay the fees online, and submit everything digitally.

What are the Fort Lauderdale building and planning permit fees in 2026?

Fees are based on the type, size, complexity, and valuation of the project. Download the latest Permitting Fee Schedule and other DSD fee schedules from the City website for exact rates.

Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.

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

Simple projects can be approved relatively quickly with complete digital submissions. More complicated jobs usually take between one and three weeks depending on how complete your submission is and plan review workload.

Official Resources

Updated April 2026 using only official City of Fort Lauderdale sources. All new permit applications must be submitted digitally through LauderBuild.

Leave a Comment