Apply, Track, Inspect and Close a Fort Lauderdale Building Permit Digitally
Start with the task—not a long list of links. Use this guide to open LauderBuild, select the correct permit, prepare digital plans, pay fees, answer review comments, schedule inspections and verify final closure.
It also covers the Fort Lauderdale issues that commonly stop a project: Broward-versus-city jurisdiction, flood elevation documents, historic approval, right-of-way work, contractor registration, Notice of Commencement, expired permits and missing microfilm records.
Choose the Fort Lauderdale Task You Need
Fort Lauderdale Next-Step Finder
Choose your situation for the fastest official route.
Fort Lauderdale Development Services Contact Information
Confirm the Property Is Inside the City of Fort Lauderdale
Use Fort Lauderdale DSD when
- The parcel is inside Fort Lauderdale city limits.
- LauderBuild recognizes the address.
- Broward Property Appraiser identifies Fort Lauderdale as the municipality.
Verify before applying when
- The mailing address says Fort Lauderdale but the parcel may be in another city or unincorporated Broward.
- The address is near a municipal boundary.
- LauderBuild cannot find the property.
Apply Through LauderBuild in Six Clear Steps
Confirm permit, planning and outside-review needs
Define the exact scope and check zoning, flood, historic, Fire, landscape, engineering and right-of-way dependencies before final plans.
Register or sign into LauderBuild
Open LauderBuild, then select Apply → Permits/Engineering (ROW).
Search the address with less information
If the address is not found, the city recommends entering only the street number and street name, the first three or four letters of the street, or using the percent sign as a wildcard.
Upload the digital plan-review package
All new applications and related submissions are digital and move through the LauderBuild Plan Room. Paper applications and plans are not accepted for new submissions.
Pay the initial fee and answer comments
Under the July 2026 update, initial fees are due at application. Additional review fees may be added later.
Confirm final issuance before work
Pay remaining balances, record the Notice of Commencement when required and confirm the permit is formally issued.
Which Fort Lauderdale Permit Path Fits the Work?
Project | Start with | Extra Fort Lauderdale check |
|---|---|---|
New house, addition or structural remodel | Master building permit | Zoning, flood, elevation certificate, energy, trades and engineering |
Roof, windows, doors or shutters | Building permit | Product approvals, wind design and property-specific checklist |
Electrical, plumbing, gas or HVAC work | Trade permit | Contractor city registration and connection to master permit |
Pool or spa | Pool permit package | Survey, barriers, trades, flood and waterfront conditions |
Fence, sign or landscaping work | Zoning review | ULDR, sight triangles, historic district and owner-builder limits |
Driveway, sidewalk, crane, utility or work in public area | Engineering / ROW | MOT, swale, utility, drainage and public-right-of-way requirements |
Commercial alteration or new business | Building + planning | Fire, ADA inspection, CO/CC and separate Business Tax License |
Historic property alteration, addition or new construction | Certificate of Appropriateness | Historic approval before building-permit reliance |
Prepare a Reviewable LauderBuild Plan Set
Match every document
- Same property address
- Same project scope
- Same construction value
- Same owner and contractor
- Current drawing date
- Coordinated disciplines
Use clear files
- Cover-Sheet.pdf
- Site-Plan.pdf
- Architectural-Plans.pdf
- Structural-Plans.pdf
- MEP-Plans.pdf
- Response-to-Comments.pdf
Check special documents
- Survey or final survey
- Elevation certificate
- Product approvals
- Owner authorization
- Recorded NOC
- Historic or DRC approval
Notice of Commencement: Fort Lauderdale’s Published Rule
General threshold
The city states that when the contract exceeds $5,000, the homeowner or contractor must file a Notice of Commencement.
Where to record
Record it with the Broward County Records Division. Broward lists in-person recording at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Fort Lauderdale.
When it must be posted
The Broward uniform permit application states that the NOC must be recorded and posted at the job site before the first inspection.
Fort Lauderdale Building Permit Fees: Useful Published Figures
Fee item | Published amount | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
Master permit | Minimum $131 or 1.75% of construction cost | City applies the applicable greater calculation. |
Stand-alone permit | Minimum $131 or 1.75% | Applies to a permit not under a master permit. |
Trade permit | Minimum $131 or 1.75% | Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and similar permits may be separate. |
Premium review fee | $93 or 0.12% of construction cost | Published for engineering, landscaping and zoning plan review/inspection. |
Plan revision | $105/hour or $26.25 per 15 minutes | Avoid repeated incomplete revisions. |
Shop drawings | $105 per discipline | May apply for deferred or specialty submittals. |
Reinspection | $164 | Prepare the work before rescheduling. |
Certificate of Occupancy | $405 | Separate closeout fee for occupancy authorization. |
Certificate of Completion | $105 | Applies where a completion certificate is the correct closeout document. |
Schedule and Prepare for Fort Lauderdale Inspections
Open the permit record
Sign in, open My Records or search the PM-record number.
Open the inspections menu
Select the arrow beside Record Info, then choose Inspections and Schedule an Inspection.
Select inspection and date
Choose the exact inspection type, select a calendar date, choose “All Day,” verify the location/contact and finish.
Prepare the job site
Keep the permit and approved plans available, leave required work exposed and provide safe access.
Typical inspection window
The city says inspections are generally conducted from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Specific-time request
Contact the assigned inspector between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. A time cannot be guaranteed.
Cancel an inspection
Call 954-828-6520, option 1, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, or contact the inspector.
What the LauderBuild Status Means
Find Digital Permits, Old Plans and Microfilm Records
Confirm the property and folio
Use the Broward County Property Appraiser before making the city request.
Search LauderBuild
Search the PM-record number first. If unknown, use the property address with fewer fields.
Email Property Records
Send the address, folio, date range and specific document request to PropertyRecords@fortlauderdale.gov.
Use microfilm when needed
The office maintains digital and microfilm plans. Microfilm can be viewed and copied from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM; some requests require an in-person visit.
Check Flood, Historic and Right-of-Way Requirements Early
Floodplain
Fort Lauderdale requires elevation certificates for new construction, substantial improvements and additions. A licensed surveyor, architect or engineer prepares the certificate.
Historic property
Alterations, additions or new construction affecting a designated historic property may require a Certificate of Appropriateness before the building permit.
Right-of-way
Driveways, sidewalks, water/sewer connections, cranes, utilities, dewatering and construction traffic may require Engineering/ROW permits.
Who Should Be the Permit Holder?
Owner-builder residence
An owner of a one- or two-family dwelling may qualify when the home is for the owner’s use, not for sale or lease, and the owner performs or directly supervises the work.
Commercial property
The city FAQ says commercial property owners generally must hire a contractor for work requiring permits and inspections. The affidavit contains a limited commercial exemption with strict conditions.
Contractor registration
City registration and current documents are required before a license can be searched, linked or added to an application. Updates are submitted through LauderBuild.
Act Before the Permit Expires
Single-family permits after July 1, 2026
The city says these permits expire one year after issuance or on the effective date of the next Florida Building Code, whichever is later.
Published renewal charges
Renewal requested before expiration: 50% of the fee assessed at application.
Renewal requested after expiration: 100% of the fee assessed at application.
A Commercial Permit Does Not Replace Business or Occupancy Approval
Business Tax License
The city says a commercial permit applicant still needs the separate license required to operate in Fort Lauderdale.
Certificate of Occupancy
Confirm Building, Fire, ADA, zoning and other required finals before requesting occupancy authorization.
Planning approval
Projects needing Development Review Committee approval may not enter building permitting before final DRC sign-off.
What to Say When You Contact DSD
“I am planning to [exact work] at [address]. The Broward folio is [number]. Which master, trade, zoning, flood, historic or right-of-way applications are required before I submit?”
“My PM-record is [number]. The portal shows [status/message]. Which document, fee or discipline is preventing the next step?”
“Please search the permit and plan history for [address/folio] from [date range]. I need [permit application, approved plans, inspection results, CO or closure record].”
“I need the [inspection type] for PM-[number]. The work is complete for that stage, remains visible and is safely accessible. The site contact is [name/phone].”
Do Not Finish Until Every Record Is Closed
- City jurisdiction and folio confirmed
- Correct master and trade permits selected
- Planning or DRC approval completed
- Flood documents accepted
- Historic approval completed if required
- Right-of-way permits completed
- Contractor registration current
- NOC recorded and posted when required
- Permit formally issued
- Approved plans available on site
- All inspections passed
- ADA final passed where required
- Trade permits closed
- CO or CC obtained when required
- Final record saved
- Final payment tied to closeout proof
Fort Lauderdale Development Services Location
Open the Correct Fort Lauderdale Page
Fort Lauderdale Building Permit FAQs
Where do I apply for a Fort Lauderdale building permit?
Use LauderBuild. Register or sign in, then select Apply and Permits/Engineering (ROW). All new permit applications and related plan submissions are digital.
Can I search Fort Lauderdale permits without an account?
Yes. The city says unregistered users can search and view records and pay available fees. A registered account is needed for additional functions such as applying and managing inspections.
How do I schedule an inspection?
Open the permit record, select the arrow beside Record Info, choose Inspections, click Schedule an Inspection, select the type and date, choose All Day, verify the contact and finish.
What time are Fort Lauderdale inspections performed?
The city says inspections are generally conducted from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Contact the assigned inspector between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM to request a more specific window, but times are not guaranteed.
When is a Notice of Commencement required?
Fort Lauderdale states that a Notice of Commencement is required when the contract exceeds $5,000. It must be recorded with Broward County and posted at the job site before the first inspection, subject to project-specific rules.
What is the current minimum building permit fee?
The city fee schedule revised July 9, 2025 lists a minimum of $131 or 1.75% of construction cost for master, stand-alone and trade permits. Other fees and surcharges may apply.
How do I find old building plans?
Confirm the folio with the Broward Property Appraiser, search LauderBuild, then email PropertyRecords@fortlauderdale.gov. The city maintains digital and microfilm permit and plan records.
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder?
A qualifying owner of a one- or two-family dwelling may act as owner-builder when the property is for the owner’s use and not for sale or lease, and the owner performs or directly supervises the work. The affidavit must be completed as required.
Does a commercial building permit authorize my business to open?
No. The city says a separate Business Tax License is still required. Building, Fire, ADA, zoning and occupancy approvals may also need to be completed.
What changed for Fort Lauderdale permits in July 2026?
Initial permit fees became due at application submission, with remaining balances due before final permit issuance. The city also changed single-family permit expiration to one year after issuance or the next Florida Building Code effective date, whichever is later.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Fort Lauderdale.
This page was checked against Fort Lauderdale Permitting Services, LauderBuild, Development Services contacts, Property Records, current fee schedules, HB 803 updates, Flood, Historic Preservation, Engineering/ROW and Broward County Notice of Commencement information.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Portal screens, staff, fees, forms, code rules and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive information before paying, submitting or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.