The City of Fort Lauderdale Building Services Division handles all residential and commercial building permits inside city limits. This 2026 guide gives you the exact micro-steps for applying through the LauderBuild (Accela) portal, permit search, current fees, required documents, inspection scheduling, owner-builder process, contractor registration, and practical insider tips that homeowners and contractors actually use to avoid delays and extra costs.
City of Fort Lauderdale Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Physical Address: 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
- Main Phone: (954) 828-6520
- Building Official: John Travers – (954) 828-5913
- Email: building@fortlauderdale.gov
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (public counter by appointment strongly recommended)
Official Building Services Page: City of Fort Lauderdale Building Services
Fort Lauderdale Building Permit Search 2026
Official LauderBuild Portal: LauderBuild Citizen Access – Search Permits
Search Steps:
- Go to the LauderBuild portal (no login needed for public search).
- Enter address, permit number, or owner name.
- Click any result to view plans, fees, status, and inspection history.
How to Apply for Fort Lauderdale Building Permits Online 2026 – 12 Micro-Steps
All new permits are submitted 100% online through LauderBuild (Accela). Easy Permit and Walk-Thru options exist for qualifying small projects.
Official Portal: LauderBuild Portal
- Create or log into your LauderBuild account.
- For small projects: Use Easy Permit for instant or next-day approval.
- Start new application and select permit type (new home, addition, remodel, ADU, pool, roof, commercial, etc.).
- Enter job address, scope of work, and estimated valuation.
- Add owner and contractor details (contractor must be registered).
- Upload documents via LauderBuild Plan Room (LPR).
- Pay fees online (calculated automatically).
- Submit and monitor status in real time.
- Address plan review comments and resubmit electronically.
- Once approved, pull/print your permit card.
- Record Notice of Commencement (if required) before first inspection.
- Schedule inspections in LauderBuild.
Fort Lauderdale Building Permit Fees 2026
- Fee Schedules: All DSD Fee Schedules
- Fees are valuation-based with minimum charges and technology surcharges.
- Work started without a permit incurs double fees plus penalties.
Required Documents Checklist (Upload via LauderBuild Plan Room)
- Digital application in LauderBuild
- Sealed architectural & structural drawings
- Site plan and code analysis
- Energy calculations & Florida Building Code forms
- Flood zone information (if applicable)
- Contractor license & insurance
- Owner-Builder Declaration (if applicable)
- Notice of Commencement (recorded when required)
How to Schedule Fort Lauderdale Building Inspections
- After permit is issued, log into LauderBuild.
- Select “Schedule Inspection” and choose inspection type.
- Pick preferred date (usually 1–2 business days).
Insider Tip: Check LauderBuild after 7:30 AM on inspection day for inspector assignment. Text the inspector gate codes or access instructions to avoid delays.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder Process
Contractors must be registered with the City of Fort Lauderdale. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders and assume full liability. Complete the Owner-Builder Declaration in LauderBuild.
Local Insider Tips & Tricks for Fort Lauderdale Permits
- Use Easy Permit for small no-plan projects — often approved same or next day.
- Prepare files for LauderBuild Plan Room in advance with clear naming.
- Submit complete packages the first time to avoid delays.
- Save application as draft while waiting for zoning or other clearances.
- Call (954) 828-6520 early morning for fastest service.
Frequently Asked Questions – Fort Lauderdale Building Permits 2026
Do I need a Notice of Commencement in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes — required for most projects above certain valuation thresholds. Must be recorded before first inspection.
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder?
Yes. Complete the Owner-Builder Declaration in LauderBuild.
How do I search existing permits?
Use the LauderBuild portal by address or permit number.
Are all permits submitted online?
Yes — all new submissions must be submitted digitally through LauderBuild.
Official Resources & Quick Links
This guide is updated April 2026 using only official City of Fort Lauderdale sources. Create your LauderBuild account today to begin your project. Bookmark this page for reference.
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.