Apply, Review, Inspect and Close a Fort Lauderdale Permit Through the Correct City Path
Use this page to complete a real task: confirm city jurisdiction, choose the correct permit, submit through LauderBuild, answer plan-review comments, arrange inspections and verify final closure.
It also catches Fort Lauderdale-specific issues before they delay the project—floodplain requirements, seawalls and docks, trees, zoning, public right-of-way work, historic review, contractor registration and the new 2026 residential permit-exemption request.
Choose the Fort Lauderdale Task You Need
Fort Lauderdale Development Services Contacts
City of Fort Lauderdale or Another Broward Municipality?
Use LauderBuild when
- The parcel is inside Fort Lauderdale city limits.
- The city’s address-verification or property tools recognize it.
- The record history appears under the FTL LauderBuild portal.
Verify first when
- The mailing address says Fort Lauderdale but the parcel may be in another city.
- The property sits near Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Plantation, Davie or another boundary.
- You only have a Broward folio number.
Does the New Under-$7,500 Rule Remove the Permit?
Situation | Possible result | Required action |
|---|---|---|
Single-family home, cosmetic nonstructural work, value below $7,500, outside flood hazard area | May qualify | Submit the HB 803 exemption request and wait for written city approval. |
Interior painting, flooring, cabinets or minor drywall repair | Potential examples | Provide the licensed-contractor proposal or estimate and complete the city review. |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas or structural work | Not exempt | Apply for the required permit regardless of value. |
Windows, A/C units or work in a flood hazard area | Not exempt | Use the normal permit route and submit required technical documents. |
Condo, apartment, multifamily or commercial property | Not exempt | Use the standard permit process. |
One larger project divided into smaller contracts | Prohibited | Submit the full project under the normal permit rules. |
Match the Project to the Correct City Review
Project | Start with | Fort Lauderdale check |
|---|---|---|
New home, addition or structural alteration | Building permit | Survey, zoning, flood, engineering, landscape and all trades |
Roof replacement | Roofing application package | Product approvals, hurricane mitigation and inspection documents |
Windows, doors or shutters | Structural permit | Florida approvals, wind data and opening details |
A/C change-out or generator | Mechanical/electrical permit | Equipment data, flood elevation, setbacks and gas work |
Pool or spa | Pool-spa package | Current survey, barrier, zoning, electrical and drainage |
Fence, wall, gate, driveway, patio or shed | Project checklist + zoning | Signed/sealed survey, sight triangle, setbacks and ROW |
Dock, seawall or waterfront work | Structural + zoning/engineering | Waterway permission, seawall ordinance, survey and environmental review |
Commercial tenant build-out or change of use | Commercial alteration | Zoning, occupancy, ADA, fire, business tax and CO |
Road, sidewalk, driveway apron, utility or crane in public space | Engineering/ROW permit | Traffic control, utilities, bonds and restoration |
Tree removal or landscape changes | Landscape/tree permit | Protection, replacement planting and site-plan conditions |
Apply in Seven Clear Steps
Confirm the address, folio and permit type
Verify city jurisdiction and identify every building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas, zoning, landscape or right-of-way component.
Check flood, zoning and site constraints
Review flood risk, setbacks, property use, trees, historic status, seawall conditions and public right-of-way work before final design.
Prepare the city forms and technical documents
Use the current DSD forms library for the exact project checklist. Obtain digitally signed and sealed documents where a licensed design professional is required.
Create or update the LauderBuild account
Registration is free. Registered users can apply, use the Plan Room, schedule inspections and manage contractor credentials.
Submit the application and initial fee
Beginning July 1, 2026, initial permit fees are due when the application is submitted. Additional charges may be assessed during review.
Answer every plan-review comment
Use one coordinated revision set. Provide a response explaining each correction and the sheet or document where it appears.
Pay the balance and confirm issuance
Remaining balances must be paid before the final permit is issued. Download the issued permit and reviewed plans before starting work.
When the LauderBuild Walk-Thru Route May Help
What it is
Registered users can create eligible online Walk-Thru applications at any time. The city says they are processed the next business day, Monday through Friday, during the 8:00–9:30 AM processing window.
What it is not
Walk-Thru does not remove zoning, flood, survey, product, contractor or technical-document requirements. An incomplete or incorrectly classified project can still be held or redirected.
Document Checklist Before Uploading
Property and applicant
- Exact address and folio
- Owner’s legal name
- Authorized-agent form
- Contractor registration
- Project valuation
- Detailed scope
Plans and site
- Current signed/sealed survey
- Site plan for exterior work
- Existing/proposed floor plans
- Structural calculations
- Energy/code forms
- Digitally signed documents
Products and approvals
- Florida Product Approvals
- Manufacturer instructions
- Flood documents
- Zoning affidavit if allowed
- Landscape/tree approvals
- ROW or outside approvals
Owner-Builder or Licensed Contractor?
Owner-builder route
- Limited to an owner of a one- or two-family dwelling.
- The home must be for the owner’s use and not for sale or lease.
- The owner must perform the work or provide direct on-site supervision.
- A signed Owner/Builder Affidavit is required.
- The owner accepts contractor, safety and lien responsibilities.
Licensed contractor route
- Commercial property owners must hire a contractor for work requiring permit and inspection.
- Contractors register and renew through LauderBuild.
- License, insurance and workers’ compensation information must remain current.
- The contractor on the application should match the actual responsible company.
Record and Post the NOC When the Contract Exceeds $5,000
City requirement
The city says the homeowner or contractor must record a Notice of Commencement when the contract exceeds $5,000. The recorded copy or an affidavit attesting to recordation must be posted at the site.
Broward recording locations
The city lists Governmental Center West, 1 N. University Drive in Plantation, and Broward County Governmental Center, Room 114, 115 S. Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
Understand the City’s Time Rules
Schedule and Prepare for Fort Lauderdale Inspections
Schedule
Use the issued permit in LauderBuild. Select the correct structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, zoning, landscape or other required inspection.
Typical inspection hours
The city says inspections are generally conducted between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Specific-time request
Contact the assigned inspector between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM to request a time accommodation. It is not guaranteed.
Have on site
- Issued permit
- Recorded NOC
- Reviewed plans
- Survey/site documents
- Product approvals
- Manufacturer instructions
Make the site ready
- Correct stage complete
- Work remains uncovered
- Safe access provided
- Address visible
- Corrections completed
- Contact person available
Resolve These Fort Lauderdale Issues Before Final Plans
Floodplain
Check flood-risk maps and required elevation, floodproofing, mechanical-equipment or substantial-improvement documents.
Zoning
Confirm use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, fences, pools, signs and Board of Adjustment needs.
Seawall and dock
Use the city checklist and current seawall rules. Nothing except a mooring device may be attached to a seawall under the city zoning FAQ.
Landscape and trees
Tree removal, relocation and site changes may require a separate landscape or tree permit and replacement planting.
Historic property
Exterior work in a historic district or on a designated resource may need a Certificate of Appropriateness before permit issuance.
Right-of-way
Sidewalks, driveway aprons, cranes, utilities, dewatering and public-space work use Engineering/ROW review.
Water and sewer capacity
New or intensified development may need a Water and Wastewater Capacity Availability Request through LauderBuild.
Business occupancy
A commercial permit does not replace the City Business Tax Receipt or other operating approvals.
Use the Current City Schedule and LauderBuild Invoice
2026 payment sequence
- Submit the application and pay the initial fee.
- Review additional discipline or service fees assessed during review.
- Check engineering, zoning, landscape, fire and impact fees separately.
- Pay the remaining balance before final permit issuance.
- Keep every electronic receipt.
Do not use a generic percentage
The city publishes separate Permitting, Engineering/ROW and Urban Design/Zoning fee schedules. Project type, valuation, disciplines, private provider, impacts and after-hours services can change the amount.
Current special fee | Standard city fee | Private-provider fee |
|---|---|---|
Inspection review per discipline | $407 | $306 |
Inspection and plan review per discipline | $632 | $316 |
Building Safety Inspection Program report review | $375 | Not the same program fee |
The first two fee examples are from the city’s July 1, 2026 HB 803 update. Landscape, zoning and engineering are not covered by the private provider and remain subject to full city rates.
Find Permits, Inspection History and Old Plans
Search LauderBuild first
Unregistered users can search public records and pay fees. Start with the exact permit number; otherwise use the address.
Open the complete record
Review status, related records, fees, inspections and available attachments. Do not rely only on the search-results row.
Use the Building Permit Tracker
The city GIS tracker provides a map-based way to locate building-permit activity.
Request older property records
The Property Records Office maintains digital and microfilm permits and plans. Submit a records request when the desired file is not available through LauderBuild.
Building Safety Inspection Program Reports
Digital submission only
The city no longer accepts paper reports for the Building Safety Inspection Program. Reports must be digitally signed and sealed and submitted through LauderBuild.
Review fee
The city lists a $375 report-review fee due at submission. Use the current program notice and report requirements for the specific building.
What Common LauderBuild Statuses Mean
Fix Common Fort Lauderdale Permit Problems
Problem | Likely cause | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Address not found | Wrong jurisdiction, address format or missing folio match | Use Address Verification and the Broward Property Appraiser before creating a duplicate. |
HB 803 exemption denied | Work is regulated, property is in flood hazard area or scope is not cosmetic | Apply for the required normal permit and upload technical documents. |
Plan Room submission returns | Missing signatures, unreadable PDFs or inconsistent plan set | Upload one coordinated, digitally signed revision package. |
Inspection cannot be scheduled | Permit not issued, account access issue, unpaid fee or missing NOC | Open the complete record and resolve holds before contacting option 1. |
Inspector cannot complete visit | Unsafe access, covered work, no plans or incorrect inspection stage | Correct the site and reschedule only when fully ready. |
Exterior project held by zoning | Survey, setback, sight triangle, seawall or use issue | Email Zoning with address/folio, survey, plans and a precise question. |
Old permit is expired | Permit or application time limit passed | Use the Expired Permit Procedures and renewal form before restarting work. |
CO delayed | ADA, fire, zoning, landscape, engineering, fee or related-permit hold | Request a discipline-by-discipline closeout list and complete the separate ADA inspection. |
What to Say When Contacting Development Services
“I am planning to [exact work] at [address and folio]. The property is a [single-family, condo, multifamily, commercial, waterfront, etc.]. Which permit records, plans, flood/zoning reviews and inspections are required?”
“Record [number] has comments from [disciplines]. I uploaded a coordinated revision and response list. Can you confirm which item or reviewer still prevents approval?”
“Permit [number] is issued and I scheduled [inspection]. The work is uncovered and accessible. Who is assigned, and may I request a time accommodation?”
“I found permit [number] at [address], but it does not appear closed. Which inspections, fees, documents or related permits remain outstanding?”
Do Not Mark the Project Complete Until These Are Done
- City jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct permit records selected
- Flood and zoning checks completed
- Survey and site plan accepted
- Initial and final fees paid
- Permit formally issued
- NOC recorded and posted
- Reviewed plans available
- Every inspection passed
- ADA inspection passed if required
- Related trade permits closed
- CO or completion record saved
Fort Lauderdale Development Services Map
Open the Correct Fort Lauderdale Resource
Fort Lauderdale Building Permit Questions
Where do I apply for a Fort Lauderdale building permit?
Use the official LauderBuild portal. Register for a free account, select the correct permit or engineering record, complete the application and upload documents through the LauderBuild Plan Room.
Can I search Fort Lauderdale permits without an account?
Yes. The city says unregistered users can search and view records and pay fees. Registration is needed for services such as applying, scheduling inspections and managing licensed-professional information.
Does every project under $7,500 now avoid a permit?
No. Beginning July 1, 2026, only certain cosmetic, nonstructural work on an eligible single-family home may qualify. Submit the HB 803 exemption request and receive written city approval before starting. Regulated trades, structural work, flood-hazard-area property and non-single-family property do not qualify.
Can a Fort Lauderdale homeowner pull an owner-builder permit?
A qualifying owner of a one- or two-family dwelling may act as owner-builder when the home is for personal use and not for sale or lease. The owner must perform or directly supervise the work and sign the city Owner/Builder Affidavit. Commercial property owners must hire a contractor for permitted work.
When is a Notice of Commencement required?
The city says a Notice of Commencement is required when the contract exceeds $5,000. Record it with Broward County and post the certified copy or permitted affidavit at the job site before the applicable inspections.
What time are Fort Lauderdale inspections performed?
The city says inspections are generally conducted between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Contact the assigned inspector between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM to request a time accommodation.
Does exterior work require a survey?
Yes. The city says exterior work requires a current signed and sealed survey plus a site plan locating the proposed work. Certain simpler exterior projects may use copies of a valid survey with a completed Zoning Affidavit.
How long does Fort Lauderdale permit review take?
Timing depends on the project and workload. The city says it generally attempts review within 30 working days. Incomplete submissions, flood, zoning, engineering, fire or revision requirements can extend the process.
How do I find old Fort Lauderdale building plans?
Search LauderBuild and the Building Permit Tracker first. When the plans are not available online, contact the Property Records Office, which maintains digital and microfilm building permits and plans.
What must pass before a Certificate of Occupancy?
All required permit disciplines, fees and closeout conditions must be complete. Fort Lauderdale also requires a separate ADA inspection before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion for structures that will be occupied by people.
Independent Guide and Official-Source Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Fort Lauderdale.
This page was rebuilt using current City of Fort Lauderdale Permitting Services, LauderBuild, HB 803, DSD forms, fee schedules, zoning, flood, engineering, inspection, property-record and contact resources.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Record types, fees, exemptions, forms, staff assignments, inspection availability and code requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details through LauderBuild or the city before filing, paying or starting 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.