County building permit guide
Broward County, Florida building permits — complete guide (2026)
Broward County is the second HVHZ county in Florida alongside Miami-Dade. Home to Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach, Broward has 31 municipalities each managing their own building permits. County jurisdiction covers only the small unincorporated areas. NOA-approved products required for all openings.
Avg cost: $175-$1
200
Processing: 3-8 weeks
~55K permits/yr
HVHZ Zone
$175-$1,200Avg permit cost
3-8 weeksProcessing time
55,000Permits/year
Partial (SB 1586)ADU-friendly
Ready to apply for your Broward County, Florida permit?
County serves unincorporated Broward only. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Miramar, Coral Springs, and 26 other municipalities each have their own building departments.
Apply via Broward County Building ↗
Broward County, Florida Building Department
Online Permits Available
Broward County Development & Environmental Services
(954) 765-4400
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm ET
1 N University Drive, Plantation, FL 33324
Online Permit Portal
HVHZ ZONE: Broward County requires NOA (Notice of Acceptance) approved windows, doors, and roofing - same requirement as Miami-Dade. Verify product approval at the FL Building Commission database before ordering any materials.
Permit fees — Broward County, Florida, 2026
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $700-$3,500+ | 5-10 weeks | HVHZ; structural engineering required; impact openings mandatory |
| Roofing | $175-$700 | 1-3 weeks | Most common permit; NOA required; wind mitigation inspection after |
| Windows / Doors | $125-$500 | 1-2 weeks | Impact-rated with NOA required in HVHZ; shutters as alternative |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $125-$350 | 3-7 days | Separate mechanical permit; high AC demand year-round |
| Electrical | $125-$350 | 3-7 days | Separate electrical permit; EV chargers growing rapidly |
| Plumbing | $100-$300 | 3-7 days | Separate plumbing permit; water heater always requires permit |
| Pool / Spa | $350-$1,200 | 4-8 weeks | Barrier fence required; electrical + plumbing sub-permits needed |
| Room Addition | $400-$2,000 | 4-8 weeks | Full HVHZ compliance; impact glass or shutters for all openings |
| ADU | $350-$1,000 | 3-8 weeks | SB 1586 2023 limits local bans; full code compliance required |
| Solar | $125-$450 | 1-3 weeks | Wind uplift compliance; NOA for mounting system in HVHZ |
| Fence | $75-$200 | 3-7 days | Height limits; masonry fence requires structural tie-down |
| Demolition | $175-$700 | 1-2 weeks | Asbestos survey pre-1978; utility disconnect; county notification |
How to get a permit in Broward County, Florida
1
Find your city building department
Broward has 31 incorporated municipalities. Most residents apply to their city, not the county. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Miramar all have separate departments.
2
Verify HVHZ product compliance
Like Miami-Dade, Broward requires NOA approved products for windows, doors, and roofing. Use the FL Building Commission product search to verify before purchasing.
3
Plan for separate trade permits
Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical (HVAC) require separate permit applications in most Broward jurisdictions. Coordinate with all contractors before starting.
4
Apply online
Most major cities offer online permitting. Simple permits (re-roof, AC, water heater) are often approved within 3-7 days. New construction takes 5-10 weeks for plan review.
5
Post-hurricane Substantial Improvement check
If your property sustained hurricane damage, verify the Substantial Improvement threshold before proceeding. Repairs exceeding 50% of value require full code compliance including flood elevation.
6
Wind mitigation inspection
After any roofing or window replacement project, schedule a wind mitigation inspection. In Broward's expensive insurance market, this report saves homeowners $1,000-$3,000/year on average.
Jurisdictions within Broward County, Florida
Special zone requirements
High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)
Entire county
Same HVHZ standards as Miami-Dade. NOA required for all openings. Wind speeds up to 170 mph design standard in some areas.
FEMA Flood Zones AE/VE
Coastal areas, canals, Everglades edge
Post-Irma and post-Dorian maps expanded flood zones. Elevation certificates required in most coastal areas.
Coastal Construction Control Line
Atlantic shoreline
FDEP permit required seaward of CCCL. Fort Lauderdale beach properties frequently affected.
Frequently asked questions — Broward County, Florida
Does Broward County have the same HVHZ requirements as Miami-Dade?
Yes. Broward County is the only other county besides Miami-Dade in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. All windows, doors, and roofing must carry NOA (Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance) or FL Product Approval meeting HVHZ standards. This is the same requirement as Miami-Dade.
Which cities in Broward have the fastest permit processing?
Coral Springs, Plantation, and Pembroke Pines are generally known for efficient processing - often 2-4 weeks for residential additions and same-day approvals for simple permits online. Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood can take longer for complex projects.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Broward?
Yes. HVAC replacement requires a mechanical permit and licensed AC contractor. Most cities offer online applications with 1-3 day approval for standard replacements. Ductwork replacement may require additional permits.
How does flood insurance affect construction in Broward?
Broward's extensive canal system and low elevation mean many properties are in FEMA flood zones. Properties in AE or VE zones require elevation certificates and flood insurance. First-floor finished floor must be at or above the Base Flood Elevation plus freeboard.
Broward County Development Services 2024 · US Census Bureau BPS · Florida Building Commission