Building Permits

In Broward County, a permit is required to "construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove or demolish any building, structure or part thereof," or to change the occupancy of the structure, according to the county's Building Code Services Department's website (www.broward.org/building/welcome.htm, click on "Frequently Asked Questions"). A permit may also be required to prune or remove a tree. (Call 954-519-1230.) Having a permit means the work will be checked by a qualified inspector to make sure it meets building standards set by state, county and local governing bodies. To determine if your repair/remodeling job needs a permit, contact your city's Building Department. For properties located in unincorporated Broward County, call 954-357-6666.

A permit can be granted only to a licensed contractor or to a homeowner who is doing and/or supervising the work. A reputable contractor will always apply for the permit. If the contractor asks you to, it may mean the contractor is not properly licensed to do the work, and therefore cannot legally obtain the permit. Allowing work to be done without a required permit can leave a homeowner open to fines, penalties and even an order to demolish the work. In addition, any unpermitted work must also be disclosed when the property is sold. Also, if your contract exceeds $2,500, a Notice of Commencement must be filed by you or the contractor.  This document protects you from paying twice, which you may be required to do if the contractor whom you paid fails to pay any subcontractors he/she hired for the job. This Notice of Commencement must be recorded, and a copy of the recording must be posted at the job site.

The following is from the Broward County Building Code Services Division.  For more information on permits, including permit applications and process, visit the Building Code Services Division's website at www.broward.org/building.  Please be aware that your city may have its own permitting program requiring you or your contractor to pull permits from the city where the work is to be performed.  The city will perform all inspections related to the permit.  Contact your city building department for information on the city's permitting and inspection program.  Remember, if you are hiring a licensed contractor, it is the contractor's responsibility to pull all permits and to have inspections performed by the building officials.

WHAT KINDS OF PERMITS ARE REQUIRED (Non-inclusive)

If the work is to be performed within a municipality, check with your city for specific information on the city's permitting requirements and process.

Residential Permits

Duplexes
Single Family Homes
Small Apartment Buildings
Townhouses

Commercial Permits
Manufacturing Plants
Offices
Stores
Warehouses

Accessory Permits
Air Conditioning installations or replacements
Burglar Alarms
Decks
Docks
Fences
Hot Water Heater installations or  replacements
Lawn Sprinklers
Low Voltage electric
Pools (Residential)
Propane Gas Tank Systems
Reroofs/Repairs
Residential and Commercial permanent Generators
Screen Enclosures
Sheds
Window/Door Replacements