The Resilient Environment Department's mission is to safeguard lives, natural resources and property of residents and visitors by providing for natural resource planning, management and protection, planning for appropriate land use/housing patterns and establishing an incident command system and emergency operations plans, enforcing environmental, development and construction regulations and providing for consumer protection.
Our business plan addresses the issues and challenges of our current environment, including: changes in demographics and the economy, the potential for natural disasters, increasing use of the internet for retail purchases of goods and services, concerns about land availability, lack of affordable housing and an increase in housing prices, continued violation of environmental laws, and limited financial resources.
Reporting Divisions
The Resilient Environment Department manages (7) seven divisions which include many programs, projects, boards and committees. The divisions interface regularly with other local, state and/or federal jurisdictions to ensure timely implementation of the County's strategic plan for public protection, construction of public infrastructure, natural habitat enhancement and protection, effective legislation and support of the Board of County Commission vision and goals.
Our aim is to build stronger communities and infrastructure; bolster our economy, natural resources, and essential services; and use sound science to inform and help drive our shared action on climate. Our strategies include modeling vulnerabilities and analyzing risks, thoughtful planning, informing sound public policies, convening support through stakeholder involvement, and implementing projects and economic investments.
The Building Code Division regulates construction in unincorporated Broward County and also cities we contract with conform to the Florida Building Code and all other laws, ordinances, resolutions and regulations regarding construction, code enforcement, unsafe structure/minimum housing regulations, and elevator safety. Mandates in Chapter 399 of the Florida State Statutes regarding elevator safety are monitored and strictly enforced. Regulation of all trades and occupations associated with the installation, repair, alteration, design or modification of electrical, plumbing, liquefied petroleum gas, mechanical systems, building construction industry; and engineered construction, as mandated by the Florida Statutes and Chapter 9 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances.
The Consumer Protection Division are the advocates for the public. They provide information on Child Care Licensing, Consumer Affairs and Enforcement Administration, including disability assistance, auto repair, movers, taxicabs, illegal towing and vehicles for hire. Learn about the Consumer Bill of Rights and how to file a consumer complaint. They regulate Childcare Facility Licensing & Enforcement, enforce Consumer Protection and Environmental Regulations and work with the Consumer Protection Board. Have a complaint?
The Environmental Permitting Division protects public health, safety, and welfare by administering and enforcing rules, policies and ordinances affecting air, water, aquatic, wetland, wellfields, storage tanks, hazardous materials and tree resources of Broward County, including restoration of the environment.
The Natural Resources Division coordinates strategies focused on urban and natural systems and protects, restores, and enhances the County's natural resources through activities targeting water conservation and planning, urban and natural lands management, air quality planning and protection, beach and marine resources, energy and sustainability, and environmental monitoring.
The division works closely with the NatureScape project, Sea Turtles, Manatees, Mooring Buoy Program and the King Tide monitoring. Sponsored outreach events include Water Matters Day.
The Housing Finance Division is responsible for administering the housing programs of both the Housing Finance Authority of Broward County, Florida, and the Broward County Commission. Developer programs provide qualified developers with direct financial assistance for the acquisition and purchase of vacant land or structures designated to be developed into affordable housing for the Broward County residents. Home Buyer programs are to assist first time home buyers and assist in second mortgages.
The Urban Planning Division provides countywide planning, development management and GIS services. The division also provides information on BrowardNEXT, Census 2020, Transportation Planning and Historic Preservation. It also provide zoning and code enforcement services for businesses and residents in the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD).
The Department is charged with leading planning efforts and steering projects to urgently mitigate climate change and its impacts, including measures to advance clean energy solutions, address the local impacts of sea level rise, reduce emissions, and protect against economic inequities. By implementing these actions, Broward County offers a greener, more sustainable, and climate-resilient community.
Our strategies include modeling vulnerabilities and analyzing risks, thoughtful planning, informing sound public policies, convening support through stakeholder involvement, and implementing projects and economic investments.
