Permit Guide: What Fort Lauderdale Homeowners Need to Know Before Renovating

Do You Need a Permit? Probably Yes.

Permits aren’t just bureaucracy — they protect you. A permitted renovation is inspected for safety, insured properly, and won’t create problems when you sell your home. Here’s what requires permits in Broward County.

Projects That Require Permits

Always Need a Permit

• Any structural changes — wall removal, additions, roof modifications
• Electrical work — new circuits, panel upgrades, rewiring
• Plumbing changes — moving fixtures, new water lines, re-piping
• Window and door replacements — especially impact-rated (required for insurance credits)
• Roof replacement
• Room additions or conversions (garage to living space, etc.)
• HVAC replacement or relocation

Usually Need a Permit

• Kitchen remodels — if plumbing or electrical is moved
• Bathroom renovations — almost always involve plumbing permits
• Fence installation — over 6 feet or in certain setback areas

Typically Don’t Need a Permit

• Painting (interior and exterior)
• Flooring replacement (same-kind)
• Cabinet refacing (no structural changes)
• Hardware and fixture swaps (same location, no new wiring/plumbing)
• Landscaping (with some exceptions for hardscape)

Permit Costs in Broward County

Permit Type	Typical Cost
General building permit	$200 – $1,500
Electrical permit	$75 – $300
Plumbing permit	$75 – $400
Mechanical (HVAC) permit	$100 – $300
Re-roofing permit	$150 – $500
Room addition permit	$500 – $2,000+

Fees are based on project value and scope. Plan review fees are additional.

The Permit Process

1. Submit plans — architectural drawings showing what you’re changing
2. Plan review — the county reviews for code compliance (5-15 business days)
3. Permit issued — you receive the permit card to post at the job site
4. Inspections during construction — framing, electrical, plumbing, etc. at key stages
5. Final inspection — everything is verified before the permit is closed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the permit

This is the biggest mistake homeowners make. Unpermitted work:

• Can void your homeowner’s insurance
• Must be disclosed when selling (and can kill a deal)
• May need to be torn out and redone
• Can result in fines from the city

Hiring unlicensed contractors

In Florida, only licensed contractors can pull permits. If your contractor says “we don’t need a permit” for work that clearly requires one — that’s a red flag.

Starting work before the permit is issued

Inspectors can issue stop-work orders and fines. Always wait for the permit.

How We Handle Permits

At RenovaHaus, permits are part of our standard process:

• We prepare all drawings and documentation
• We submit and track the permit application
• We schedule and attend all inspections
• We ensure the permit is properly closed when the project is complete
• Permit costs are itemized in your estimate — no surprises

Get a free estimate and we’ll include all permit costs upfront so you know exactly what to expect.