Broward County Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Broward County’s Building Code Division provides building permitting and code services for the Broward Municipal Services District, which is the county’s unincorporated area, and for certain cities or facilities that contract with the county. Broward’s official pages warn that many municipalities issue their own permits, so an address inside a city should be confirmed with that city’s building department before a county application is submitted.

Broward County permit process

In the county-served areas, permits are required for new construction and many alterations, repairs, additions, demolitions, pools, roofs, windows, doors, sheds, fences, mechanical systems, and other work. Broward says the permit type depends on the scope of work, and applications that require Development and Environmental Review are submitted electronically through ePermits OneStop. Major projects may need a development order or related planning approval before Building Code Services accepts the building permit application.

Inspections and permit closeout

After issuance, the permit moves through plan review, inspections, and final approval. Broward says some projects require separate structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or other inspections, and a final inspection is required to confirm the work was completed properly. Applicants can schedule inspections online and receive permit or inspection status updates through the county’s tracking tools; permit status assistance is available at (954) 765-4400, option 1.

The Broward zoning authority described on the official site applies to the unincorporated BMSD. Within that district, zoning permits and inspections may be required for new construction, additions, sheds, fences, driveways, signs, and other construction activity. A new tenant or change of occupancy in a commercial, retail, office, or industrial property in the BMSD must obtain the required certificate showing compliance with the Florida Building Code, Broward zoning requirements, and Fire Marshal requirements. Certificates of Occupancy are issued after final inspections, agency holds, and applicable fees are cleared.

Official contact information

Broward County Building Code Division lists its office at 2307 West Broward Boulevard, Suite 300, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312, with (954) 765-4400 as the main contact. Use ePermits OneStop and the county’s permit-process page for current applications and status instructions. If the property is in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, or another municipality rather than the BMSD, verify the responsible city building office first because county coverage is not countywide by default.