Broward County is one of Florida’s most active construction markets — with a thriving real estate sector, constant commercial development, and a steady stream of residential renovations from Coral Springs to Hollywood. But navigating the permit process across Broward’s 31 municipalities can be genuinely confusing, even for experienced contractors. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting a building permit in Broward County in 2026.
Broward County’s 31 Municipalities — Which Building Department Do You Use?
This is the most important thing to understand before starting any permit application in Broward County: each of the 31 incorporated cities has its own building department, its own submission process, and its own fee schedule. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Miramar, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Plantation, Davie, Weston, and all other incorporated municipalities operate independently. Unincorporated Broward County areas are handled by the Broward County Building Division directly.
Submitting to the wrong department — or using the wrong application forms — is one of the most common reasons permit applications are rejected or delayed from the start. Always confirm your property’s exact municipality before submitting anything.
What Projects Require a Permit in Broward County?
In Broward County, building permits are required for virtually all construction work beyond minor cosmetic repairs. This includes new construction, additions and extensions, structural modifications, roofing work and full replacements, electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps, plumbing modifications and new installations, HVAC installations and replacements, window and door replacements (required to verify Florida Product Approval compliance), swimming pool and spa installations, fence installations above certain heights, and garage and carport conversions. If your project involves any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work — assume a permit is required and verify before starting.
Required Documents for a Broward County Building Permit
The specific documents required vary by project type and municipality, but a standard residential permit package in Broward County typically includes a completed permit application, proof of contractor licensing and insurance (or owner-builder affidavit for homeowners), a site plan showing the property boundaries and location of the work, construction drawings or plans — which must be sealed by a Florida-licensed architect or engineer for structural work — Florida Product Approval documentation for windows, doors, and roofing materials, and the contractor’s workers compensation exemption certificate or insurance certificate.
Typical Permit Timelines in Broward County
- Simple mechanical/electrical permits: 1–5 business days
- Standard residential renovation (with plans): 2–4 weeks
- Residential addition or new construction: 4–8 weeks
- Commercial permits: 4–12 weeks depending on scope
- After plan review corrections: Additional 1–2 weeks per correction cycle
How IG Permit Expeditors Speeds Up Broward County Permits
Our team is physically present at Broward County building departments every day — including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and the County Building Division. We prepare complete, code-compliant permit packages, submit to the correct department, track daily review status, and respond to corrections the same day they are issued. Call (305) 686-9924 or request a free consultation to discuss your Broward County project.